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| Corals and anemone bleaching at Kusu Island Photo by Dr Jani |
More about mass coral bleaching here.
Dr Jani says:
"Mind the bleaching corals!
Earlier this week, a group of NUS researchers together with NParks conducted an emergency surveillance of some of our coral reefs, including the reefs around the Sisters’ Island Marine Park (SIMP), Pulau Hantu and Kusu Island. This was a response to bleaching corals observed in the second week of June after the Circuit Breaker measures were lifted. Stark white coral colonies in shallow waters were visible from the surface and sea temperatures reaching up to 32ºC at midday.
Following the mass bleaching event reported for the Great Barrier Reef earlier in March (the 3rd in 5 years!) and heat stress and bleaching warning for waters around Singapore (NOAA Coral Reef Watch), NParks and scientists alike were aware of the very real possibility for a mass bleaching event on our reefs. We had hoped that Singapore’s (and the region’s) reefs be spared, but the warming seas were unforgiving.
Researchers together with NParks are currently working on analyzing the survey data. At first glance, while the shallow water reefs are hit badly, the deeper corals have mostly been spared. There are also differences between sites, with some reefs fairing worse than others. Sea temperatures are going down – a good sign that brings hope for the reefs. But recovery from bleaching can take months, if corals survive.
As we now begin to enjoy the sea again for diving, boating and fishing and other water sports, do consider the space our recovering corals need. We can do our part to minimize additional stress to the reefs now so we can still enjoy them in the future!"
