Sad Bleaching. Pemphis acidula, Shrubby Coral Pemphis, Tapuaeta'i, Aitutaki, Cook Islands
You'll see lots of Shrubby Coral Pemphis as you walk around this small island, part of a series of islets protecting Aitutaki's emerald green lagoon. Likely you'll go snorkeling as well... And you''ll probably be dismayed by the extensive coral bleaching - that's the dying of coral - here in this relatively remote part of the Pacific. Water temperatures of over 30 C - recorded here in 2017 - cannot long sustain the survival of coral, and that's how this part of Earth's heritage is turning into gritty sand.
The island - also called Postman's Island - is on the right; Tekopua is on the left.
PS Please bear with me: internet here is rather problematic.
Sad Bleaching. Pemphis acidula, Shrubby Coral Pemphis, Tapuaeta'i, Aitutaki, Cook Islands
You'll see lots of Shrubby Coral Pemphis as you walk around this small island, part of a series of islets protecting Aitutaki's emerald green lagoon. Likely you'll go snorkeling as well... And you''ll probably be dismayed by the extensive coral bleaching - that's the dying of coral - here in this relatively remote part of the Pacific. Water temperatures of over 30 C - recorded here in 2017 - cannot long sustain the survival of coral, and that's how this part of Earth's heritage is turning into gritty sand.
The island - also called Postman's Island - is on the right; Tekopua is on the left.
PS Please bear with me: internet here is rather problematic.