The Coral List reports " Coral Cay Conservation is currently initiating a major series of baseline surveys in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Initial observations have reported significant coral bleaching, reaching 60-70% at some depths. Interestingly the water is much colder than normal (approximately 23 degrees) and there are also extensive plankton blooms. If anyone else has similar observations from this area I would be keen to hear about them. I would also appreciate comments on whether these oceanographic conditions are typical for the area at this time of year or perhaps linked to El Nino.

I hope to post more detailed data on the extent of coral bleaching over the next few months."Silvia Izquierdo --Alastair Harborne <ccc@coralcay.demon.co.uk; http://www.coralcay.org>.