Changes in Chlorophyll a concentration in coral Porites compressa in The Nay of Band Bay

Chlorophyll a concentration as one of the zooxanthellae's photosynthesis pigments shows coral's health. To determine the chlorophyll a concentration in Porites compressa in Persian Gulf two locations in North and South of Nay Band Bay was chosen. Sampling was conducted by underwater scuba diving in February, May and August in 2008 which the highest mean concentration of chlorophyll a was 0.828±0.043 μg/cm2 in south of Nay Band Bay in cold season and the lowest mean concentration of chlorophyll a was 0.604±0.048 μg/cm2 in north of Nay Band Bay in warm season that have significant differences (P<0.05). The objective of this study was to determine the chlorophyll a concentration in Porites compressa to estimate coral reefs health of Nay Band Bay, finally it was found that Corals in North of Nay Band Bay, which are closer to the petrochemical pollution sources, showed more signs of degradation in comparison of the corals in south of Nay Band Bay which are farther away from these industries.