The new coral disease was discovered in 2014 in Florida, and spread to St. Thomas. This discovery was found by the University of the Virgin Islands researchers. A team of marine protected area managers and scientists meet weekly to discuss the disease in the Caribbean and they developed localized treatments. The fastest treatment is putting an antibiotic paste directly on the corals. Formal gear de-contamination guidelines are being developed.

http://www.alertdiver.com/stony-coral-tissue-loss-disease