Coral bleaching response plan 2017

Abstract

This Coral Bleaching Response Plan has been developed to guide the Task Force and partners in detecting, assessing and responding to coral bleaching events in the Maldives. Primary responsibility for implementing the Coral Bleaching Response Plan (CBRP) lies with the Task Force, comprising the Marine Research Centre, Environmental Protection Agency and Coast Guard. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) first developed a coral bleaching response plan (now the risk and impact assessment plan) in 2002, as part of a response to a bleaching event that occurred in the late summer (February and March) of that year. This plan is now central to preparations and response actions every summer in the Great Barrier Reef. The Maldives CBRP builds on this international experience to provide a best-practice framework for responding to coral bleaching events in the Maldives.