GoM coral reef dying off

Scientists and researchers with the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management claim a coral reef of the East Flower Garden Bank marine sanctuary in the Gulf of Mexico is dying off. ONMS chief scientist Steve Gittings reported federal scientists are studying the large-scale event, but have not pin-pointed a known cause. The sanctuary is about 100 miles off the coasts of Louisiana and Texas. Researchers are reporting unprecedented numbers of dying corals, sponges, sea urchins, brittle stars, clams and other invertebrates, Gittings said. Sport divers discovered, and alerted federal scientists, of hazy water and patches of white mats coating corals and sponges July 25. NOAA is asking the public to avoid diving, fishing, and boating on the East Flower Garden Bank until the mortality event is better understood. The Gulf of Mexico coral reefs are considered healthy and stable compared to others around the world. (Source: The Associated Press 07/30/16)