Coral Reef Fluorescence

Many corals produce certain proteins that absorb higher energy blue and violet light. The absorbed light is the re-emitted at lower energy wavelengths such as the brilliant greens you see in this video.The exact function of these proteins is not yet known, but one theory is that they serve to protect the delicate coral tissues from potentially damaging light radiation (blue, violet, UV, etc.).

The ongoing study is part of a growing interest in coral fluorescence among the scientific community. Coral Fluorescence was recently found to be a strong indicator of coral health, and coral fluorescence can even be used to determine when coral larvae are ready to settle. The footage was captured using a super macro camera to study the biology of corals in question and microscopic fauna living among this mysterious ecosystem.

Coral Guardian focus its research on coral reefs, marine ecosystems that protect coastlines, support tourism and provide nutrition to many island nations. The global deterioration in the quality of these ecosystems has been widely reported over the last 40 years, reflecting the complex interaction between climate change stressors (thermal anomalies, ocean acidification and storms) and chronic or acute local impacts (coastal development, pollution and over-fishing). But, some corals survive, and even thrive in the same conditions that rapidly kill others.

Coral Guardian seeks to better understand the biological underpinnings of this variability by defining traits that associate with environmental sensitivity and resistance in corals, and with the resilience of reefs. Our goal in conducting this research is to contribute basic and applied scientific knowledge that expands understanding of how coral reefs function, and informs the management and conservation of these beautiful but threatened ecosystems.

Produced by Coral Guardian - www.coralguardian.org
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