[Coral-List] GBR coral bleaching current conditions report No.1
Gillian Goby
G.Goby at gbrmpa.gov.au
Mon Dec 19 23:03:08 EST 2005
Dear Coral-list,
/The Climate Change Response Programme provides regular reports on
conditions on the Great Barrier Reef throughout summer and publishes
early warnings of increases in levels of stress or widespread bleaching
of corals. The first Current Conditions Report for the summer of 2005/06
is available on the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA)
website.
/*Summary report*
On the basis of current conditions and climate predictions for the
summer of 2005/06, *the threat of widespread coral bleaching for the
Great Barrier Reef (GBR) region is currently rated as moderate*.
Regional sea temperatures currently exceed (1 - 1.5 degrees C) long-term
December averages, and temperatures at monitoring sites are above those
expected for this time of year. Additionally, regional sea temperatures
are either at or have slightly (0.5 degrees C) exceeded expected summer
maxima. There have been a few minor reports of coral bleaching.
For the full current conditions report please visit the GBRMPA website
on the link below:
http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/corp_site/info_services/science/climate_change/conditions_report.html
The GBRMPA Coral Bleaching Response Plan has been implemented, and with
a moderate risk this early in the summer we are relying on reports from
BleachWatch participants and others to help us detect the early onset
and extent of any bleaching that might occur.
For more information on climate change or coral bleaching please visit
the GBRMPA website at:
http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/corp_site/info_services/science/climate_change/index.html
Regards,
Gillian Goby
--
Gillian Goby
A/ Project Manager
Climate Change Response Program
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
PO Box 1379
Townsville, Qld 4810
Ph: 07 4750 0762
Fax: 07 4772 6093
Email: g.goby at gbrmpa.gov.au
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