TWO REPORTS: BOTH FROM THE PHILIPPINES Date: Fri, 14 Aug 1998 12:06:10 PDT From: Fiona Gell Subject: Bleaching in the PHILIPPINES During a brief visit to reefs in NORTHERN PALAWAN (Philippines) I observed extensive bleaching at numerous sites at El Nido (Bacuit Bay) and Coron Island. Bleaching affected a wide range of coral genera and in some cases whole colonies of Acropora and Porites measuring in excess of 4 m2. In conversations with local dive shop guides, it would appear that bleaching is now present at most if not all dive sites in the area around El Nido and Coron Island. In addition both dive guides and fishermen have remarked that sea temperatures have been higher than usual (as measured by their diving consoles). Date: Fri, 14 Aug 1998 23:21:47 +0800 From: John Ortiz Subject: Coral Bleaching in the Philippines This is to report that coral bleaching is now being observed in the western part of the Philippines. I observed massive coral bleaching at Zambales and Pangasinan provinces reef sites. Divers also reported bleaching in Palawan Island. I will visit other sites in the Philippines. I am trying to verify NOAA's coral bleaching hot spots. My colleagues and I are doing ocean temperature measurements. We are also gathering ambient temperature data from our local weather bureau. Yvonne G. Ortiz