Yellow-band disease ravages Thailand's corals - in pictures

  • An outbreak of yellow-band disease on coral off the coast of Samae San island, Thailand. All photos: AFP
    An outbreak of yellow-band disease on coral off the coast of Samae San island, Thailand. All photos: AFP
  • A marine biologist from Thailand's Department of Marine and Coastal Resources surveying an outbreak of yellow-band disease
    A marine biologist from Thailand's Department of Marine and Coastal Resources surveying an outbreak of yellow-band disease
  • The disease was spotted for the first time off Thailand's east coast last year and has spread over almost 240 hectares
    The disease was spotted for the first time off Thailand's east coast last year and has spread over almost 240 hectares
  • Lalita Putchim, a specialist in coral biology, says she has 'not seen anything like this before'
    Lalita Putchim, a specialist in coral biology, says she has 'not seen anything like this before'
  • Marine biologists and volunteers from Thailand's Department of Marine and Coastal Resources survey an outbreak of yellow-band disease
    Marine biologists and volunteers from Thailand's Department of Marine and Coastal Resources survey an outbreak of yellow-band disease
  • A pufferfish off the coast of Samae San island in Sattahip district in the coastal Thai province of Chonburi
    A pufferfish off the coast of Samae San island in Sattahip district in the coastal Thai province of Chonburi
  • The highly infectious disease is killing the Thailand's corals and threatening the local tourist economy
    The highly infectious disease is killing the Thailand's corals and threatening the local tourist economy
  • Thai scientists hope their investigation into this outbreak will help find a way to stop or cure yellow-band disease
    Thai scientists hope their investigation into this outbreak will help find a way to stop or cure yellow-band disease
  • Thai marine researchers prepare a dive to inspect corals in Chonburi district
    Thai marine researchers prepare a dive to inspect corals in Chonburi district
  • Local boat owners rely on income from tourists who come to see the area's natural beauty – especially the coral reefs
    Local boat owners rely on income from tourists who come to see the area's natural beauty – especially the coral reefs