An Assessment of Global Warming Stress on Caribbean Coral Reef Ecosystems

Authors: Atwood, Donald K.; Hendee, James C.; Mendez, Antonio

Source: Bulletin of Marine Science, Volume 51, Number 1, July 1992 , pp. 118-130(13)

Publisher: University of Miami - Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science

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Abstract:

There is evidence that stress on coral reef ecosystems in the Caribbean region is increasing. Recently numerous authors have stated that the major stress results from "abnormally high" seasonal sea surface temperatures (SST) and have implicated global warming as a cause, stating that recent episodes of coral bleaching result therefrom. However, an analysis of available SST data sets shows no discernible warming trend that could cause an increase in coral bleaching. Given the lack of long-term records synoptic with observations of coral ecosystem health, there is insufficient evidence available to label temperatures observed in coincidence with recent regional bleaching events as "abnormally" high.

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Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 1992-07-01

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The Bulletin of Marine Science is dedicated to the dissemination of high quality research from the world's oceans. All aspects of marine science are treated by the Bulletin of Marine Science, including papers in marine biology, biological oceanography, fisheries, marine affairs, applied marine physics, marine geology and geophysics, marine and atmospheric chemistry, and meteorology and physical oceanography.
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