Australia: Lord Howe Island coral reef recovers from 'bleaching'

ABC News 3 Mar 11;

There are signs the world's most southern coral reef at Lord Howe Island is recovering from a bleaching event last year.

The coral reef at Lord Howe Island is is located about five hundred kilometres east of Port Macquarie.

It is globally significant because of its unique combination of tropical, subtropical and temperate species.

Researchers with Southern Cross University's National Marine Science Centre say during summer 2010, warmer than usual seawater temperatures, light winds and little cloud cover led to mild to moderate bleaching in some parts of the reef system and almost total coral bleaching in other areas.

One of the researchers, Doctor Steve Dalton says there are now signs of recovery at most sites.

He says the project will further the understanding of the distribution and resilience of Lord Howe Island's nearshore reefs.

Researchers will visit the island again in March to assess the reef's recovery.