[Coral-List] Coral bleaching observation: Dubai, Arabian/Persian Gulf

[Mark Eakin]

Temperatures in the Persian/Arabian Gulf are running higher than  
normal.  Our HotSpots across most of the Gulf show temperatures from  
0-1 degrees above the maximum monthly mean and there has been low- 
level accumulation of thermal stress (Degree Heating Weeks = 1 in  
parts of the Gulf).  Unfortunately, semi-enclosed bodies like this are  
especially difficult to monitor using satellites.

Cheers,
Mark



On Aug 15, 2008, at 7:55 AM, John Burt wrote:

>
> Coral bleaching has been observed at several reefs and breakwaters  
> in Dubai, UAE in the past week. Species primarily affected include  
> Acropora downingi, Porites lutea, P. lobata, Cyphastrea  
> micropthalma, and Turbinaria reniformes. Most bleaching is  
> restricted to depths less than 4 m.
>
> Similar observations were reported last here year, and most bleached  
> colonies in permanent quadrats recovered 'normal' appearance within  
> one month during that event.
>
> John Burt
>
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------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C. Mark Eakin, Ph.D.
Coordinator, NOAA Coral Reef Watch
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Center for Satellite Applications and Research
Satellite Oceanography & Climate Division
e-mail: mark.eakin at noaa.gov
url: coralreefwatch.noaa.gov

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