[Coral-List] GBR Coral Bleaching Conditions update

[Paul Marshall]

The following update is prepared by the GBRMPA Coral Bleaching Response 
Program. The full report can be found on the GBRMPA website:
http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/corp_site/info_services/science/bleaching/index.html

On the basis of current conditions and climate predictions for the 
summer of 2004/05, the threat of widespread coral bleaching for the 
Great Barrier Reef (GBR) region currently remains low. Sea temperatures 
have increased slightly over the last two weeks, exceeding averages at 
some locations. There have been reports of minor bleaching in shallow 
areas at some reef sites, however these are consistent with the paling 
often seen in shallow-water corals at the peak of summer, and are not 
cause for concern at this stage.

Regards
GBRMPA Climate Change Response Team




Research & Monitoring Co-ordination Unit
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
PO Box 1379
Townsville QLD 4810
Australia

email: p.marshall at gbrmpa.gov.au
phone: 07 4750 0771
fax:   07 4772 6093
mobile:0428 889 812