Improvements to and continuity of operational global thermal stress monitoring for coral bleaching

Abstract

Mass coral bleaching results from periods of elevated sea temperature. Satellite monitoring of thermal stress has enhanced the capacity for the management of coral bleaching events worldwide. Satellite-based monitoring tools provide reef managers with cost-effective observations of temperature conditions to monitor the risk of bleaching and to target in situ observations in areas under stress. This paper describes improvements to satellite remote sensing products from NOAA’s Coral Reef Watch to enhance product coverage and to correct identified errors in the production of coral reef-specific metrics for thermal stress. In addition, threats to the operational production of the thermal stress metrics are considered and a contingency plan is described to ensure continuity of operations.