A healthy coral ecosystem with fish in Hawaii. Photo by James Watt.

Symbionts within a coral polyp. Photo by Emily Howells.

American Samoa reefs before and after a bleaching event. XL CATLIN SEAVIEW SURVEY.

“Coral Bleaching: An On-Again-Off-Again Relationship”

Carly Scott (Ecology, Evolution and Behavior Graduate Program)

You’ve probably seen photos of completely white – or bleached – coral reefs. This bleaching happens as sea temperatures rise and can be deadly for corals. However, coral bleaching is really the “break-up” between the coral animal and tiny algae partners that live within their cells. Who are these partners? What causes this relationship breakdown? Why are some corals more resistant to warming seas than others?

Through this talk, you’ll explore the relationship between corals and their algae and how scientists assess which reefs are most at risk.

Science Under the Stars is a free public outreach lecture series in Austin, Texas. The talk will be held outdoors at Brackenridge Field Laboratory, 2907 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, Texas 78703.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SUtS requests that visitors follow CDC and UT Austin-recommended guidelines to ensure the safety of all in attendance:

• Before attending the event, take the CDC’s online Coronavirus Self-Checker to ensure you are not experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms. If you are experiencing symptoms, please get tested and stay home.
• SUtS highly recommends masking for all attendees.
• At this time, SUtS will not be providing food or drinks to reduce the need to remove masks, please plan accordingly.
• Maintain a physical distance of at least six feet between yourself and others, seating will be spaced appropriately.
• Use the provided hand sanitizer and wash your hands (for at least 20 seconds) frequently.

For those who still prefer to attend virtually, SUtS will be streaming the talk live on their YouTube channel. Please tune in at 8pm CST. Feel free to post questions for the speaker in the comments and email scienceunderthestars@gmail.com with any issues.

**In order to be notified of changes in the program, due to inclement weather or for other reasons, you can subscribe to their emails, their blog, their YouTube channel, or their Facebook page.**

Here’s the schedule for this month’s event:

• 7:00 pm: Kid’s activities and natural history displays of local animals and plants found at Brackenridge Field Laboratory 
• 7:15 pm-7:45 pm: Guided tour of the field lab (wear sturdy shoes and bring water)!
• 8:00 pm: Settle in, because the talk begins now!
• 8:45 pm: Q&A with the speaker