End of summer coral bleaching.

[Shaker Alhazeem]

Dear Coral-Listers,

Kuwait is experiencing a major coral bleaching event now. Bleaching is
occurring in excess of about 80% in some areas.  The phenomenon is
recent having started within the last week. This is the end of the hot
season so temperature had fluctuated last week, so temperature shock
most likely was the effect on corals. The water temperature was around
32°C on the time of observing coral bleaching.
About three weeks ago I have visited Kubbar island coral reef in Kuwait
in August 12th 2000. I have found there was about 10% bleached coral
colonies and water temperature was 35°C.  But this visit last weekend
the coral was bleached about 80% and water temperature around 32°C in
September 14th 2000. But Quro coral reef had showed about 40% coral
bleaching only, that could be for the reason it is less stressed coral
around in Quro, as it is farther away from the coast so less human
impact. Last week we had sudden drop in the temperature and it came back
up after that week, which could be the real cause of the coral bleaching
is temperature shock.

With Best Wishes,

Shaker Alhazeem

Research Associate
Mariculture and Fisheries Dept.
Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research
P.O. Box : 1638
22017 Salmiya - Kuwait
Fax : (965) 5711293
Email: shazeem at safat.kisr.edu.kw