coral.aoml.noaa.govcoral.aoml.noaa.gov/pipermail/coral-list/2011-October.txtFrom david.yellowlees at jcu.edu.au Mon Oct 3 01:07:14 2011 From: david.yellowlees at jcu.edu.au (Yellowlees,

We have had an amazing response to our Call for Abstracts with over 2,200 now submitted. We gave people a couple of days grace beyond the 1 October deadline, and abstract submission was closed at 5.00pm eastern Australian time, Monday 3 October 2011.

Because of the scale of the response over the weekend we have revisited our draft programme to maximise the number of talks that can be accommodated over the five days. We will start earlier, finish later and have a shorter lunch than we had originally planned.

By all indications the final number of delegates is going to be quite large so we have hired an adjoining venue that can seat an additional 1,000 delegates. This will allow us to have more concurrent sessions and accommodate more oral presentations. This venue is across the road from the Cairns Convention Centre.

We will shortly forward the submitted abstracts to each of the 73 Mini-Symposium Chairs for them (and their Co-Chairs) to assess.

If you have submitted an abstract for poster or oral presentation, we will inform you of the Mini-Symposium Chair's decision by 15 December 2011. Please note that you need to register by 1 February 2012 to secure your presentation allocation or it will be offered to another delegate.

We are thrilled at the overwhelming response and thank you for your interest in contributing to ICRS 2012 in July next year.

Terry HughesICRS 2012 Convenor

Professor David Yellowlees l Assistant DirectorARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef StudiesRoom 120, Sir George Fisher CentreJames Cook University, Townsville, Qld 4811 Australia

12th International Coral Reef Symposium (ICRS 2012)9-13 July 2012, Cairns, Australiawww.icrs2012.com

Back in July, Pete Raines drew our attention to an article on the Chagos Archipelago.

It is now published on-line at the Challenger Society website (http://www.challenger-society.org.uk/journals/oceanchallengelatest). It contains:

(1) The article by Charles Sheppard: "/Protecting the Chagos Archipelago - a last chance for Indian Ocean Reefs/?" (Note the original link posted by Pete no longer works);(2) A response by Richard Dunne and Magnus Johnson: "/Return to Chagos - conservation and humanity can go hand-in-hand/";(3) /Letters to the Editor /from David Snoxell and Allen Vincatassin.

Access to all the material requires membership of the Challenger Society, but if Listers wish to contact me I would be happy to send them a copy for research purposes.

Richard P Dunne

> -----Original Message-----> From: coral-list-bounces at coral.aoml.noaa.gov on behalf of Pete Raines> Sent: Sun 7/17/2011 3:02 PM> To: coral-list at coral.aoml.noaa.gov> Subject: [Coral-List] A last chance for Indian Ocean reefs?>> Dear Listers,>> "Protecting the Chagos Archipelago - a last chance for Indian Ocean> reefs?" by Prof. Charles Sheppard is available at> http://www.challenger-society.org.uk/node/1095>> Pete Raines MBE> *Founder and CEO> Coral Cay Conservation> www.coralcay.org>

Looking for an exciting job in a great location Please see the details below for an Environmental Microbiologist/Bio-geochemistPost Doc CRN Research Fellow position at ECU, Western Australia.

Interested applicants should contact Prof. Paul Lavery (+08 6304 3447; p.lavery at ecu.edu.au ) to discuss the position before submitting an application.Online application links and further details are available at https://ecu.nga.net.au/cp/index.cfm?audiencetypecode=ext

CheersKathryn--Dr Kathryn McMahonCentre for Marine Ecosystems Research &School of Natural SciencesEdith Cowan University

