An early warning system for coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef

Abstract

Each summer, as sea temperatures rise, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) implements the Early Warning System component of its Coral Bleaching Response Plan (Figure 1). The objectives under this Plan include determining the risk of a bleaching event occurring, and detecting the first signs of bleaching. Under the Early Warning System, seasonal climate forecasts are used to assess bleaching risk up to several months in advance. As the summer progresses, near real-time sea-temperature information is used to monitor the evolving bleaching risk. The onset of any bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef is reported by the Reef-wide BleachWatch network of trained observers. Reports of severe or extensive bleaching are verified by experienced GBRMPA and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) staff. These reports trigger a coordinated management response under the Climate Change Incident Response Framework (CCIRF).