Temperature is a all-round factor that impacts both land and marine life. In the water, temperature can be the driving force for lifeforms. As the temperature of water warms, it can even simply lower the density of the water, which in turn leads to the reduction of nutrient concentrations in the water. Furthermore, this lessens the levels of plankton, which then may reduce the number of fish. In the warmer months, temperatures can climb to 36 Degrees, while a typical winter day sits around a 25 degree average.

Changes of salinity in the ocean is a large factor in the distribution of marine life; salinity is fundamental in changing components, dynamics, and structure of aquatic ecosystems. Ningaloo's average salinity levels sits at about 32 to 42 parts per thousand.

Obviously, water is a extreme abiotic factor that is the foundation for Ningaloo Reef to exist at all, from rain; to hydrate land life forms, to the ocean that creates marine life.

Water Factors: 

• pH levels: (8.45-8.43)

Keeping pH levels in a normal range is a essential component for coral growth, letting them to dispose of their calcium skeletons, which is harder to do so in lower pH levels. Constant fluctuation of pH levels also link to causes of coral bleaching and stress.

• Rainfall: Average Annual Precipitation of 260mm

Dissolved Oxygen is still essential for marine life, even despite residing in the water. While humans and animals intake oxygen straight from the air around us, aquatic life absorbs oxygen that has become dissolved through the water. Without enough oxygen becoming absorbed into the water, it can lead to causing Hypoxia, where marine life are absorbing oxygen to quickly before it can be replaced. This can lead to fish, coral and other life becoming stressed and can eventually lead to death.

Aquatic ecosystems are still effected by the rising and falling of sea levels. If the water levels fall too much, it can separate animals from the water and land too far, which can prove to be a struggle for some species, or can dry out ecosystems and life forms like coral. Currently, Ningaloo reef is located between shallow waters of 0 meters below to depths of 30 meters below mean sea levels.

Another lesser known Abiotic factor is sand sediments, or any other form of sediments that are heavy enough to sit at the bottom of coral reefs without being swept further out into the sea. Erosion both in and outside of the water, as well as the decomposition of bones and coral/animal residue can all cause sediments, which source nutrients for the reef. But the excess of sediment levels can cause:

• Uneven seabed - unsuitable for coral larvae to grow.

• Causes coral diseases

• Negatively influencing the feeding behaviors of reef fish.