[Coral-List] CO2 and bleaching.

[John Ware]

Dear List,

About 2 weeks ago Martin Pecheux posted a paper which claimed to
demonstrate that increased levels of CO2 could cause bleaching in corals
(although I believe he used an anemone).  There has been an amazing
silence on this issue which is, I admit, a completely new thought to me.

Because I do not understand the mechanisms involved, I am left with a
feeling of uncertainty.  However, I note that Chris Langdon summarized
CO2 effects on coral carbonate production in the Proceedings of IX
ICRS.  Did none of the experimenters note bleaching of the corals under
study??  At least one or two of the studies that Chris reviewed used, if
I remember correctly, very high levels of pCO2 which, if Martin is
correct, would be roughly equivalent to boiling water.

I wonder if Joanie Kleypas or Chris would care to comment on the
conclusions of Martin's paper?  Is CO2 increase itself equivalent to
temperature increase with regard to bleaching?  If so, why has this not
been noted previously?

Curious in Maryland
John Ware

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