[Coral-List] Bleaching has Begun in Boynton Beach, FL

[Etichscuba at aol.com]

Bleaching has Begun in Boynton Beach, FL
 
Dives conducted on Oct. 1, 2005, in Boynton Beach, FL confirm the presence of 
bleaching Meandrina meandrites colonies.  This is the sixth year in a row 
bleaching of this species has been documented to begin within days following the 
Autumnal Equinox.  On Oct. 1, 2005 approximately 3% of the M. meandrites 
colonies were observed to be completely bleached. This observation is consistent 
with prior years (2000 through 2004). If this episode follows the earlier 
pattern the peak of bleaching will occur the last week of October with all colonies 
repigmented by the end of November.
 
Ed Tichenor, Director
Palm Beach County Reef Rescue
www.reef-rescue.org