Sea‑temperature surge alarms reef monitors, prompts federal response

The Costa Mar Reef Monitoring Network reported on Tuesday that surface water at the Cayo Verde monitoring station reached 30.5 °C, three degrees above the seasonal average of 27 °C. The measurement, taken at 09:30 local time, came from a sensor maintained by the Federal Hydro Authority in partnership with the network. Analysts flagged the reading as the highest recorded for July since the network began operations in 2003.

Coral colonies on the nearby fringing reef showed early signs of bleaching, according to Dr. Elena García of the Marine Ministry in Puerto Azul. The Ministry’s rapid‑assessment team recorded a 12 % loss of live coral cover in the surveyed transects, a rate that could accelerate if warm conditions persist. Simultaneously, the mangrove monitoring station at Laguna Dorada recorded a 15 % increase in leaf litter, indicating stress from higher salinity and temperature.

Federal officials convened an emergency briefing on Wednesday, led by the Federal Cultural Affairs Minister. The Minister emphasized the need to align fisheries quotas with the deteriorating habitat, noting that the current allocation for small‑boat fishers may become unsustainable. Governor Solomon Adeyemi of Costa Mar echoed the concern, urging the Federal Council to consider a temporary reduction in catch limits for the affected sectors.

The network plans to issue a weekly bulletin on temperature trends, while the Ministry will present a draft amendment to the Federal Assembly’s Fisheries Committee on Friday. The forthcoming discussion will determine whether emergency measures will be adopted before the next quarterly review.