Coral that survived the 2004 tsunami is now dying at one of the fastest rates ever recorded because of a dramatic rise in water temperatures off northwestern Indonesia, conservationists said, warning Wednesday that the threat extends to other reefs across Asia.
“With the apparently successful capping of the Deepwater Horizon oil well in the Gulf of Mexico, the Keys living coral reefs may be spared any ill effects of the disaster, but marine scientists say there are still plenty of reasons to be concerned over the health of the reef system.”
“What could be the world’s rarest coral has been discovered in the remote North Pacific Ocean.”
Similar conditions may develop in Gulf of Mexico and Central Pacific
“Scientists from NOAA’s Coral Reef Watch Program say conditions are favorable for significant coral bleaching and infectious coral disease outbreaks in the Caribbean, especially in the Lesser Antilles. The forecast is based on the July NOAA Coral Reef Watch outlook, which expects continued high water temperatures through October 2009.”
Read the full notice and see the global bleaching map on the NOAA website
“One of the most destructive and swift coral bleaching events ever recorded is underway in the waters off Indonesia, where water temperatures have climbed into the low 90s, according to data released by a conservation group this week.”
Public Comment Opportunity: NOAA Next Generation Strategic Plan
NOAA is currently developing its Next Generation Strategic Plan (NGSP), which will help inform the agency’s priorities, activities, and how they conduct their science, service and stewardship mission.
Read the Draft Next Generation Strategic Plan
Key sections of the plan that affect coral reefs:
Goal: Resilient Coastal Communities and Economies
- Objective: Comprehensive ocean and coastal planning and management
- Objective: Improved coastal water quality supporting human health and coastal ecosystem services
Long-Term Goal: Healthy Oceans
- Objective: Improved understanding of ecosystems to inform resource management decisions
- Objective: Healthy habitats that sustain resilient and thriving marine resources and communities
Coral reefs are suffering widespread damage in what is set to be one of the worst years ever for the delicate and beautiful habitats.
Legal Petition Demands FDA Move beyond “Smell Test” to Look at Chemicals
Read the Press Release from the Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER)
Environmental Protection Agency experts expressed concerns to superiors about use of dispersants, says whistleblower group
Read the article published by the Guardian/UK on August, 4, 2010
