In response to the dramatic increase of coral diseases observed over recent years, the U.S. Coral Reef task force (2002) recommended the creation of the CDHC from a cross-section of internationally recognised experts in coral diseases, biomedical and veterinary sciences, pathology, chemistry, biology, biotechnology, and marine management. It organises and coordinates the scientific resources of the U.S. and its territories to meet the challenge of globally declining coral reefs.