Honduran Bleaching

[Al Strong]

Coral-List,

I am not surprised with John Ware's assessment of Honduras reefs in the Bay
Island area for 1998.
The region around Roatan shows rather small thermal accumulations (DHWs = 4
to 5...not the
8 - 9 levels seen around the most southern Belizean reefs -- close to
critical for "recovery" vs "mortality").

http://psbsgi1.nesdis.noaa.gov:8080/PSB/EPS/icg/wsub.10.31.1998.gif

Based on our satellite assessment of accumulated thermal (SST) stress during
that period in Sep-Nov 1998,
I would be surprised to see any major damage from bleaching with the one
possible exception being the northern
reefs of Nicaragua (around Cabazes)....any info?

AE Strong


**** <>< ******* <>< ******* <>< ******* <>< *******
Alan E. Strong
Phys Scientist/Oceanographer
  NOAA/NESDIS/ORA/ORAD -- E/RA3
  NOAA Science Center -- RM 711W
  5200 Auth Road
  Camp Springs, MD 20746-4304
        Alan.E.Strong at noaa.gov
             301-763-8102 x170
      FAX: 301-763-8108
  http://orbit-net.nesdis.noaa.gov/orad