Project Profile: Restore coral in U.S. Virgin Islands parks

A diver smears amoxicillin on infected coral to treat the deadly Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease

NPS Photo

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Federal Lands Contracts | FY23 $362,000

The National Park Service will provide amoxicillin treatment of corals infected with Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease for 25 species of coral at four Caribbean parks – Buck Island Reef National Monument, Salt River Bay National Historical Park & Ecological Preserve, Virgin Islands National Park, Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument. Implementation of this project will allow for the preservation of selected reefs and prevention of extirpation of multiple species at these parks.

Why? Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease quickly destroys coral tissue and leads to high rates of mortality. It was first discovered in the Caribbean in 2019 and has led to severe coral loss at all parks. Treatment can effectively save as much as 85% of infected corals.

What Else? Success will be defined as the preservation of the most ecologically valuable reefs, targeted for restoration from hurricane impacts and valuable to visitor experience.

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – Ecosystem Restoration

This project was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – Ecosystem Restoration, signed on November 15, 2021. It is a historic investment in the restoration and protection of the environment.