Data shows global coral bleaching event continues

NOAA scientists participating in the International Coral Reef Symposium will announce the latest outlook for the ongoing global coral bleaching event at a news conference in Honolulu. Interested media may attend in person or by telephone.

Seascape of bleached plating Montipora corals on Jarvis' forereef.

Seascape of bleached plating Montipora corals on Jarvis' forereef. (Image credit: Cohen Lab-WHOI)

This third global coral bleaching event began in mid-2014. Global warming, coupled with an intense El Nino, has made this the longest and most widespread coral bleaching event on record. Since its onset, all U.S. coral reefs have seen above normal temperatures and more than 70 percent of them have been exposed to the prolonged high temperatures that can cause bleaching.

WHAT:
Latest coral bleaching outlook from NOAA

WHEN:
Mon., June 20, 11:00 a.m. Hawaii Time (5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time)

WHERE:
Honolulu Convention Center, Room 304 B
1801 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815

By phone: 1-203-827-7000 or 888-810-6758, passcode: 8249403

WHO:
C. Mark Eakin, NOAA’s Coral Reef Watch coordinator
Jennifer Koss, NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program director
B
illy Causey, NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, Southeast Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean regional director

NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Join us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and our other social media channels.

Contact: 
Alicia Clarke, 703-225-9067, alicia.clarke@noaa.gov (in Honolulu)
Keeley Belva, 301-643-6463, keeley.belva@noaa.gov