Florida Keys Coral Disease Strike Team: FY 2021/2022 Final Report

Since 2014, a multi-year, multi-species disease outbreak has progressed geographically along the Florida Reef from an origin near Virginia Key. A response priority has been active treatments of diseased corals to allow for the survival of priority sites and colonies. As such, a coral disease response strike team was established by Nova Southeastern University to treat and monitor diseased corals in the Florida Keys. The strike team was contracted for 75 field days (200 diver days) of in-water work, with an additional 10 field days to assist with Smithsonian-led probiotics work. This report outlines the activities undertaken and results of work conducted July 1, 2021 to May 28, 2022.