Yellow-band disease ravages Thailand's coral reefs

Marine biologist and specialist in coral biology Lalita Putchim taking a photo of an outbreak of yellow-band disease on coral formations. - AFP

BAN KO SAMAESAN, Thailand (AFP): Underneath the calm turquoise waters off eastern Thailand, a rapidly spreading disease is killing corals over vast stretches of the sea floor, and scientists fear it may be getting worse because of climate change.

Yellow-band disease -- named for the colour it turns corals before destroying them -- was first spotted decades ago and has caused widespread damage to reefs in the Caribbean. There is no known cure.