| Summary: | The initial onset of mass coral bleaching can vary among different species, geographic locations, types of reef zones and a fluctuation of severity, which makes it very difficult to predict where or when it will occur. The Florida Keys BleachWatch Program, modeled after Great Barrier Reef’s BleachWatch, is a team of trained recreational, commercial and scientific divers who help monitor and report on conditions at the reefs. After each visit to the reef, the divers complete a data form, either printed or online, and send it to the BleachWatch coordinator. The divers are provided with an underwater wristband to use as a reference and a reminder key below and above the water. Information from NOAA's remote sensing and in-situ monitoring projects are reviewed routinely and summarized along with BleachWatch volunteer observations in the field to provide a comprehensive overview of current conditions throughout the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Florida Keys Coral Bleaching Current Condtions Reports include a summary of relevant weather information, NOAA Coral Bleaching "HotSpot" and "Degree Heating Weeks" analysis, and updated in-situ monitoring data, along with BleachWatch observer reports for each region during a given period.
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