Keeping an eye on the Keppels (Coral bleaching)

The bleaching observed by marine researchers and tourist operators on reefs in the Capricorn region confirmed the AIMS/GBRMPA weather station data that show sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in this area are well above critical levels for normal coral function. SSTs in the Keppels have been hovering 2 degrees C above the average since early December, and this sustained warm period caused temperature-sensitive corals to reach bleaching thresholds as early as Christmas.

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Keywords: CORAL BLEACHING, GREAT BARRIER REEF, SEE SURFACE TEMPERATURE, CLIMATE CHANGE

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Related Topics: Biology, Australia, The Great Barrier Reef, Climate Change, Climate Change, Reefs at Risk, Coral Reefs, Coral Reefs, Mapping and Monitoring

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