Coral bleaching: Singapore coral reefs not spared

Straits Times 22 Sep 10;

NEARLY 60 per cent of coral colonies in Singapore waters were already showing signs of bleaching by mid-year this year, according to experts.

Sea temperatures were unusually high in Singapore during May and June, research scientists from the National University of Singapore (NUS) told The Straits Times, with daytime temperatures on coral reefs here rising to more than 31 deg C or 32 deg C - at least two degrees above normal.

'Corals live close to their maximum temperature threshold, so just a 1 degree rise in temperature above normal can be enough to seriously stress them,' said Dr James Guest, a research fellow at NUS.

Anecdotal reports suggest that bleaching is occurring at other areas in the waters around Singapore, Dr Guest said. But he noted there was also evidence following diving expeditions last month that some corals are regaining their pigmentation.

Most corals around Singapore were in danger because of sediment released during land reclamation work, NUS Associate Professor Peter Todd told The Straits Times.

He said a national survey on the marine life here, which commenced earlier this year, would provide input to tailor management schemes and focus resources.

'Rare or important species may be protected from local stressors, pollution for example, thus enhancing their resilience to larger scale impacts such as global warming,' he said.

RUPALI KAREKAR

More links

• More about coral bleaching in Singapore on the Bleach Watch Singapore blog.
• Bleach Watch Singapore facebook page with reports about bleaching in Singapore shared in blogs or on facebook.
• Trips to report on coral bleaching on wild shores of singapore.
• More photos of coral bleaching in Singapore on the Bleach Watch Singapore flickr group.
• More media articles about global bleaching events on wildsingapore news.