A Strategic Framework for Responding to Coral Bleaching Events in a Changing Climate |
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Authors: | J A Maynard J E Johnson P A Marshall C M Eakin G Goby H Schuttenberg C M Spillman |
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Institution: | (1) Applied Environmental Decision Analysis CERF Hub, School of Botany, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia;(2) Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, 2-68 Flinders St, Townsville, QLD, 4810, Australia;(3) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Coral Reef Watch, 1335 East West Highway, E/RA31, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA;(4) CSIRO Davies Laboratory, Townsville, QLD, 4810, Australia;(5) Centre for Australian Weather and Climate Research (CAWCR), Bureau of Meteorology, 700 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia |
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Abstract: | The frequency and severity of mass coral bleaching events are predicted to increase as sea temperatures continue to warm under
a global regime of rising ocean temperatures. Bleaching events can be disastrous for coral reef ecosystems and, given the
number of other stressors to reefs that result from human activities, there is widespread concern about their future. This
article provides a strategic framework from the Great Barrier Reef to prepare for and respond to mass bleaching events. The
framework presented has two main inter-related components: an early warning system and assessment and monitoring. Both include
the need to proactively and consistently communicate information on environmental conditions and the level of bleaching severity
to senior decision-makers, stakeholders, and the public. Managers, being the most timely and credible source of information
on bleaching events, can facilitate the implementation of strategies that can give reefs the best chance to recover from bleaching
and to withstand future disturbances. The proposed framework is readily transferable to other coral reef regions, and can
easily be adapted by managers to local financial, technical, and human resources. |
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Keywords: | Climate change Coral bleaching Coral reefs Resource management Response plan |
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