Scientists study coral bleaching in Hawaii

A recent statewide wave of underwater coral reef bleaching has scientists from around the world looking for ways to keep Hawaii’s reefs from dying.

Two separate teams, one from Australia and another from Massachusetts, are spending the week in Hawaii.

The first, Catlin Seaview Survey, worked with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources, the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology and NOAA’s Coral Watch Program to document bleaching on several affected patch reefs in Kaneohe Bay.

The images will help establish a baseline record of the world’s coral reefs in high-resolution, 360-degree panoramic vision.

“Our photographic surveys will help scientists, policy makers and everyone interested in ocean health, see and understand the issues, like bleaching, our reefs are facing,” said survey director Richard Vevers. “By clearly monitoring change over time, our hope is this information will inform reef protection measures now and into the future.”

Complete story here.