Coral Bleaching in Cozumel

According to the director of the Cozumel Marine Park, Ricardo Gomez Lozano, coral bleaching of the reef in Cozumel has improved. Only 2% of the reef is being affected by this coral disease compared to 30% six years ago. Many scientists agree that the coral’s ability to adapt to the environmental effects resulting from climate change depends on the severity of other human stresses such as coastal development, over fishing, oil discharge, and dumping of garbage. Some natural occurrences that can also negatively affect coral reefs are global climate change, hurricanes, and disease.

Mr. Gomez mentioned that coral reefs live in an average water temperature of between 77 and 85 degrees, and when the temperature increases 5 degrees or more for a period of three consecutive days, the coral begins to show color changes. This is coral bleaching.

Evidence suggests that the zooanthellae present in corals can recover and regain color within several months if the coral bleaching event is not severe. Otherwise, the coral dies. Multiple bleaching events in the Caribbean over the last several decades have resulted in widespread damage to reef-building corals and thus, decline in reef condition.

Mr. Gomez also commented that the coral reef improvement over the years can be attributed to climate changes. He suggests that continued preservation of the reef in Cozumel will include constant monitoring and control of tourist groups brought to affected areas, prevention of continued coastal development, and the prohibition of dumping garbage into our oceans.

By Jorge E. Gonzalez at http://www.mexicandiver.com/
Photo Cortesy of NOAA

Mexicandiver Underwater Digital Fiesta! Cozumel 2011

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