The Great Coral Reef "On Fire"

"This year’s extreme heat is putting the world’s coral reefs under such severe stress that scientists fear widespread die-offs, endangering not only the richest ecosystems in the ocean but also fisheries that feed millions of people" (Gillis, New York Times). The coral reef stretching across a large portion of the world has begun to shows signs of stress, such a bleeding and shredding their bright colors. Scientists have said that this is the second time there has been a large bleeding of the reef, but they are hoping this recent event won't be so bad or intense. It will take months to know how bad this years toll on the reefs has been, and if the year continues in large monsoons the bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef may cause some problems.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/21/science/earth/21coral.html?hp