[Coral-List] Bleaching Prediction - Boynton Bch., FL

[Etichscuba at aol.com]

Bleaching Prediction - Boynton Bch., FL

Meandrina meandrites colonies located on Gulf Stream Reef (26 31 00 N, 80 02 
00 W) Boynton Beach, Florida have been observed to bleach and recover on a 
predictable annual cycle. A five year investigation performed from 2000 to 2004 
has documented this occurrence. The annual onset of bleaching within days 
following the autumnal equinox suggest this phenomenon may be triggered by day 
length. 

Dives conducted in the investigation area on Sept. 24, 2005 found no evidence 
of bleaching Meandrina colonies (or other corals). The earliest Meandrina 
bleaching reported in this area is Oct. 2.

The next investigation dive is scheduled for Oct. 1, 2005.  I will report 
back to let you know if bleaching is detected.

If you would like to learn more about this phenomenon visit the website I 
have setup @:
http://hometown.aol.com/etichscuba/
or feel free to contact me.

Ed Tichenor, Director
Palm Beach County Reef Rescue
PO Box 207
Boynton Beach, FL 33425
www.reef-rescue.org
fax: (561) 364-5951
phone: (561) 699-8559