http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/c/coral_bleaching.htm
Coral Bleaching
Casuse
Coral Bleaching results when the single celled algae are released from the coral due to stress. the coral rely on these algae to survive, the photosynthesis is no longer getting to the coral but rather the algae
Triggers
Great barrier reef
The Great Barrier Reef at the coast of Australia they were experiencing bleaching events in 1980, 1982, 1992, 1994, 1998, 2002, and 2006.
The most widespread and intense events occurred in the summers of 1998 and 2002, with 42% and 54% respectively of reefs bleached at a very high extent, and 18% strongly bleached.
countless sea creatures rely on the coral reefs for shelter and protection from pretadors, the loss of to much reef would then reach us humans that rely on fish and seafood to live. the has been a 44% decline in the florida keys in the past 20 years and 80% in the carribean alone.
Coral Bleaching results when the single celled algae are released from the coral due to stress. the coral rely on these algae to survive, the photosynthesis is no longer getting to the coral but rather the algae
Triggers
- increased (most commonly), or reduced water temperatures
- starvation caused by a decline in zooplankton levels as a result of overfishing.
- increased solar irradiance (photosynthetically active radiation and ultraviolet band light)
- changes in water chemistry (in particular acidification)
- increased sedimentation (due to silt runoff)
- bacterial infections
- changes in salinity
- herbicides
- low tide and exposure
- cyanide fishing
- elevated sea levels due to global warming (Watson)
- mineral dust from African dust storms caused by drought
- sunscreen from tourists swimming, snorkeling, or diving
Great barrier reef
The Great Barrier Reef at the coast of Australia they were experiencing bleaching events in 1980, 1982, 1992, 1994, 1998, 2002, and 2006.
The most widespread and intense events occurred in the summers of 1998 and 2002, with 42% and 54% respectively of reefs bleached at a very high extent, and 18% strongly bleached.
countless sea creatures rely on the coral reefs for shelter and protection from pretadors, the loss of to much reef would then reach us humans that rely on fish and seafood to live. the has been a 44% decline in the florida keys in the past 20 years and 80% in the carribean alone.