+61 (0)8 6304 5145k.mcmahon at ecu.edu.au

Post-Doctoral Research Fellow (Level B)Environmental Microbiologist/Bio-geochemistEdith Cowan University has received funding under the Commonwealth'sCollaborative Research Networks (CRN) Program to build productive researchpartnerships in the area of 'Protection of Coastal Ecosystems and Marine ResourceManagement'.This exciting initiative will enable ECU to work with The University of WesternAustralia, and a number of overseas partners to further research efforts into twomain, and inter-connected, areas: Coastal Connectivity and Eco-hydraulics.As part of the team, we are seeking a highly motivated microbiologist/bio-geochemistto undertake research into the role of microbial communities in marine ecosystems.Existing research at ECU has focussed on understanding the mechanisms that resultin connectivity among marine ecosystems, and the significance of that connectivityfor key processes such as marine productivity, biodiversity and genetic linkages.The CRN research will specifically focus on the role of microbial communities in therecycling of marine nutrients, including drifting marine macrophytes. Past researchhas indicted that massive amounts of marine production are exported from reefs andseagrass meadows as drifting 'wrack'. Large amounts of this wrack are notconsumed, suggesting that microbial processes may be critical in recycling thisproductivity. The post-doctoral research will help to address the fundamental lack ofinformation on the microbial communities in marine ecosystems and their functionalimportance.More information on our existing research can be found at http://cmer.ecu.edu.auBased in the School of Natural Sciences, the position will be responsible forcoordinating and undertaking research in the aquatic microbiology/biogeochemistryarea, at least partly through the application of genomic techniques to characterisemicrobial assemblages and their functional forms.The Research Fellow will play a key role in facilitating the collaboration between ECUand its research partners (The University of WA and Otago University) in theCollaborative Research Network. To that end, the Research Fellow is expected towork collaboratively with fellow academics in the School, our partners in the CRNand beyond to contribute in the area of applied microbiology/genomics/biogeochemistry and their application to contemporary issues in themanagement of marine and aquatic ecosystems.The position will work with other researchers in the CRN to establish researchdirections, obtain external funding, supervise research projects and postgraduatestudents.Qualifications1. Ph.D. in microbiology or a closely related field.2. SCUBA qualifications (minimum Open Water or equivalent), drivers licence andboat skippers license (restricted Coxswains or equivalent), or willingness toobtain prior to commencement of position.Experience & Capacities3. Research experience and knowledge in applied microbiology, genomics andbiogeochemistry related to aquatic environments.4. Experience in conducting field-based research in aquatic environments, involvingSCUBA diving and handling of small boat.5. A record of high quality research in the above fields resulting in publications inhigh quality international journals.6. Ability to attract funding through effective liaison with government, industry andthe wider community and to manage research projects to completion;7. Effective organisational and people management skills in relation to the planning,development, implementation, operation and review of research projects andprograms.8. Experience in the planning and implementation of workshops and development ofworkshop outcomes;9. Ability to work collaboratively across multiple organisations10. Experience in the supervision of students undertaking undergraduate projectsand/or postgraduate research degrees.11. A sound understanding of, and ability to work within and contribute to, the healthan safety requirements of the workplace, including instruction and supervision ofstudents and staff under your supervision.Key Accountabilities1. Initiate and conduct high quality research, including: supervision of higherdegrees students; collaborative research with CRN partners and industry; andpublications of high quality international journal articles in relevant areas ofaquatic microbiology including the application of modern genomic methods toenvironmental biogeochemistry and foodweb analysis.2. Maintain close interaction with the CRN research partners, industry andprofessional bodies, to ensure strong communication among the CRN researchpartners3. Ensure delivery of the research outcomes associated with relevant componentsof the CRN4. Provide regular reporting to the CRN leaders on the progress of research projectsunder the Research Fellows supervision.5. Maintain academic and/or professional standing by engaging in a program ofacademic/professional activity and development in their area of expertise.6. Keep abreast of international research trends and outcomes that make significantcontributions to the advancement of applied microbiology, genomics,biogeochemistry knowledge and their applications.7. Comply with occupational health and safety policies and university practices in allaspects of work.8. Other appropriate duties assigned by the relevant line manager.

