Coral reef systems in South Florida thrive in clear, clean water. Coral reef systems generally form over porous limestones, which provide pathways for the movement of both toxic and nutrient-rich ground water. Small increases in the nutrient content of coastal waters, associated with stormwater runoff containing fertilizer and discharge of sewage into the limestone, may upset the fragile balance necessary to maintain the health of coral reefs. Coastal pollution studies will improve our ability to predict the processes by which pollutants affect the health of Florida's coral reef systems. The study of growth bands in cores taken from mounds such as the star coral allows researchers to study past coral growth in much the same way foresters study tree growth by counting and measuring tree rings.

A healthy coral mound of pillar coral (Dendrogyra cylindrus), staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis), and lettuce coral (Agaricia agaricites).

Here a healthy coral extends its polyps (finger-like fleshy 'tentacles') for feeding. Exposure to pollutants such as oil can cause the polyps to stay retracted in the coral's hard skeleton.

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