1.   Because less water is being diverted from the Delta for cities and farms, the benefits of freshwater runoff are seen farther downstream.

2.   If the spring rains come in torrents, the bay takes on the freshwater runoff and the salinity of the bay changes.

3.   In San Francisco Bay and adjoining wetlands, the heavy freshwater runoff flushes out the Bay and reduces the salinity level, especially in the South Bay.

4.   High water temperatures and freshwater runoff caused coral bleaching in reefs off Queensland, said a spokesman for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

5.   High water temperatures and freshwater runoff caused coral bleaching in reefs from Bundaberg to Cooktown.