Attention journalists: View or download a pdf version of the power point slides to follow along with today’s 1 PM Media teleconference on coral.
Audio recording: NOAA Deep Dive: Florida Coral Reef Bleaching Event media call on August 17, 2023. Transcript: NOAA Deep Dive: Florida Coral Bleaching Event media call held on August 17, 2023.Â
On Thursday, August 17, from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm ET , Steve Thur, Ph.D., NOAA assistant administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, will provide opening remarks and introduce a panel of NOAA experts who will provide a media briefing on how record-breaking warm ocean temperatures this summer have stressed, bleached, and in some cases, killed coral within the 3,800 square miles of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, a marine area of continuous, diverse coral ecosystems.
These coral reefs provide vital benefits, including sustaining habitats for fish and marine life, supporting tourism and buffering the harmful impacts of hurricanes and storm surge on coastal communities. Panelists will provide the latest update on the coral reef status, what NOAA and partners are doing to protect these valuable reefs and what the public can do to help.
WHO:
Steve Thur, Ph.D., NOAA assistant administrator for Oceanic & Atmospheric Research
Derek Manzello, Ph.D., coordinator, NOAA Coral Reef Watch Program
Andy Bruckner, Ph.D., research coordinator, NOAA’s Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Ian Enochs, Ph.D., research ecologist, NOAA Atlantic Oceanographic & Meteorological Laboratory
WHAT:
– Media conference call (slides will accompany call, see below)
– Presentations
– Media questions and answers
HOW:
1. Working media may dial into the conference call:
• 888-889-6573 U.S./Canada (toll-free)
• 1-312-470-7142 International (toll)
• Verbal passcode: CORAL
2. Download a pdf of slides for the press conference.
Additional resources on coral and marine heat waves:
NOAA Stories:
The ongoing marine heat waves in U.S. waters, explained
Rising Ocean Temps Raise New Concerns for Coral Reefs: Q&A with Derek Manzello
NOAA and partners race to rescue remaining Florida corals from historic ocean heat wave
Cheeca Rocks Reef Completely Bleached
FKNMS/ Mission: Iconic Reefs Marine Heat Wave and Coral Bleaching Response FAQs
Mission: Iconic Reefs Relocates Thousands of Corals Amidst Record Heatwave
NOAA Online Resources:
NCEI Coastal Water Temperature Guide
NOAA Coral Reef Watch Marine Heatwave Watch
National Marine Ecosystem Status: Marine Heatwaves
NOAA Partner Link:
Florida Department of Environmental Protection BleachWatch Dashboard
Photos:
- Cheeca Rocks – July 31-Aug 1, 2023 – 100% bleaching
- Direct link to Cheeca Rocks photos
- Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Videos:
Bleached corals at Cheeca Rocks, July 31 (NOAA AOML)
Coral Restoration – Coral Conservation – NOAA Fisheries Video Gallery
B-Roll: Corals – NOAA Fisheries Video Gallery
NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP) – Coral Video Gallery
Info on marine heat waves in other locations:
The California Current Marine Heatwave Tracker – Blobtracker | Integrated Ecosystem Assessment
Following the call, an audio file will be posted within ~90 minutes at: Url for the media advisory and NOAA Research posting with slides.
For more information, please contact Monica Allen, NOAA Communications, at monica.allen@noaa.gov
