Boosting Coral Health: Caribbean Strategies for Climate Resilience

Coral reefs play a vital role in Caribbean climate adaptation by mitigating storm surge impacts, reducing wave energy by an average of 97%, and enhancing community resilience against severe climate events. However, unprecedented sea temperatures in 2023-2024 have led to devastating coral bleaching, particularly affecting Acropora spp., with mortality rates nearing 100% in some areas. This situation underscores the urgent need for identifying and propagating thermally resilient coral genotypes for restoration efforts.

Thermal stress has also heightened coral susceptibility to diseases like White Plague and Stoney Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD), demanding increased vigilance from researchers, managers, and restoration practitioners. Tracking disease progression and identifying resilient coral genotypes are crucial for maintaining reef diversity and informing germplasm movement strategies.

Building robust networks involving researchers, managers, industry, and local communities is essential for effective coral reef management. Integrating traditional knowledge with scientific research, as part of Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA), can enhance the long-term sustainability of coral conservation and community livelihoods. The Caribbean Coral Health Forum (CCHF), led by the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF), serves as a key platform for exchanging knowledge on coral health, mass bleaching events, and collaborative efforts, including joint events at COP16 and COP29.

Lead Organisation: Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF)
Co-organisation: Perry Institute of Marine Science (PIMS)

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