Fluorescence as a potential indicator of coral health

Distinct coral chlorophyll fluorescence peaks have been measured in the field using an analytical spectral device (ASD) radiometer. Bleached coral reveals a distinctly different reflectance spectra than healthy coral due the presence of photosynthetic pigments. This spectral difference provides the distinction necessary to identify bleached coral from a remote sensing platform with a sensor of spectral sensitivity similar to that of the ASD. Field results are presented, and potential remote sensing applications are discussed in the context of in situ profile radiometer measures for the optical correction of hyperspectral airborne imagery