Marine Biology

Light

Light is one of the most important factors limiting coral reefs. Reef-building corals contain symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) in its tissue, and for these algae sufficient light must be available for carrying out photosynthesis. Without sufficient light, these algae cannot survive and this leads to the death of the corals. Even if the water is shallow and warm, coral cannot survive if those waters are loaded with sediments as this blocks critical sunlight from penetrating far below the surface.