Zooplankton feeding by corals underestimated

Research by marine biologists from Wageningen University has shown that feeding on zooplankton by scleractinian corals has been greatly underestimated.

Octocorals found to be reef builders

Scientists from Taiwan and Israel have found that octocorals are important reef builders. This exciting discovery makes us rethink the very nature of coral reefs.

Flatworms compete with corals for zooplankton

Epizoic coral flatworms have been found to compete with their coral host for zooplankton. This finding is in agreement with the theory that symbiotic coral flatworms are parasitic.

Small polyps do capture zooplankton

Small polyped stony corals are often believed to simply rely on strong lighting and dissolved nutrients. But even these corals capture significant amounts of plankton.

The SECORE project

Written by Tim Wijgerde

Scientists are now sexually reproducing corals! This is a very challenging undertaking, which will greatly benefit coral reefs in the future. Check their weblog from August 7 onwards to find out about their accomplishments!

Sexual reproduction of corals is a very challenging undertaking, which could greatly benefit coral reefs in the future. A collaboration between several scientists, called SECORE (short for Sexual Coral Reproduction), is now dedicated to this mission. The project started in 2001, led by marine biologists Dirk Petersen and Michaël Laterveer.

Acropora palmata Although asexual reproduction (or fragmentation) is already very common, it does not increase genetic diversity. Generating this diversity amongst corals in captivity is crucial, which might allow future restoration of reefs with specimens that are more resilient against pathogens and global warming. However, scientists think this process should be carried out with great care, as introducing new corals could cause an genetical and ecological inbalance. Next to restoration applications, SECORE generates backup populations of endangered coral species which are genetically diverse, in various zoos and public aquaria around the word.

This month, scientists and aquarists from all over the world will gather for the 4^th SECORE workshop in Puerto Rico. They will collect eggs and sperm from the Caribbean species Acropora palmata to obtain new offspring, during the annual August spawnings. The eggs and larvae will be fertilized in vitro, after which planula larvae will develop.

Acropora cervicornis

The larvae will be taken home by the participants, and transferred to several aquaculture systems. This effectively generates a large Acropora palmata collection which is genetically diverse. Research on cryogenic preservation of the larvae is also part of the project, which will be the basis of a future coral species databank.

Very soon, 28 participants will travel to Puerto Rico to collect and fertilize new A. palmata eggs! Check their weblog from August 7 onwards to find out about their accomplishments!

Please visit www.secore.org!

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Zooplankton feeding by corals underestimated

Octocorals found to be reef builders

Flatworms compete with corals for zooplankton

Small polyps do capture zooplankton