November 2024 Scuba Diving Industry™ Magazine.pdf

ECO PRO Soft Corals – A New Caribbean Invasion – by Alex Brylske, Ph.D., President, Ocean Education International, LLC

While Lionfish dominate the discus- sion of invasive species in the tropical Western Atlantic, the region is also under a new threat from two invasive soft corals from the Indo-Pacific. The culprits are called “pulse corals,” specif-

ing,” said Shelly Krueger, Monroe County Florida Sea Grant Extension agent. “Underwater invasions are especially diffi- cult to eradicate once a species takes hold, as we have seen with invasive lionfish native to the same regions.” Similarly, while not yet observed in the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao), that region remains at high risk due to the proximity to Venezuela and favorable conditions for coral growth. Many suspected causes of the pulse coral out- breaks include releases by marine aquarists, illegal aquaculture activities, attachment of coral fragments to boats and fishing gear, and incidental transport through ship ballast water.

ically Unomia stolonifera and Xenia membranacea. Long valued among aquarists, pulse corals reproduce rapidly — both asex- ually and by fragmentation — and can overgrow coral reefs and seagrass meadows, with potentially devastating impacts. Like lionfish, this makes their control challenging. The inva-

sion, first detected over a decade ago, flew largely under the radar of the diving community because, until recently, it has only affected reefs off Venezuela. However, the awareness has risen because there have been re- ports of pulse corals in Cuba and Puerto Rico over the last several months. Importantly, with Cuba's proximity to Florida, Sunshine State of-

The invasion of pulse corals and other harmful organisms highlights the vulnerability of marine ecosys- tems to human-mediated species in- troductions. Protecting Western Atlantic coral reefs will require co- ordinated efforts involving research, community participation, and stricter regulations on ballast water discharge and the aquarium trade. The div-

Pulse Coral Unomia stolonifera and Xenia membranacea

ficials are now asking local divers to keep a sharp eye out and report any sightings; and authorities are now asking for help from the diving community. “We’d like scuba divers and snorkelers to keep a lookout for potential invasive pulse corals while out enjoying Florida’s Coral Reef and report any sight-

ing community must become involved. You can find more information about the pulse coral invasion and how you can report sightings by scanning/clicking the QR code.

Alex’s links

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