Climate Change May Avoid Bleaching of Ningaloo Corals

Written by Sue Emmett
Monday, 22 September 2008

A QUIRK of nature may protect Ningaloo Reef corals from excessive bleaching as climate change increases sea temperatures this century.

University of Western Australia School of Environmental Systems Engineeering Professor Charitha Pattiaratchi says winds blowing parallel to the Ningaloo Reef coastline in summer produce upwelling of cold water from the ocean depths to the surface.

This colder water acts as an ‘insulator’ between the Leeuwin Current’s warm water and Ningaloo Reef.

To read the full article published on Science Network Western Australia visit
www.sciencewa.net.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2285&Itemid=587

Sea Temperature Monitoring Program Forecasts Potential for Coral Bleaching

December 13, 2004

Water temperatures and current patterns in the Coral Sea and the western Pacific are approaching those that have preceded coral-bleaching events in the past.

Dr Ray Berkelmans, who coordinates the monitoring of 50 sites on the Great Barrier Reef said, "The Equatorial temperatures are unusually warm for this time of year. We're also seeing those westerly wind bursts and a slowing down of the south equatorial current over the past few months. If these conditions continue through December we'll be very concerned..."

Original Press Release issued by Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS)

People Power and Science Deliver Right Formula for Ningaloo

November 27, 2004

The West Australian Government has placed 34% of Ningaloo Reef in sanctuary zones while allowing for recreational fishing in two thirds of the marine park.

"This decision will put Ningaloo up there with the Great Barrier Reef
as one of the best managed coral reef ecosystems in the world" said AIMS' Dr Terry Done.

To view the press release issued by the Save-Ningaloo Campaign visit www.saveningaloo.org

Original Press Release issued by Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS)

Researchers Link Nutrient Runoff with Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Infestations

March 18, 2004

A team of marine researchers has produced a study that shows that an increase in nutrient run-off has led to higher levels of food for starfish larvae. A computer model predicts more frequent outbreaks, consistent with observations on the Great Barrier Reef.

The TV Documentary COTS - The Monster from the Shallows, produced by David Hannan and Gulliver Media, follows this story.

Original Press Release issued by Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS)