Chlorine Treatment Offers Safer Alternative to Antibiotics for Protecting Caribbean Coral Reefs
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📰 The quick summary: Scientists have discovered that chlorine mixed with cocoa butter can effectively treat coral tissue loss disease without the long-term environmental harm of antibiotics, offering a more sustainable solution for protecting marine ecosystems.
📈 One key stat: The chlorine treatment resulted in a 17.6% tissue loss rate compared to just 1.7% with antibiotics, still making it a viable alternative that eliminates risks of antimicrobial resistance.
💬 One key quote: “Crabs, fish and even humans within the same environment face a high risk of contracting bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics,” Aeby said.
1️⃣ The big picture: Researchers have developed a promising new treatment for stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD), which has devastated Caribbean reefs. Instead of antibiotics, which can lead to antimicrobial resistance, they’re using chlorine mixed with cocoa butter applied directly to affected corals. While less effective than antibiotics, this alternative treatment significantly reduces coral tissue loss while posing fewer environmental risks. The disease spreads rapidly and can cause up to 100% mortality in some reef-building corals, making effective treatments crucial for coral conservation efforts.
2️⃣ Why is this good news: This chlorine-based solution offers a more environmentally friendly way to combat coral disease without contributing to antimicrobial resistance, which kills over 1.27 million people annually. The treatment disintegrates easily with chlorine naturally deactivating within a day, unlike antibiotics that persist in marine environments. Its ingredients are readily available and affordable, making it accessible to conservation groups with limited resources. The research aligns with the One Health approach, recognizing the interconnections between human, animal, and ecosystem health to create a more sustainable future.
3️⃣ What’s next: Scientists acknowledge this treatment manages but doesn’t eliminate the disease from coral populations. For long-term solutions, researchers recommend focusing on improving water quality and ecosystem balance. International partnerships could accelerate innovation in coral disease prevention, especially in regions with limited conservation resources.
Read the full story here: Mongabay – Scientists trial chlorine as gentler alternative to antibiotics to fight coral disease
