How is the reef looking?

[darook]

Now that the water temps have cooled below stressful levels I am wondering if there was any bleaching. Looking at the NOAA site it appears it got a little warmer and stayed that way a little longer than last year. I did not notice much bleaching at this time last year. Heading there in a few weeks and hoping for the reef to be looking good!

Here is the NOAA site I referenced: NOAA Coral Reef Watch Caribbean Virtual Stations

 

[drrich2]

When I was there in October, I'd say much of it overall decent, with lusher gorgonian growth in the shallows, large brain corals often partially dead but a number of pristine soccer ball-sized ones. The standout exceptions were Margate Bay and Sweet Dreams way south; really lush southern sites. Wave action was more pronounced the day I went, and down south one need be mindful of the potential for currents, but the difference in 'eye candy' effect was striking at those two.

Richard.

 

[White Chocolate]

I just got back from a great trip two weeks ago and did not notice any serious bleaching occurring. We did see more red algae covering things than from our visit two years ago, but things are still looking decent. The fish life was still outstanding! I agree that the southern sites were more lush, but the northern sites were still great. The top of the reef at Tolo was especially lovely, along with the Karpata shallows and the staghorn nurseries at Jeff Davis.

 

[drrich2]

The top of the reef at Tolo was especially lovely, along with the Karpata shallows and the staghorn nurseries at Jeff Davis.

Glad to hear it. This last trip I did't go farther north than 1,000 Steps, because I didn't want to commit to the one way section of road, and thus a long round trip back. Always liked Tolo on past trips.

Richard.

 

[darook]

Thanks guys! Sounds like things are looking pretty good. Hopefully the red algae finds a hungry predator!

 

[lmorin]

Last spring, the problem was a yellow algae that carpeted large parts of the shallow sandy areas between shore and reef. Gross, frankly. Loosened algae draped over the shallow corals, as well.

 

[Ray and Pam]

Really bad at Salt Pier but they seem to like it?


But it isn't everywhere.

 

[lmorin]

Ray and Pam--that's the stuff. I hope it's good for the turtles, or some of the critters.

 

[Minnesota Cricket]

Ray and Pam, I can confirm from our own dive and talking to others those turtles have been in the shallows at Salt Pier for at least the last week.

 

[BFRedrocks]

Ray and Pam, I can confirm from our own dive and talking to others those turtles have been in the shallows at Salt Pier for at least the last week.

My son and I dove Salt Pier this past Thursday and counted 5 turtles (including a really small one) in the shallows, all chomping on the yellow algae.