Bleachwatch Current Conditions Reports

Mote Marine Laboratory, Tropical Research Laboratory

Information from NOAA's remote sensing and in-situ monitoring projects are reviewed routinely and summarized along with BleachWatch volunteer observations in the field to provide a comprehensive overview of current conditions throughout the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Reports include a summary of relevant weather information, NOAA Coral Bleaching "HotSpot" and "Degree Heating Weeks" analyses, and updated in-situ monitoring data, along with BleachWatch observer reports for each region during a given period. Dissemination of "current conditions reports" depends on the potential risk for coral bleaching throughout the season. A report is generated monthly as long as environmental conditions suggest low risk of mass coral bleaching. If climate or sea temperatures are elevated above normal a report will be produced every two weeks. Weekly reports are produced when sea temperature and other environmental factors resulting in increased stress have accumulated to levels associated with a moderate risk of bleaching. If and when environmental stress has accumulated to levels associated with a high risk of bleaching and/or reports of bleaching are reported by volunteers, reports are produced twice per week.

FY2009 CRCP Project ID 20357; Project Title: Florida Keys Bleach Watch; Principal Investigator: Brian Keller