[Coral-List] threatened coral

[Nicole Crane]

Hi Steve,

Giacomo Bernardi and I (Nicole Crane) both work out in the Micronesian 
outer islands - specifically Yap state (Ulithi Atoll and outer 
islands).  We are out there at least once per year (and in Guam too).  
We routinely collect samples for genetic analyses, and would be happy to 
help if we can.  We did discover a 'new' species of 'invasive' (but 
possibly endemic or at least native) coral there a couple of years ago, 
and we are monitoring its expansion over the reef (it grows very 
quickly).  Let us know if can help in any way.

best

Nicole

On 8/31/14, 2:21 PM, Steve Palumbi wrote:
> Hi all, The NOAA list of threatened corals has a number of Acropora species in the Pacific shared by Guam, Samoa, the Northern Marianas, or the remote Pacific islands: Acropora speciosa, A. retusa, and A. globiceps. How many people in the world can positively identify them? Can we create a way to do this more easily? Are they actually the same species across this vast range? I am wondering if a very specific application of traditional and molecular taxonomy might help.
>
> First, who in the world currently has the expertise and experience to identify these corals? I am asking for people who have, or know who has, to chime in here and I'll construct the list.
>
> Second, can we get these people to locations in Samoa, Guam etc, to collect and positively identify specimens?
>
> Third, can we use these voucher specimens to define molecular genetic traits across the genome that would distinguish the species from other similar ones? And by comparing vouchers from the same species from different locations could we confirm these vouchers actually belong to the same biological species?
>
> Fourth, would agency biologists in the field find this a useful and positive activity that may help them define their response to the recent listing?
>
> I'm curious about the List's opinions here and if there are additional approaches that might be valuable.
>
> best
> Steve
> **********************************
> Stephen R. Palumbi
> Harold A Miller Director, Hopkins Marine Station
> Jane and Marshall Steel Professor of Biology
> Stanford University
>
>
>
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-- 
Nicole L. Crane
Cabrillo College
Division of Natural and Applied Sciences
831-479-5094
nicrane at cabrillo.edu
www.cabrillo.edu/~ncrane

Oceanic Society
Senior Conservation Scientist
www.oceanicsociety.org