Great Barrier Reef Coral Bleaching Response Program summer 2005-2006

Abstract

This document describes a Coral Bleaching Response Plan for the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). This will enable GBRMPA to: • Develop a system to forecast coral bleaching events; • Provide early warnings of a major coral bleaching event; • Measure the spatial extent and severity of mass coral bleaching events; • Assess the ecological impacts of mass coral bleaching events; • Involve the community in monitoring the health of the GBR; • Communicate and raise awareness about coral bleaching and climate change impacts on the GBR; • Provide information to evaluate the implications of coral bleaching events for management policy and strategies.