29K views · 460 reactions | With a mortality rate of approximately 50%, stony coral tissue loss disease is decimating the Florida Reef—the only barrier coral reef in the continental United States. While scientists across the country are racing to identify the cause of this mysterious illness, our aquarists have been asked to think ahead: They're caring for dozens of rescued coral colonies, with a long-term goal of repopulating the reef. | National Aquarium | Facebook