Lower Sea Temperature may Prevent Coral Bleaching
FRIDAY, 25 JANUARY 2008
The forecast that the sea temperature for the summer would be lower than the average could provide temporary relief for corals on the Great Barrier Reef.
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) Climate Change Group Director Dr Paul Marshall said that based on the current information, it was unlikely that the Great Barrier Reef would suffer from coral bleaching like what was experienced in 1998 and 2002, which were recorded the two hottest summers.
The increasing temperature has affected corals, which may lead to widespread coral bleaching. The GBRMPA will continue to monitor sea surface temperatures and weather.
Coral bleaching is also monitored by observers who participate in the GBRMPA’s community-based ‘BleachWatch’ program.
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