Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease Threatens Caribbean ReefsCEFR A2
13 May 2025
Adapted from Janine Mendes-Franco, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Renaldo Matamoro, Unsplash
AI-assisted adaptation of the original article, simplified for language learners.
Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) is a big problem for coral reefs in the Caribbean. It started in Florida in 2014 and has spread to many areas, including Tobago. The disease is easy to catch and can move through water and contact with sick corals.
Corals with SCTLD show signs of dead tissue, and the disease can kill them within weeks. Scientists are treating some corals with antibiotics. They are also moving some corals to protect them.
In Tobago, the coral reefs are very valuable for tourism, so it's important to watch for this disease.
Difficult words
- disease — A health problem that affects living things.
- coral — A small sea animal that makes reefs.corals
- tissue — Cells that work together in living things.
- treatment — A way to help someone or something heal.treating
- valuable — Having great worth or importance.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What can communities do to protect coral reefs?
- Why do you think coral reefs are important for tourism?
- How do you feel about using antibiotics for treating corals?
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