Viruses causing coral bleaching events?

[Rybren]

A new study suggests that this may be the case...

http://www.themarshalltown.com/2016/02/14/viral-infection-linked-to-coral-reef-deaths-research-finds-herpes-like-virus-may-cause-coral-bleaching/

http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fmicb.2016.00127/abstract

 

[elegance coral]

I think we need to be cautious about suggesting that "X" is the reason for coral bleaching. There are many issues that can lead to coral bleaching around the globe. High water temps, pollution, bacteria, viruses.............

 

[Rybren]

I would agree that there are likely many 'causes', I just found interesting to see viruses thrown into the mix.

 

[ClearwaterUK]

A weakend coral will be more susceptible to infection viral or bacterial