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Coral reefs are vital to marine ecosystems, providing habitat, food, and protection for countless species. Unfortunately, these underwater environments are under increasing threat. One such threat is coral bleaching, which is caused by rising ocean temperatures. Coral bleaching occurs when microscopic algae living within coral tissue (which give corals their color and energy) are expelled due to stress caused by rising water temperatures. Without these algae, corals lose their color and turn white — or “bleach” — and become more susceptible to disease or overgrowth of turf algae. While bleached corals don’t die immediately, prolonged bleaching can lead to mass mortality, endangering the entire reef ecosystem.
The Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC), dedicated to protecting these important ecosystems, is stepping up its monitoring efforts. Between August 7 and 9, PICRC researchers deployed 15 temperature and light sensors on Palau’s northern reefs to Peleliu Island and on the eastern and western fore reefs. The sensors will remain deployed until they are retrieved in December. The sensors continuously collect data on water temperature and light levels, which will provide researchers with valuable real-time underwater conditions during a potential coral bleaching event. By combining this real-time data with bleaching surveys, scientists aim to better understand how different factors contribute to coral bleaching and determine which areas of Palau’s reefs are most at risk.
The work is led by PICRC researcher Dr. Piera Biondi and Principal Investigator Ikelau Otto as part of a collaboration with Dr. Peter Houk of the University of Guam. Data collected this year will allow researchers to compare current conditions with past conditions, improving their ability to predict and respond to future bleaching events and ensure timely and effective management actions.
PICRC uses data and forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coral Reef Monitoring website, which provides real-time updates on thermal stress conditions on coral reefs around the world. In addition, PICRC relies on observations from staff during field visits and community reports. Once a mass bleaching event occurs, PICRC begins an extensive survey effort, surveying 80 sites around Palau at two depths to document the extent of the bleaching event. Based on current conditions and coral bleaching events that have occurred around the world, PICRC is ready to begin its survey effort.
“Our goal is to continue the important work of coral reef conservation,” said Geraldine Rengiil, PICRC’s Director of Research. “By deploying these sensors, we are not only collecting data, but also strengthening our commitment to protecting coral reefs. Understanding the environmental conditions that lead to coral bleaching allows us to take informed actions to protect the rich biodiversity of marine ecosystems for future generations.”
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