[Coral-List] Severe coral bleaching and disease in the Indian Ocean

[Ole Brodnicke]

Dear colleagues

Following the bleaching update from Assoc. Prof. Reza Shokri, here comes one from the southern Maldives.

Corals across 33 genera are currently bleaching on several reefs in the Huvadhoo Atoll. This is observed on the reef flat, crest and slope down to 5 m depth at an in-water temperature of 30-31̊ C.

Initial surveys suggest more that 50% of corals are currently bleaching with some mortality on Acroporids and Pocilloprids.

Disease is also observed on several coral species.

Hopefully this is not preluding another mass bleaching event in the region.

For pictures and contemporary updates see my twitter @OBrodnicke

Cheers from the Maldives

Ole Brodnicke