Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 14 hours ago
In early July 2026, scientists at AOML observed the first signs of coral bleaching at Cheeca Rocks, a shallow inshore patch reef and long-term environmental monitoring site under the National Coral Reef Monitoring Program (NCRMP). Any coral bleaching is concerning, but visible coral stress this early in the summer season does not bode well for the health of our reefs.
Data from Dr. Manzello’s group at NOAA’s Coral Reef Watch indicates that the Cheeca Rocks Reef is experiencing heat stress even earlier than in 2023, a year when we documented complete bleaching and widespread mortality of soft corals. Given Cheeca’s economic, ecological, and scientific value, we are monitoring the situation closely.
In early July 2026, scientists at AOML observed the first signs of coral bleaching at Cheeca Rocks, a shallow inshore patch reef and long-term environmental monitoring site under the National Coral Reef Monitoring Program (NCRMP). Any coral bleaching is concerning, but visible coral stress this early in the summer season does not bode well for the health of our reefs.
Data from Dr. Manzello’s group at NOAA’s Coral Reef Watch indicates that the Cheeca Rocks Reef is experiencing heat stress even earlier than in 2023, a year when we documented complete bleaching and widespread mortality of soft corals. Given Cheeca’s economic, ecological, and scientific value, we are monitoring the situation closely.
