Preparing, monitoring, and responding to coral bleaching in the Western Indian Ocean

Description

Over the past three years, coral reefs have experienced a temporary refuge in the La Niña phase. However, the tide is turning as we face an unfolding El Niño event, ushering in warmer conditions that pose a renewed threat to these fragile ecosystems. During this webinar, experts from CORDIO East Africa will share information about the current El Niño transition and its potential consequences, particularly the increased risk of coral bleaching during the warm summer months of January to June 2024 in the Western Indian Ocean. They will share specific tools, resources, and adaptive strategies tailored to coral bleaching response efforts in the region. We will also hear updates on regional projects, and discuss methods and timing for bleaching monitoring to aid in collaborative efforts on the ground. The webinar will last for 90 minutes and the presentations will be followed by an open question-and-answer session and group discussion. A recording of the webinar will be available on reefresilience.org.