Coral Disease continues spreading across St. Thomas Reefs
Caribbean Ocean Observing System (CARICOOS)
Published: 10 March 2020
Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) has rapidly spread around St. Thomas since Jan 2019, killing nearly 50% of coral at Flat Cay. UVI and partners launched citizen science efforts and response teams to monitor and combat the outbreak.
Keywords: SCTLD, coral disease, St. Thomas, UVI, reef monitoring, citizen science, NOAA
Outlook of 2020 Sargassum blooms in the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico* – March 2020
Caribbean Ocean Observing System (CARICOOS)
Published: 1 April 2020
In March 2020, Sargassum levels surged to ~4.3 million tons, especially in the Central Atlantic and eastern Caribbean. Moderate to strong beaching is expected through summer, with bloom intensity possibly matching that of 2015.
Keywords: Sargassum, 2020 bloom, Caribbean Sea, Atlantic Ocean, beaching events, SaWS, algae monitoring
CARICOOS expand the kiosk network for the benefit of its current and future users.
Caribbean Ocean Observing System (CARICOOS)
Published: 6 April 2020
CARICOOS has installed kiosks with tablets and TV screens at key coastal locations in Puerto Rico to promote awareness and use of its ocean data tools for safer recreation, tourism, and education.
Keywords: CARICOOS, kiosks, ocean data, Puerto Rico, maritime safety, public outreach, coastal education
