Ecological implications of increased temperature based on Panel Regression analysis of Talim Bay reefs

Fluctuations in sea surface temperatures are known to be an important driver of mass coral bleaching. Hence, we sought to quantify change in coral cover with changes in temperature using panel regression analysis on 2010 to 2013 data from Lian, Batangas. temperature data were obtained by satellite data and by recorded values from thermistors deployed at approximately 5m depth, while benthic cover were derived from five randomly positioned 50m phototransects in the same monitoring stations. Results show that on average, about 1.5% hard coral cover is lost per degree Celsius rise in satellite-derived temperature. The relationship data was used to infer on the potential ecological implications and effects on hard corals when temperatures rise.