[Coral-List] Fwd: exotic or invasive? introduction of Caribbean acroporiids to the pacific

[Esther Peters]

Hi Damien and All,

At this time, I would say PLEASE DO NOT DO THIS!

I have found all Caribbean elkhorn and staghorn corals and their hybrids 
that I have examined histologically (from throughout the Caribbean, 
1970s to present) to be chronically infected with a primitive bacterium 
(Rickettsiales?). This bacterium infects and kills their mucocytes and 
may be contributing to the appearance of the tissue-loss disease 
outbreaks when the corals are further stressed by seawater temperature 
changes, nutrient loading, or reductions in zooplankton and other 
non-/Symbiodinium/ food resources. We have many questions.

Similar-appearing suspect bacteria have also been observed in 
Indo-Pacific corals. Did they arrive in the Caribbean after the Panama 
canal opened or were they introduced by discharging of wastewaters from 
aquaria that kept Indo-Pacific corals? Are they related, and if so, how 
closely? Do they also contribute to diseases in the Indo-Pacific corals?

One of the biggest problems we have with globalization and species 
transfers is the transfer of microscopic biotic parasites and pathogens 
to new hosts who are highly susceptible to developing disease as a 
result. As Vassil notes, serious scientific preparation and professional 
responsibility are required with any introduction or transfer, but the 
lack of such has no doubt contributed to species' extinctions. There is 
so much we need to understand from a transdisciplinary perspective. 
Invoking the precautionary principle, we cannot go there now, these 
species are no longer what they used to be!

Esther Peters, Ph.D.

Department of Environmental Science & Policy

George Mason University

On 12/18/2018 9:57 AM, Vassil Zlatarski via Coral-List wrote:
> Indeed, very interesting.  Nevertheless, any action requires very serious
> scientific preparation and professional responsibility.
>
> A joyful Holiday Season!
>
> Vassil
>
> Vassil Zlatarski
> D.Sc (Biology), Ph.D. (Geology)
>
>
>
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ---------
> From: Bill Raymond via Coral-List <coral-list at coral.aoml.noaa.gov>
> Date: Mon, Dec 17, 2018 at 7:35 PM
> Subject: Re: [Coral-List] exotic or invasive? introduction of Caribbean
> acroporiids to the pacific
> To: <coral-list at coral.aoml.noaa.gov>, Damien Beri <beridl at g.cofc.edu>
>
>
>   Very interesting! I hope you get some answers, and I hope you get the
> chance to find out for yourself. Bravo.
>      On Monday, December 17, 2018, 4:17:10 PM EST, Damien Beri via
> Coral-List <coral-list at coral.aoml.noaa.gov> wrote:
>
>   Hello coral listers,
>
> I have a question on what might happen if one was to introduce Caribbean
> Elkhorn and Staghorn coral back into the Pacific?
>
> It is my understanding an ancestor of the two produced pelagic larvae,
> containing zooxanthellae and stored nutrients to make a rare oceanic
> crossing. A majority of Caribbean corals reproduce this way I believe.
>
>
> I ask this hypothetical question on the basis of curiosity, and extinction
> prevention. Re-introduction of species will probably be a more suitable
> topic 50 years down the road.
>
> Warm regards,
> Damien Beri
>
> -Masters In Marine Conservation and Policy
> Stony Brook University
>
> -Regulatory Compliance Intern
> Billion Oyster Project
>
> -Founder
> Reefined Arts Coral Restoration
>
>
>
>
>
>
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