Forwarded by:

Chico BirrellSchool of Biological Sciences, Goddard Building, University of Queensland, St Lucia Campus, Brisbane, Qld 4072, AustraliaEmail: chico.birrell at uq.edu.au Tel: +61(0)433 724 496Lab website: http://www.marinespatialecologylab.orgAustralian Coral Reef Society: http://www.australiancoralreefsociety.org/

If you want to keep up on what's happening at Biscayne National Park, thereis now an easy way to do it! Just visit http://www.facebook.com/BiscayneNPS, and click on "Like" to get fun wildlife profiles, weekly "HistoryMystery" features, updates on park planning (including the wildlycontroversial 10,500 acre Marine Reserve Zone the park is proposing),inspirational tidbits inspired by the park's resources, and more.

Dear Listers,

I am pleased to post this announcement on behalf of Dr. David Lecchini on the Biology, Ecology and Monitoring of coral reefs.David has been doing a lot of work on fish larvae and recruitment in French Polynesia, but also Fiji, New Caledonia, and some other iconic coral reefs around the Pacific. He, and colleagues with a vast experience in coral reefs (at least in a geographical perspective... most of them have worked in the Pacific, the Indian, the Atlantic, and the Mediterranean), will teach various aspects of coral reef science. Please read the announcement below if you are interested.

Thierry Lison de Loma, PhD

Directeur adjoint / Associate DirectorIRCP (Institut des R?cifs Coralliens du Pacifique / Institute for Pacific Coral Reefs)

CRIOBE (Centre de Recherches Insulaires et Observatoire de l'Environnement) - USR 3278 CNRS-EPHE

BP 1013 PAPETOAI 98729MOOREA - FRENCH POLYNESIAPh: (+689) 561345 / 737002 (Cell)

An international teaching will be conducted about ?Biology, Ecology and Monitoring of coral reefs ?at Perpignan (USR3278 CNRS-EPHE, University of Perpignan, Perpignan, France) from 28th November to 2nd December 2011. During the teaching? week, several scientists working mainly in French Polynesia (B. Delesalle, S.C. Mills, C. Gobin, L. H?douin, J. Claudet, F. F?ral, D. Lecchini, R. Galzin, S. Planes) will teach the different aspects of biology, ecology and monitoring of coral reefs: biology of coral, ecology of fish, taxonomy of fish, population genetics, global warming and global change biology, marine protected areas, coral reef monitoring, ? For additional details, contact Dr. David Lecchini (lecchini at univ-perp.fr)

Dr. Lecchini******************************************************************Dr. David LECCHINIDirecteur d'?tudes EPHEUSR 3278 CNRS - EPHECentre de Recherches Insulaires et Observatoire de l'Environnement (CRIOBE) BP 1013 Papetoai, 98 729 MooreaPolyn?sie fran?aiseTel : (689) 56 13 45Fax : (689) 56 28 15E-mail : lecchini at univ-perp.fr****************************************************************** Teaching programmes

? Biology, Ecology and Monitoring of coral reefs ?

Dates: 28th November to 2nd December 2011Teaching time: 40 hResponsible: Dr. David Lecchini (lecchini at univ-perp.fr)Address: Centre de Biologie et ?cologie tropicale et m?diterran?enne EPHE-CNRS ? University of Perpignan 52, avenue Paul Alduy - 66860 Perpignan - T?l. 04 68 66 21 93Teaching objectives: Overwhelming evidence has now accumulated that the Earth is undergoing a warming phase due to anthropogenic factors and much of this excess heat is stored within the oceans. Over time, this will result in increased environmental variability with serious consequences predicted for marine ecosystems. Coral reefs and their associated fisheries are particularly vulnerable to climate change, yet they provide the major source of protein and livelihoods for many of the poorest people in the world. This gives urgency to the task of determining the impact of climatic phenomena on marine coral, crustacean, mollusks and fishes in tropical environments. For example, climate-envelope models based on thermal tolerances of adult fish predict a gradual 40?50% decline in the productivity of fish populations in coastal tropical areas over the next century due to increasing sea temperatures. This study suggests that extreme climatic events may, intermittently, have even more devastating effects on fish populations, with complete cessation of the replenishment of populations.

