Coral bleaching risk and impact assessment plan: 2nd edition (NOT CURRENT)

Abstract

This document is no longer current. This plan was utilised by the Authority from 2013 to 2016. Since 2017, the Authority has been reviewing and refining our objectives and strategic approach to monitoring risk and assessing impacts following reef health events on the Great Barrier Reef. There are a multitude of threats to coral reefs, but the increased frequency and severity of coral bleaching events under a changing climate is among the most pressing. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) first developed a coral bleaching response plan, then the risk and impact assessment plan in 2002, as part of a response to a bleaching event that occurred in the late summer (February and March) of that year. Since then, we have coordinated implementation of the plan each summer — December to March — and reviewed and refined it annually. The plan outlined our strategic approach for monitoring bleaching risk and assessing coral bleaching impacts when events occured.