Iconic coral species the most vulnerable to bleaching

Evan Schwarten AAP Sydney Morning Herald 17 Aug 10;

The Great Barrier Reef's dominant coral species are among the most vulnerable to the effects of global warming, a new study has found.

A groundbreaking study into the immunity of coral species has found the iconic Acroporidae family to be among the most susceptible to outbreaks of disease or bleaching.

Bleaching in Indonesia leads to massive death on reefs

A survey of corals in Aceh, Indonesia revealed one of the most rapid and severe coral mortality events ever recorded. The scientists found that 80% of some species have died since the initial assessment and more colonies are expected to die within the next few months.
The Wildlife Conservation Society today released initial field observations that indicate that a dramatic rise in the surface temperature in Indonesian waters has resulted in a large-scale bleaching event that has devastated coral populations.

Due to Coral Bleaching 12 Malaysian Travel Sites Temporarily Closed To Tourists

Bernama 21 Jul 10;

LANGKAWI, July 21 (Bernama) -- Nine marine park islands and three islands off Langkawi, Terengganu and Pahang are closed to tourists from July 2 to Oct 31 due to coral bleaching.
Marine Parks Department director-general Abdul Jamal Mydin said the coral degradation, which was caused by global warming, was worse than in 1998.