During the teaching? week, several scientists working mainly in French Polynesia (B. Delesalle, S.C. Mills, C. Gobin, L. H?douin, J. Claudet, F. F?ral, D. Lecchini, R. Galzin, S. Planes) will teach at Perpignan about different aspects of biology, ecology and monitoring of coral reefs: biology of coral, ecology of fish, taxonomy of fish, population genetics, global warming and global change biology, marine protected areas, coral reef monitoring, ?

For additional details, contact Dr. David Lecchini (lecchini at univ-perp.fr)

Hi JulianI think for coral reef management in Malaysia (at least), the mostimportant would be proper documentation of coral reef system itself,the basic taxonomy (ecology) of the species in the ecosystem (coral,fish, other inverts etc etc) as currently we don't have properdocumentation of those. And after that would be the properdocumentation of the status of coral reefs at various islands atmarine park and non marine park islands.Other than that would be the socioeconomic/anthropology study of theinteraction of various stakeholders and the coral reef ecosystems(villagers, fishers, government agencies, tourism operators, etc etc)thanksmy 2 senyusri

On Wed, Sep 28, 2011 at 9:57 PM, Julian @ Reefcheck Malaysia wrote:> Hi listers>>>> If I were to put together a list of the most important research needs in> coral reef science and management, what should be on the list? What are the> most pressing or important areas that need to be looked at? In my ignorance,> some areas that stand out are:>>>> - ? ? ? ? ?Resilience>> - ? ? ? ? ?Connectivity>> - ? ? ? ? ?Economics>> - ? ? ? ? ?Rehabilitation>> - ? ? ? ? ?Climate change/acidification.>>>> But I am sure listers can improve greatly on this list. I would appreciate> your thoughts.>>>> Thanks and regards,>>>> Julian Hyde>> General Manager>> Reef Check Malaysia Bhd>> 03 2161 5948>> www.reefcheck.org.my>> Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rcmalaysia>>>> "The bottom line of the Millenium Asessment findings is that human actions> are depleting Earth's natural capital, putting such strain on the> environment that the ability of the planet's ecosystems to sustain future> generations can no longer be taken for granted.">>>> _______________________________________________> Coral-List mailing list> Coral-List at coral.aoml.noaa.gov> http://coral.aoml.noaa.gov/mailman/listinfo/coral-list>

-- Yusri YusufInstitute of Oceanography,Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Mengabang Telipot,21030 Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia.

Please post. Thank you.

Announcement

The American Samoan Government is soliciting candidates for the MarineProtected Area Network Specialist (MPA Specialist), working within theGovernor?s Coral Reef Advisory Group (CRAG). The Coral Reef InitiativeCoordinator is the direct supervisor and will be heavily involved inthe day-to-day efforts, as well as the integration of CRAG?s programswith other ongoing federal and territorial efforts, including theFagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary, American Samoa National Parks,and other CRAG activities.? The Chief Fishery Biologist of DMWR willact as a co-supervisor with particular focus concerning the ongoingCommunity-based Fishery Management Program and No-Take Program. ?TheMPA Specialist will be housed at the Department of Commerce (DoC), yetwill work for all of the CRAG agencies rather than any particular one. As such, the Network Specialist will report to the primary agenciesof the Territorial MPA Network and keep them informed of ongoingprogress/activities.

General Description

The Marine Protected Area Network Specialist will build-upon andassist the managed marine network areas as well as implement sectionsof the American Samoa Marine Protected Area Network Strategy (MPANetwork Strategy). The agencies that constitute the MPA Networkinclude the American Samoa Department of Commerce (ASDOC), Departmentof Marine and Wildlife Resources (DMWR), National Park of AmericanSamoa (NPAS), Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary (FBNMS), AmericanSamoa Coastal Management Program (ASCMP), American Samoa EnvironmentalProtection Agency (ASEPA), American Samoa Community College (ASCC),Department of Parks and Recreation (ASDPR), and the Office of SamoanAffairs.

