Bleached Montastraea faveolata in colonies in Turrumote reef, south west coast of Puerto Rico during the bleaching event of 2005. Reefs took on the appearance of snow covered peaks for several months during which white plague and yellow band epizootics compounded bleaching-related tissue mortality, resulting in significant losses of live coral cover.

Photo: Ernesto Weil

Over the last several decades, diseases have become increasingly important in the decline of coral reefs. Yet the study of coral diseases is still nascent. Most disease conditions are not well characterized, the causative microbial agents are known for only a few, and we are only beginning to comprehend the role of environmental factors in disease emergence and impact. In this second special issue of DAO on coral diseases, we present an update on coral disease research, including new advances in the microbiology of causative agents and the role of climate as a driver of disease. We also consider management needs in light of a rapidly changing environment of coral diseases.