11th ICRS Abstract book - Nova Southeastern University

Poster Mini-Symposium 13: Evolution and Conservation of Coral Reef Ecosystems
13.427
Genetic Links Between Adult Size And Larval Quality in A Coral-Reef Fish
Darren JOHNSON* 1 , Flower MOYE 1 , Mark CHRISTIE 1 , Mark HIXON 1
1 Zoology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
Wild populations of fish may evolve in response to direct selection on traits such as adult
size and growth rate. However, some traits may evolve indirectly through genetic
correlations with traits that are under direct selection. We evaluated the degree to which
traits that affect the survival of larval fish (size at hatching and swimming performance)
may evolve in response to selection on adult size in bicolor damselfish (Stegastes
partitus) in the Bahamas. To estimate the genetic covariance between adult size and
larval quality, we combined mark-recapture demographic studies with quantitative
genetic analyses. Using standard quantitative genetic methods, we compared the
asymptotic size of adult males to the size and swimming performance of their larval
offspring. Results from both natural breeding and a cross-fostering experiment (demersal
eggs reared by either fathers or non-fathers) indicated that size of the male parent was
strongly and positively correlated with both the size and swimming performance of larval
offspring. Based on this information, we could predict how quickly larval quality may
change in response to selection on adult size. For example, removing the largest 10% of
adults would reduce average larval size by 0.107 SD per generation. Such a change is
estimated to reduce the relative rate of post-settlement survival by 6% in one generation.
Because the dynamics of many fish populations are sensitive to changes in survival of
early life history stages, these results suggest that even moderate rates of selection on
adult size can have substantial consequences for population viability.
13.428
Application Of The Neutral Theory To Reef Fish Trophic Groups
Elizabeth H. M. TYLER* 1 , Andrea MANICA 1
1 Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
One of the key questions in ecology is what controls community structure and
biodiversity. The Unified Neutral Theory of Biodiversity (UNTB) proposes a simple
model in which community structure is the result of stochastic processes with all species
behaving in an identical manner. The theory has sparked controversy, with most effort
being devoted to testing whether a few communities (most notably trees and corals)
follow a neutral dynamic. We take a novel step forward by comparing how several
communities from the same taxon vary in their fundamental characteristics (i.e.
speciation rate and migration) according to the neutral theory. Coral reef fish provide an
ideal study system, as they allow the comparison of several communities (different
trophic groups) within one taxon, that only obviously differ in the type of resources
(food) they use. We sampled the relative abundance of all fish species at three islands in
the Lizard Island Group, Great Barrier Reef, using four sites per island and 16 samples
per site (n = 192). We divided species into trophic groups based on the relative
dominance of different components in their diet from published sources. We estimated
values of θ (speciation rate) and ν (migration rate) for each community. Speciation rate
changed systematically with trophic level, with higher speciation rates at lower trophic
levels. Migration rates, on the other hand, were relatively similar across communities, as
we might expect from communities from the same taxon. Overall, our results imply that
trophic groups differ in their community structuring rules. Understanding the intrinsic
ecological and evolutionary processes governing trophic groups could help to predict
their response to perturbation. This may allow conservation actions to be targeted to
specific trophic groups for the management of coral reef health.
13.429
The Introduction of Lutjanus kasmira to the Hawaiian Islands: Using genetics to
investigate an invasion
Michelle GAITHER* 1 , Serge PLANES 2 , Rob TOONEN 1 , Ross ROBERTSON 3 , John
CHOAT 4 , Vanessa MESSMER 2 , Brian BOWEN 1
1 Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaii, Kaneohe, HI, 2 University of
Perpignan, Perpignan, France, 3 Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Washington DC, DC,
4 James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
Here we use molecular techniques to characterize the introduction of the blue-lined snapper
Lutjanus kasmira (Lutjanidae) to the Hawaiian Islands. L. kasmira inhabits coral reefs
throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans; however, it is not native to the Hawaiian archipelago.
In the 1950’s the Hawaii Division of Fish and Game introduced a total of 3,163 L. kasmira from
Moorea and the Marquesas Islands to the Hawaiian Island of Oahu. Following their
introduction, L. kasmira quickly spread throughout the archipelago at a rate of approximately
60 km/year. Analysis of mitochondrial cytochrome b and 2 nuclear introns have shown little
genetic structure across the Indo-Pacific range with the exception of the Marquesas Islands.
This population is highly divergent from the rest of the Pacific and Indian Ocean populations.
When comparing the two source populations we observe a 5.5% divergence in the
mitochondrial control region and strong population structure in the nuclear genome (Fst = 0.49).
Based on the high level of genetic divergence between the two source populations we have
demonstrated that descendents of fish from both Moorea and the Marquesas are present
throughout the archipelago and have colonized with seemingly equal success. We found no
indication of a loss of genetic diversity either during the initial introduction or during the
subsequent spread and establishment of this species.
13.430
Communities And Nature Bond – “adopt The Coral” in Les Village, Bali-Indonesia
Fransiska PRIHADI* 1 , Cipto Aji GUNAWAN 2
1 Adopt the Coral, Denpasar, Indonesia, 2 Adopt the Coral, Sanur, Indonesia
When the term community is used, the first thing that usually comes to mind is a place in which
people know and care for one another. The word community it self means a mixture of living
things that share an environment. The individual living beings can be plant or animal; any
species; any size. Sharing interaction in various ways is the character of a community. The best
force of community is that all individual subjects in the mix have something in common.
“Adopt the Coral” is a community based strategy for coral conservation. The main goal is to
encourage the main idea of Taking Care environment and have more direct people’s
involvement (fisherman, supporters/adopters).
It allows individuals to adopt coral by contributing an initial adoption and annual fee. Adopters
are given coral image reports to monitor the growth of the corals four times a year. The coral
transplantation method was chosen amongst other available method (example: Reef balls)
because it is easier and require no advance technology. This method also involve a lot of people
in the process, therefore it support community empowerment and provide alternative livelihood.
The program started first in Les Village, Bali since 2005. It is now run by an independent team
collaborating with Mina Bhakti Soansari fishermen group that coordinate and conduct the Coral
Transplantation - Maintenance process.
“Adopt the Coral” becomes a foundation for other positive development which is:
- environment rehabilitation
- other livelihood resource: ornamental fish
- underwater tourism potential
In this paper we provide “Adopt the Coral” initiative as a tool in mass advocating to reduce
activities that will damage corals. This strategy will give more time for coral to recover
naturally.
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