The MPA Network Strategy was developed to link MPA programs andagencies together to be more effective and efficient given eachprograms? mandates, resources and funding through enhancedon-the-ground implementation, integration of education, research andmonitoring, enforcement, and program administration.? The goal of theMPA Network Strategy is to enhance existing MPAs and to develop anetwork of MPAs to ensure the long-term health and sustainable use ofthe Territory?s coral reef resources. The MPA Network Strategyincludes capacity building and training programs and performancemeasures that monitor the progress and success of the network, andwill also serve to facilitate, support and enhance the designation andmanagement of no-take MPAs that will protect 20% of the Territory?scoral reef ecosystems. Additionally, the Coral Reef InitiativeCoordinator and the Chief Fishery Biologist of DMWR shall jointlycoordinate the efforts of the MPA Network to contribute to the ongoingTwo Samoas Initiative.

The MPA Network Specialist, working collaboratively with the MPAnetwork team and other local interested stakeholders, will beresponsible for implementing a wide array of protection and managementtasks, including the following:

General responsibilities:

???????? Assist in the bio-reconnaissance surveys and initialmonitoring of sites in the ?No-Take Marine Protected Area Program;???????? Assist with specific activities surrounding the designationof new ?no-take areas? through collaboration between DMWR and thecommunities in American Samoa???????? Ensure that the local MPA efforts are in line with theNational Framework of MPAs and that the locally established MPAs arelisted as part of the National System of MPAs???????? Serve as a point of contact in coordinating MPA activitiesbetween American Samoa and the Independent State of Samoa under theTwo Samoa Initiative to support the development of an archipelagicnetwork of co-managed MPAs;???????? Coordinate regular MPA Network meetings and? update allmember agencies with minutes of the meetings as well as information ofupcoming activities and funding opportunities etc.???????? Serve as the liaison for MPA related requests for informationfrom off island. Provide coordination between the territorial andfederally managed MPAs to implement the activities and tasks laid outin the MPA Network Strategy;???????? Provide progress reports of the accomplishments to the MPANetwork member agencies;???????? Oversee periodic and regular evaluations of the MPA NetworkStrategy and integrate feedback and necessary adaptive changes intothe Network when necessary;???????? Develop projects to support the implementation activities forthe designated network of MPAs.

Qualifications and Experience:

The Government of American Samoa is seeking a highly skilledprofessional with exceptional collaborative skills, a background inmarine biology, natural resources, education or policy, anddemonstrated leadership skills, to initiate and oversee theimplementation of the MPA Network Strategy. The ideal candidate shouldmeet the following criteria:

* Demonstrated technical understanding and experience working with allaspects of marine protected area management and program evaluation;* Expert knowledge and understanding of coral reef ecosystems as wellas marine policy, science and education;* Working knowledge and demonstrated experience of experimental andsurvey design;* Experience in resource evaluation and monitoring, particularly reeffish and benthic resources;* Proven capacity to work with, and enhance relationships with, adiverse group of stakeholders including communities, government agencystaff, researchers, educators, and enforcement personnel;* Experience living and working in another culture, preferably aPacific island community;* SCUBA certified;* Competency with basic computer skills including word processing,development of spreadsheets and presentations and preferably GISskills;* Excellent oral and written communication skills in English,including experience with writing and successfully acquiring grants;* Experience in coordinating meetings and management groups preferablywith an emphasis on effective resource management;* Experience in developing recommendations and preparing clear andwell-organized reports;* Strong interpersonal, listening and facilitation skills;* Experience in management;* The individual should be highly organized, communicative, andself-motivated; and* Proven ability to work effectively and collaboratively as a memberof a team and to effectively prioritize workloads.

To Apply

Applicants must send a cover letter and a curriculum vitae with threereferences that include current supervisor and their contact details(phone numbers and email addresses) by Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011.Applicants should email these documents to hideyo.hattori at doc.as withemail subject MPA Coordinator Position. Only short-listed applicantswill be contacted for interviews.

