Fears mount of massive Caribbean coral bleaching: study

[cory777]

Source: AFP

Above-average temperatures this year could spark massive coral bleaching in the Caribbean basin region, experts with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) warned Wednesday after a major study.

The review found that there is a high risk for bleaching damage to coral in the south and southeastern Caribbean. That could cause a repeat of damage done back in 2005 when 90 percent of coral in the area were damaged and 10 percent were destroyed.

"High temperatures cause corals to force out the symbiotic algae that provide them with food. This makes the corals appear white or ?bleached? and can increase outbreaks of infectious disease," said Mark Eakin, coordinator of NOAA?s Coral Reef Watch.

"Temperatures are high in the Caribbean, and we expect this to continue," Eakin added, so "this season has the potential to be one of the worst bleaching seasons for some reefs."

Read more: http://uk.news.yahoo.com/18/20100923/tsc-fears-mount-of-massive-caribbean-cor-e123fef.html

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