Date: Thu, 27 Aug 1998 01:12:35 -0500 From: "James M. Cervino" NEW BRITAIN [PNG] Coral Bleaching was evident on reefs off the island of NEW BRITAIN (PNG). These reefs are within the Bismarck Sea. Reports from MADANG were similar. I collected data from this site 8 months after the '95 hot spot data read similar temps that induced coral bleaching, 8 months after the event corals were in FULL recovery. 2 differences: sponge disease & high presence of CLOD & CLD. Corals from this region have always recovered following bleaching events, if the temps return to the normal range we should see the same recovery rate. (Note: minimal anthropogenic stresses) Leaving Kimbe Bay area we headed in a North East direction sea water temps. below 10 meters were 31-31.5 C. These temps were consistent with surface temps above 10 meters as high as 32-33 C. High mortality rates of corals from Bleaching in this temp range. Bleaching affected 75% of Acropora sp. Porites, and Platygyra sp. Other bleached corals were; Porites, Montipora sp (plate like morph along deep walls) ., Sinularia sp., Echinopora pacificus, Montastrea valencienesi, Fungia fungites, Fungia, concinna, Podabacia crustacea, Alveopora spongiosa, Gonopora lobata, and Heteractis magnifica are in early to middle stages of bleaching. In most cases expulsion is evident. Bleaching as far down as 165 feet. RETURN to Kimbe Bay South West Direction: Water temps ranged between 85 -86 F (29.5- 30 C). Drastic difference: 10% Bleaching of Acroporid sp. (early stages) is evident, Just 1 to 2 degrees C, difference , and the corals seemed healthy. One or two isolated cases of early bleaching is seen on other species of corals. A detailed report for the GCRA Web Site will be available: http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~goreau ******************************* James M. Cervino Marine Biologist Global Coral Reef Alliance 124-19 9th ave. College Point New York, NY 11356 ********************************