Black Band Disease is caused by dark microbial mats moving across the coral surface. Credit: M. Sweet/University of Derby Scientists led by the University of Southampton have revealed that an imbalance of nutrients in seawater can cause coral disease—possibly to a greater extent than that from heat stress of warming oceans. New research conducted at Southampton's Coral Reef Laboratory, and with colleagues at the University of Derby, shows disruption of the delicate nutrient balance of the sea can destabilize microbial communities that live in harmony with corals, triggering disease. Devastating outbreaks include the common and highly destructive Black Band Disease (BBD), which moves across the coral surface, killing coral tissue and leaving behind just bare skeleton. Black Band Disease under the fluorescence microscope.…