[Coral-List] Observed Coral Bleaching Dubai, UAE

[Andrew Bauman]

Coral bleaching has been observed at two near-shore
patch reefs (approx. 4 m depth) in the Ras Hassan area
of Dubai, United Arab Emirates between September 3 and
5. 
 
Whole and partial bleaching of colonies of Acropora
clathrata, A. downingi, Porites lutea, P. lobata, and
Cyphastrea microphthalma and was observed. All
Turbinaria reniformis colonies observed had changed to
purple from its normal orange appearance, with some
fully bleached. Algal overgrowth was minimal but
apparent on some fully bleached colonies.
 
Bleaching may be the result of elevated temperatures,
or the synergistic action of temperature with high
salinity and/or sedimentation from dredging activities
occurring within 1 km of these sites. Temperature data
were not recorded, but salinity in the area was
recorded at >42 ppm earlier in late August.
 
John Burt and Andrew Bauman
United Nations University
International Network on Water, Environment and Health
PO Box 33328
Dubai, UAE

Andrew G. Bauman
Marine Ecologist
The United Nations University 
International Network on Water, Environment and Health
Dubai International Humanitarian and Aide City
Doha St. Building No. 3
P. O . Box 33328
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Mobile: (971) 050 145 3291


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