The Japanese researcher Kawaguti published two papers on coral coloration back in the 1940s. He speculated (correctly) that light was a major factor, but also reported that temperature, hydrogen peroxide, and (if memory serves) pH affected color. Very interesting works but the devices available then simply do not compare to what we have today. It is my intent to repeat his experiments in much more detail.
I have published PAR values taken in the clear, oceanic waters off the coast of Kona, Hawaii. Then used that to apply Jerlov's attenuation factors to arrive at PAR values at depth in oceanic and coastal types waters. This is buried in the research I did over the last 18 years while in Hawaii. I'll report back when I find it.
Yes, Marine Optics. I think I've got those factors in an Excel sheet. If so, I can send privately if you wish.
I now have reason to believe greening is related to spectral quality. I've got some experiments going.
There are a few Dendronephthya species that contain zooxanthellae, although most do not. It is unfortunate that these researchers didn't determine if these Dendros contained symbionts. We do see fluorescence in some animals that are not photosynthetic (such as some large creepy scorpions I recently saw displayed under a black light in a local shop) - but is the fluorescent protein acting as a UV sunscreen? Nature loves to confound us!
Likely light related, and more specifically due to increase of UV through blue wavelengths. It would be great if you could share more details.
