2020 Keppel Island bleaching Study

Data sets were intended to provide estimates of bleaching at the height of the 2020 bleaching event in the Keppel Islands and allow documentation of recover over the following 6-months

• Photo transects were completed in March, June and October 2020 at a maximum of 17 sites (a mix of upper and lower reef slope sites). Spot check photo surveys were undertaken in June 2020 at an additional 25 sites.

• Photos from transects were sampled as per AIMS LTMP methods in Jonker et al. 2008. Spot check photos were sampled using a similar method.

• Data were collected from tagged colonies of A.millepora at 4 locations. Approximately 350 colonies were tagged across Shelving Bay, Halfway, Mazie and Pumpkin Island.

• Data were analysed using a number of statistical analyses (glm, glmm) in order to identify changes in coral cover and bleaching between sites and depths and time periods.

• The relationship between eReef derived temperatures and currents and both bleaching and rates of recovery from bleaching were also examined.

This study examined the following parameters:

Abundance of coral biota

Taxonomic identity of biota

Bleaching status of biota

Rates of water flow

Water temperatures