--Hideyo Christian HattoriCoral Reef Initiative CoordinatorCoral Reef Advisory GroupDepartment of CommerceExecutive Office Building, 2nd FloorUtulei, American Samoa 96799Phone: (684) 633-3118Fax: (684) 633-4195www.crag.as

Two Tenure-track Faculty Positions

Ecologist and Evolutionary Biologist

The University of Texas Arlington

As part of an ongoing expansion, The University of Texas at Arlington Department of Biology seeks to hire two biologists at the rank of Assistant Professor. Successful applicants are expected to have a strong publication record, the potential to establish a nationally recognized and extramurally funded research program, and to contribute to both undergraduate and graduate education.

Ecologist: The first position is open to individuals with expertise in any area of ecology. Research specialties might include, but are not limited to, population and community ecology, urban ecology, behavioral ecology, paleoecology or global change.

Evolutionary Biologist: The second position is open to individuals with expertise in using integrative approaches to understand the evolutionary mechanisms underlying responses of organisms to their environments. Research specialties might include, but are not limited to, biodiversity/speciation, ecology and evolution of infectious disease, ecological genomics or metagenomics.

Any questions regarding these positions may be directed to Dr. Sophia Passy, sophia.passy at uta.edu.

The University of Texas Arlington is a comprehensive university, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Current enrollment at the university exceeds 33,000. UT Arlington is part of the University of Texas System and is located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area.

Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae; statements of research and teaching interests; names, and e-mail addresses of four persons who can provide letters of reference. Send applications by email attachment to Ms. Linda Taylor, lktaylor at uta.edu or by regular post to Department of Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Box 19498, Arlington, TX 76019-0498; indicate in the application for which position you are applying. For full consideration, the applications must be received before November 1, 2011. Applicants who are selected for interviews must be able to show proof that they will be eligible and qualified to work in the United States by the time of hire.UT Arlington is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. This is a security sensitive position, and a criminal background check will be conducted on finalists. The use of tobacco products is prohibited on UT Arlington properties.

Laura D. MydlarzAssistant ProfessorUniversity of Texas at ArlingtonDepartment of Biology501 South NeddermanArlington, TX 76019office ph. 817 272-0397lab ph. 817 272-1499fax 817 272-2855

http://www.uta.edu/biology/mydlarz/index.htm

On important research needs? I think information on changingbiodiversity, for good or ill, is critical knowledge for assessing currentconditions and emerging biological and ecological trends on coral reefs,especially for evaluation of management and restoration initiatives. Theexpertize, time, effort and funding that goes into the exceptional work of theCenter for Marine Science and NOAA?s National Undersea Research Center is notfound in most coral reef areas. I wonder if it would be possible to design arelatively simple protocol for determining the presence and density of a smallnumber of key organisms, taxonomic and/or ecological, that could be conductedquickly by individuals, students for example, familiar but not necessarily onan expert level with identification of coral reef organisms. The survey couldbe done several times a year and would produce at least a snapshot of thechange and rate of change of coral reef conditions. For example the survey couldconsist of a count of few non-cryptic species that would produce a rough ecologicalcross section of the life on the reef. It could be based taxonomically, 4species of coral, , 4 algae, 4 sponges, 4 mollusks, 4 crustaceans, 4 echinoderms,4 fish; or ecologically, such as 4 plants, ?4 filter feeders, 4 calcifiers, 4 plants, 4herbivores, 4 scavengers, 4 planktivores, and 4 predators. Photography wouldenhance the value of the survey. This is very rough, meant only to convey thegerm of the concept, but it may allow development of a better understanding ofhow some reefs are changing over time that otherwise would not be known,especially in areas not frequently subject to scientific surveys. Perhaps italready exists, REEF does a good job with fish, but if does exist, I?m notaware of it.Martin Moe

________________________________From: andrew ross To: Coral List Sent: Friday, September 30, 2011 10:23 AMSubject: Re: [Coral-List] Coral Reef research needs

