Development of a Reef Resiliency Index

Development of a Reef Resiliency Index

The Great Barrier Reef Foundation (GBRF) funds research that protects and preserves the Great Barrier Reef, particularly in the face of climate change. In April 2012, GBRF hosted a workshop to chart a vision for assessing the vulnerability of the Great Barrier Reef to climate change through the development of a climate vulnerability index. Major climate impacts already being manifested include: sea surface temperature-induced coral bleaching, coral skeletal degradation due to ocean acidification, and relative sea level rise leading to inundation of mangroves. The development of a climate vulnerability index would provide a probability-based assessment of the likelihood of damage due to climate, and is designed to complement the Great Barrier Reef report card. IAN's role was to prepare a summary newsletter detailing the vision for the development of a Climate Vulnerability Index for the Great Barrier Reef.

 

Key Personnel

Bill Dennison
UMCES Interim President
Heath Kelsey
IAN Director
Jane Thomas
Science Communicator

Timeframe

  • Start: 2012-04-01
  • Finish: 2012-12-31
  • Duration: 8 months