Great Barrier Reef coral bleaching risk low
THE Great Barrier Reef is at a low risk of coral bleaching this summer.
However, Reef managers warn this forecast may change in a matter of weeks.
Pictures: Great Barrier Reef near Cairns
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority has released its annual coral bleaching forecast for the reef, with the risk of widespread bleaching rated as low, on the basis of seasonal temperature trends.
Last year, the authority predicted a higher risk of coral bleaching, caused by rising summer sea temperatures.
The worst years so far for coral bleaching have been 1998 and 2002 – the two hottest summers on record.
GBRMPA chairman Dr Russell Reichelt said: "For the whole Reef, we’re saying that it’s low risk of bleaching, but there are indicators of higher risk of bleaching in the southern part of the reef. We’ve also got to take into account some of the long-range stuff.
"The weather bureau is telling us 2009-2010 is likely to be an El Nino year.
"That is one of the things in the past, where we’ve had our worst bleaching during an El Nino year, so we’re watching closely this El Nino pattern developing."
Dr Reichelt said any cyclonic activity or intense flooding over the summer could also result in coral bleaching.
Coral bleaching occurs when sea temperature rises more than one degree above coral’s normal range, forcing it to expel its symbiotic algae, which supplies coral with nutrients.
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Forecast: The Great Barrier Reef is predicted to be at low risk of coral bleaching this summer.
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