Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease in the Caribbean
Dr. Valeria Pizarro, Senior Scientist
Perry Institute for Marine Science
Dr. Pizarro introduces stony coral tissue loss disease, how it is affecting Caribbean coral reefs and what researchers and managers are doing throughout the region to save coral reefs.
Recorded Webinar:
R/V ANGARI Expeditions:
Select Supplemental Content:
[READING] ANGARI Foundation – Meet Valeria Pizarro
[VIDEO] ANGARI Foundation & PIMS – Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease in The Bahamas
[RESOURCE LIBRARY] Perry Institute for Marine Science – Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease
[RESOURCE LIBRARY] Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment – Coral Disease Outbreak
[RESOURCE LIBRARY & INFOGRAPHICS] MPAConnect – Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease
[YOUTH PUBLICATION] Gomez M, Haines L, and Pizarro V. (2023) An Underwater Pandemic Is Wiping Out Caribbean Corals. Frontiers for Young Minds, 11, 998333.
[PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATION] Dahlgren C, Pizarro V, et al. (2021). Spatial and temporal patterns of stony coral tissue loss disease outbreaks in the Bahamas. Frontiers in Marine Science, 8, 682114.
[PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATION] Brandt ME, Ennis RS, et al. (2021). The emergence and initial impact of stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) in the United States Virgin Islands. Frontiers in Marine Science, 8, 715329.
[PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATION] Rosales SM, Huebner LK, Evans JS, et al. (2023). A meta-analysis of the stony coral tissue loss disease microbiome finds key bacteria in unaffected and lesion tissue in diseased colonies. ISME COMMUN. 3, 19.
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PRESENTER BIO
Dr. Valeria Pizarro began studying corals and their population dynamics as part of her M.S. at the National University of Colombia in 1999. She continued to study coral reefs while designing and implementing the Seaflower Marine Protected Area System. She then went on to doctoral studies on Caribbean coral connectivity at Newcastle University in the United Kingdom. After earning her Ph.D., Valeria became a professor at Jorge Tadeo University in Colombia, where she continued to study reefs for eight years. Coral restoration became part of her work in 2007 and she has since worked on Caribbean and Colombian Pacific reefs. In 2020, Valeria joined the Perry Institute for Marine Science in The Bahamas as the manager of their coral program where most of her current effort is focused on Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease. Valeria also has extensive experience in coastal marine ecosystems like mangroves and seagrasses, and is interested in marine policy, community engagement and biodiversity offsets.
Ocean Expert Exchange is a live educational webinar series featuring experts in marine science and technology, many of whom have participated in expeditions onboard R/V ANGARI. The 30-minute live events welcome audiences of all ages and include a presentation on the speaker’s area of expertise followed by Q&A with participants. The series is co-hosted by ANGARI Foundation and the University of Florida Thompson Earth Systems Institute’s Scientist in Every Florida School program.