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Picture yourself over 100 miles from land, in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico. At times, the seas can be very unforgiving, and the weather can turn foul in an instant. But here, in the midst of this unpredictable Gulf, lie three of the most beautiful and wild places in all the world. Manta rays, whale sharks, coral heads bigger than cars, hundreds of species of fish and invertebrates... This place teems with life! |
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Seaside Chats 2017
This year's topics are themed around the sanctuary's 25th anniversary. From sanctuary history to iconic wildlife such as manta rays and spawning corals, we hope you'll help us kick off this celebratory year!
February 8 Manta Mysteries and More!
February 15 Celebrating 25 Years!
February 22 Reef Romance
Where: Sea Star Base Galveston, 7509 Broadway, Galveston, Texas 77554
When: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Seaside Chats are informal presentations about ocean topics associated with Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary and the Gulf of Mexico.
Learn more...
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Major Coral Bleaching Event
Almost 50% of the reef is bleaching or paling at East Flower Garden Bank. Image: FGBNMS/Hickerson
On the heels of the mass mortality event in July 2016, the corals of Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary are now faced with a separate major bleaching event. Sanctuary researchers report that almost 50% of the coral colonies in a study site at East Flower Garden Bank were bleached or paling (in the process of bleaching) as of October 5, 2016.
Sea surface temperatures have been over 30°C (86°F) for 85 days of the past four months, putting the sanctuary in the midst of one of the worst coral bleaching events on record. While the past week has seen temperatures drop slightly to 29°C (84°F), if these warm water conditions continue, the corals may starve and die.
Learn more... |
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Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary
4700 Avenue U, Building 216
Galveston, TX 77551
p) 409-621-5151
f) 409-621-1316
flowergarden@noaa.gov
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