A coral bleaching event is currently affecting several reef systems across Fiji, according to marine conservation group Reef Explorer Fiji.
In a statement shared on social media, the organisation said its team recently returned from Northern Kadavu where they observed bleaching on both nearshore reefs and the outer barrier reef.
“Our team recently returned from Northern Kadavu where we found an ongoing coral bleaching event occurring on both nearshore reefs and the outer barrier reef,” Reef Explorer Fiji said.
The group said the event appears to be widespread, with reports of bleaching from Kadavu across the Coral Coast and into the Mamanuca and Yasawa island groups. Early signs of bleaching have also been reported around Savusavu.
“This coral bleaching event is currently affecting reef from Kadavu, across the Coral Coast, and into the Mamanucas and Yasawa group. We also have reports of bleaching beginning around Savusavu,” the statement said.
According to Reef Explorer Fiji, the bleaching is likely linked to unusually warm ocean temperatures in recent weeks.
“This bleaching event appears to have been driven by several pulses of warmer than normal seawater which pushed mean daily seawater temperatures to approach and exceed 30°C,” the group said.
While Tropical Cyclone Urmil briefly cooled ocean temperatures and provided some relief to corals, the organisation warned that conditions may worsen.
“Seawater temperatures are on their way back up and this week where we have low tides in the middle of the day will likely cause further damage to shallow reef areas,” the statement said.
Despite the damage, Reef Explorer Fiji said there are encouraging signs that some coral colonies are showing resilience to higher temperatures.
“What is reassuring to see is that there are some corals that are showing tolerance to the hotter ocean temperatures,” the group said.
These resilient corals could play an important role in future reef restoration efforts.
“These bleaching tolerant colonies can now easily be identified and are ideal for incorporation into coral gardening efforts aiming to help ‘future proof’ reef systems,” the organisation said.
