[Coral-List] GBRMPA Current Conditions Report (4)

[Gillian Goby]

Dear Coral- Listers,

apologies for cross-postings. Please find below the latest Current 
Conditions report for bleaching on the GBR.

*Current Conditions Report*
/This report is compiled by the Climate Change Response Programme of the 
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. The Climate Change Response 
Programme provides regular reports on conditions on the Great Barrier 
Reef throughout summer and publishes early warnings of increases in 
levels of stress or widespread bleaching of corals. This is the Fourth 
Current Conditions Report for the summer of 2005/06/. 

*Updated 23 February 2006 *

*Summary *

Based on current weather conditions and climate predictions for the 
summer of 2005/06, *the* *threat of widespread coral bleaching for the 
Great Barrier Reef (GBR) region continues to be rated as moderate*.

Severe coral bleaching has been confirmed for several reefs in the 
southern region during recent GBRMPA surveys. In addition, BleachWatch 
participants have recorded minor levels of bleaching in parts of the 
central GBR and more recently the northern GBR. Temperature patterns are 
consistent with these reports. Although sea temperatures in the southern 
GBR have slightly decreased, they continue to exceed the February 
average by 0.5 - 1.5 degrees C and long-term summer maxima by 0.5 
degrees C respectively. Central GBR waters have remained warm in recent 
weeks, and sea surface temperatures are still currently exceeding the 
February long-term average by 0.5 to 1.5 degrees C. Temperatures in 
northern parts of the GBR have increased and are elevated 0.5 to 
2.0 degrees C above the February long-term average.

For the full current conditions report please visit the GBRMPA website 
on the link below:
_http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/corp_site/info_services/science/climate_change/conditions_report.html_

The GBRMPA Coral Bleaching Response Plan has been implemented, and with 
a moderate bleaching risk still existent for this summer we are still 
relying on BleachWatch participants and others to help us detect and 
report any bleaching that might occur on the GBR .

For more information on climate change, BleachWatch or coral bleaching 
please visit the GBRMPA website at:
_http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/corp_site/info_services/science/climate_change/index.html_


Regards
Gillian




-- 
Gillian Goby
Climate Change Response Program
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
PO Box 1379
Townsville, Qld  4810

Ph: 07 4750 0762
Fax: 07 4772 6093

Email: g.goby at gbrmpa.gov.au

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