Date: Sat, 31 Oct 1998 22:14:42 +0600 (GMT+0600) From: Prasanna Weerakkody Subject: Bleaching, etc. SRI LANKA We are presently trying to come to terms with the aftermath of the 98 bleaching catastrophe here in Sri Lanka. We have already lost considerable amount of coral cover in most of our reefs. The Nature Conservation Group; a volunteer Environmental NGO' has been involved in an ongoing reef program in the Buona-vista reef where we are observing the same trend in massive structural change to the reef with considerable loss of living coral cover. While still assessing the situation we are focusing on possibilities of restoration of coral communities. While most of the large Porites domes survived; the partially pigmented colonies seem to be fast succumbing to an epidemic of a coral disease which was identified as the "pink line disease" (pers. com. Dr. Thomas Goreau ). The coral tissue is softened and killed by a thin (1-2mm.thick) pink line advancing as a spreading ring. We are looking for ways in containing this infection. I would be most grateful if anyone could enlighten me as to any information or experience with controlling such infections. Can it be controlled by over painting the infected line with some compound that would stop it advancing, and if possible facilitate re-colonization by the coral tissue. Man power is not a problem but we seek advice on what would be the best method to employ in saving the corals. The Porites boulders bleached and survived un-pigmented for over five months. And is possibly very much weakened. Something need to be done urgently as the spread of the disease is quite fast. Hope you could assist us Thanks. Prasanna Weerakkody Nature Conservation Group No.9, Balapokuna place, Colombo 6. Sri Lanka E-mail: firefish@sltnet.lk