NOAA warns of high sea temps in Caribbean

U.S. scientists say warm ocean temperatures predicted to persist through October in the Caribbean and the central Gulf of Mexico could mean the loss of huge swaths of corals across the regions.The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Coral Reef Watch network issued the warning Wednesday. It says conditions may lead to coral disease outbreaks and bleaching, when the stressed organisms expel the colorful algae living in their tissues, leaving a whitish color.Coral bleaching that lasts more than a week can kill the organisms, since they rely on the algae for sustenance, leading to the loss of reef habitat for numerous marine species.Scientists hope the early warnings will lead governments to take protective steps.