NESP TWQ 5.7: Spatial Variability of Coral Bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef, 2016-2017

NESP TWQ Project 5.7 by AIMS provides a desktop analysis of coral bleaching observations from the Great Barrier Reef following events in 2016 and 2017. The analysis delivered a quantitative assessment of spatial variability in bleaching severity and mortality, a comparison of observations from multiple organizations, and science communication materials. The project extended on temperature logger analysis from a prior NESP project.

Use Cases

• Modeling spatial patterns of coral bleaching severity based on the quantitative assessment of variability.
• Comparing bleaching observation methodologies based on the analysis of data from AIMS, GBRMPA, JCU, and the COTS control team.
• Developing communication strategies for reef stakeholders based on the project's engagement with tourist operators, managers, and media.

Strengths

• Analysis is based on observations from back-to-back bleaching events in 2016 and 2017, providing a multi-year perspective.
• Compares data from multiple observer organizations (AIMS, GBRMPA, JCU, AMPTO) using varied methods.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Data may reflect geographic and temporal bias inherent to the specific bleaching events observed.

Provenance

Source

Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) via the Australian Ocean Data Network.

Collection Method

Desktop analysis of existing bleaching observations and data.

Time Range

Focuses on bleaching events in 2016 and 2017; project conducted 2018-2019.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-07-10 12:57:06.047670; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Great Barrier Reef, Australia.