Scientists look for link between coral bleaching and global warming
ABC News 18 Apr 08;
Marine Scientists are trying to determine whether damage to the Ningaloo reef is linked to climate change.
Researchers believe 1.5 square kilometres of reef in Coral Bay was bleached during spawning several weeks ago.
A number of fish and clams were also killed.
Bleaching occurs when wind and ocean currents fail to disperse spawn causing a lack of oxygen in the water.
Marine Scientist Dr Chris Simpson says climate change could be causing the problem.
"It does look like it's becoming more frequent and that could possibly be related to changes in the climate and things like that where the winds aren't as strong and things like that but of course that's all very speculative at this point in time," he said.
A more detailed study of Ningaloo planned for next year may now be brought forward to assess the damage.
