The problem:
In Florida and the Caribbean, corals are under attack by a devastating disease known as stony coral tissue loss disease, or SCTLD. This disease is highly destructive and can wipe out entire colonies of corals in a matter of weeks from the first appearance of disease signs. Many different coral species are susceptible to SCTLD, including important reef-building species and some that are federally listed as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act.
Scientists don’t currently know what causes SCTLD, but the disease can be spread through water and sediment and a microbial agent (e.g., bacteria or viruses) is suspected. Ballast water may facilitate the spread of SCTLD into regions that are currently unaffected by the disease, such as the Pacific. This infographic has more information about the potential for vessel-mediated spread of SCTLD.
What you can do:
To prevent SCTLD from moving into currently unaffected regions, the Coast Guard encourages vessel owners and operators to familiarize themselves with existing ballast water requirements [USCG: 33 CFR Part 151 and 46 CFR Part 162.060; EPA: 2013 Vessel General Permit (VGP), as codified by the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act)] and ballast water management recommendations in MSIB 07-19.
Vessel owners and operators are also encouraged to familiarize themselves with biofouling management and cleaning regulations and recommended practices (e.g., 33 CFR Part 151.2050; EPA 2013 VGP Sec. 2.2.23).
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