2020 Keppel Island bleaching Study

Updated: 2022-09-01

Data sets were intended to provide estimates of bleaching at the height of the 2020 bleaching event in the Keppel Islands and allow documentation of recover over the following 6-months • Photo transects were completed in March, June and October 2020 at a maximum of 17 sites (a mix of upper and lower reef slope sites). Spot check photo surveys were undertaken in June 2020 at an additional 25 sites. • Photos from transects were sampled as per AIMS LTMP methods in Jonker et al. 2008. Spot check photos were sampled using a similar method. • Data were collected from tagged colonies of A.millepora at 4 locations. Approximately 350 colonies were tagged across Shelving Bay, Halfway, Mazie and Pumpkin Island. • Data were analysed using a number of statistical analyses (glm, glmm) in order to identify changes in coral cover and bleaching between sites and depths and time periods. • The relationship between eReef derived temperatures and currents and both bleaching and rates of recovery from bleaching were also examined. This study examined the following parameters: Abundance of coral biota Taxonomic identity of biota Bleaching status of biota Rates of water flow Water temperatures