[Coral-List] GBRMPA Current Conditions Report (4)
Gillian Goby
G.Goby at gbrmpa.gov.au
Tue Feb 28 00:38:07 EST 2006
Dear Coral- Listers,
apologies for cross-postings. Please find below the latest Current
Conditions report for bleaching on the GBR.
*Current Conditions Report*
/This report is compiled by the Climate Change Response Programme of the
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. 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. This is the Fourth
Current Conditions Report for the summer of 2005/06/.
*Updated 23 February 2006 *
*Summary *
Based on current weather conditions and climate predictions for the
summer of 2005/06, *the* *threat of widespread coral bleaching for the
Great Barrier Reef (GBR) region continues to be rated as moderate*.
Severe coral bleaching has been confirmed for several reefs in the
southern region during recent GBRMPA surveys. In addition, BleachWatch
participants have recorded minor levels of bleaching in parts of the
central GBR and more recently the northern GBR. Temperature patterns are
consistent with these reports. Although sea temperatures in the southern
GBR have slightly decreased, they continue to exceed the February
average by 0.5 - 1.5 degrees C and long-term summer maxima by 0.5
degrees C respectively. Central GBR waters have remained warm in recent
weeks, and sea surface temperatures are still currently exceeding the
February long-term average by 0.5 to 1.5 degrees C. Temperatures in
northern parts of the GBR have increased and are elevated 0.5 to
2.0 degrees C above the February long-term average.
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 bleaching risk still existent for this summer we are still
relying on BleachWatch participants and others to help us detect and
report any bleaching that might occur on the GBR .
For more information on climate change, BleachWatch 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
--
Gillian Goby
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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