[Coral-List] Introducing Bleaching Alert Levels 3-5 in the NOAA Coral Reef Watch Daily Global 5km Satellite Bleaching Alert Area product

[Jacqueline De La Cour]

On December 15, 2023, NOAA Coral Reef Watch 
(https://coralreefwatch.noaa.gov/) implemented a revised coral bleaching 
heat stress category system for its daily global 5km-resolution 
satellite coral Bleaching Alert Area product 
(https://coralreefwatch.noaa.gov/product/5km/index_5km_baa-max-7d.php). 
The extreme accumulations of bleaching heat stress in 2023 necessitated 
the introduction of additional Bleaching Alert Levels. This development 
is a refinement of the original system that only used Bleaching Alert 
Levels 1 and 2.  The new Bleaching Alert Levels 3-5 provide important, 
added detail, for when the magnitude of extreme heat stress exceeds the 
threshold of Bleaching Alert Level 2 conditions.  Please refer 
to https://coralreefwatch.noaa.gov/product/5km/index_5km_baa-max-7d.php 
for information on the possible ecological ramifications of these new 
alert levels.

We understand that coral bleaching response plans, action plans, and 
restoration plans around the world rely on these Bleaching Alert Levels, 
to assist with planning and implementation of work by in-water 
monitoring and management networks, especially during emergency 
situations and periods of extreme marine heat stress. Any actions 
managers would have taken previously at Bleaching Alert Level 2 still 
apply.  However, discussions may need to occur now, among coral reef 
stakeholders in many areas, regarding appropriate actions for your 
networks, when the extreme Bleaching Alert Levels 3-5 are predicted.

Please reach out to us at coralreefwatch at noaa.gov with any questions or 
to provide feedback.  Thank you!

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