[Coral-List] Coral Bleaching in American Samoa

Jim Hendee Jim.Hendee at noaa.gov
Fri Apr 17 09:11:20 EDT 2009


Greetings,

    We have a report from Doug Fenner in American Samoa of a possibly
isolated incidence of bleaching "way above background" levels on the
slope at Aunu'u.  Almost all of /Montastrea curta/ were bleached
(apparently the usual first species to bleach); other species have
bleached also, but to a lesser extent.

    Our ecological forecasts ("ecoforecasts") for bleaching at this
site, taking into account "virtual station" data from integrated
satellite data products (satellite wind and SST; [buoy data are
currently offline]), indicate high sea temperatures over 30 (up to 31.6)
and low winds during March 14-16.  (Note that these temperatures have
not been ground-truthed/validated in the field.)  Bleaching was noted to
occur on the tops, more than the sides, thus indicating a possible role
of light in the bleaching response.  Data and ecoforecasts for this site
can be seen here (note tab-links near top of page):

    http://ecoforecast.coral.noaa.gov/index/0/SAST1/station-home

....and of course for other sites (see list by clicking on the "sites"
link near the top).

    If you have any qualitative bleaching observations in American Samoa
(or anywhere, for that matter!), please advise so that we can fine-tune
our ecoforecasting capabilities in the region.

    Thanks!

    Cheers,
    Jim




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