Julian, Arianna and all,I'd like to see more work on the hydrology of the coral reef- the hows and whys of coastal protection, beach accretion and boundary layers. Acropora palmata?shallows of the Caribbean must block waves very differently than a stone groyne, for example. There is plenty of info & modelling on the engineered stones, but little on the natural perforated coral structures. Unfortunately these coral systems have been essentially missing for 20+ years, largely predating the computers the models are built around.?This speaks to connectivity, restoration/rehab, value and sea level rise.Andrew Ross

________________________________From: arianna bucci To: "Julian @ Reefcheck Malaysia" ; "Coral-List at coral.aoml.noaa..gov" Sent: Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:01 PMSubject: Re: [Coral-List] Coral Reef research needs

Dear Julian

I hope that when you talk about "connectivity" you are also referring to connectivity between different, interconnected habitats to achieve a comprehensive and integrated understanding of the fluxes of materials and energy flow. In this context, I would strongly suggest you to put in your list the study of coral reefs as a part of a system, including the adjacent watersheds, coastal systems, littoral fringe and the adjacent oceanic watermasses.

Best regards, Arianna Bucci, PhDCentre d'Estudis Avan?ats de Blanes (CSIC), Spain; Visiting Researche Fellow, University of Malaya, Malaysia?

________________________________Da: "Julian @ Reefcheck Malaysia" A: coral-list at coral.aoml.noaa.govInviato: Mercoled? 28 Settembre 2011 19:57Oggetto: [Coral-List] Coral Reef research needs

Hi listers

If I were to put together a list of the most important research needs incoral reef science and management, what should be on the list? What are themost pressing or important areas that need to be looked at? In my ignorance,some areas that stand out are:

-? ? ? ? ? Resilience

-? ? ? ? ? Connectivity

-? ? ? ? ? Economics

-? ? ? ? ? Rehabilitation

-? ? ? ? ? Climate change/acidification.

But I am sure listers can improve greatly on this list. I would appreciateyour thoughts.

Thanks and regards,

Julian Hyde

General Manager

Reef Check Malaysia Bhd

03 2161 5948

www.reefcheck.org.my

Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rcmalaysia

"The bottom line of the Millenium Asessment findings is that human actionsare depleting Earth's natural capital, putting such strain on theenvironment that the ability of the planet's ecosystems to sustain futuregenerations can no longer be taken for granted."

_______________________________________________Coral-List mailing listCoral-List at coral.aoml.noaa.govhttp://coral.aoml.noaa.gov/mailman/listinfo/coral-list_______________________________________________Coral-List mailing listCoral-List at coral.aoml.noaa.govhttp://coral.aoml.noaa.gov/mailman/listinfo/coral-list_______________________________________________Coral-List mailing listCoral-List at coral.aoml.noaa.govhttp://coral.aoml.noaa.gov/mailman/listinfo/coral-list

Dear Martin,

One of the core projects of The Census Of Marine Life, Census of Coral Reef Ecosystems was to develop a standardized, quantitative way to measure reef diversity so that the results can be compared across localities and through time. After many years of experimenting different designs, we started using Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures (ARMS) to sample reef diversity (mainly the cryptic fauna associated with coral reefs). You can find more information about the ARMS here: http://www.pifsc.noaa.gov/cred/arms.phpProcessing these structures can be done either using morphology to count the number of species, or using molecular tools if access to a molecular lab is not a problem. The ARMS have proven to be very effective in detecting habitat differentiation and biogeographic patterns of biodiversity.You can find more information in the following article: http://www.mdpi.com/1424-2818/3/4/581/ as well as an article to come the second week of October in the journal: PLoS.I am not sure this is would be of any help for the purpose you mentioned but I thought it was worth pointing it out.

Best regards,

Laetitia

Laetitia PlaisanceMarine Ecologist - Coral Reef Biodiversity Specialist

Skype: laetitia.plaisanceEmail: laetitia.plaisance at gmail.com

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/laetitia-plaisance/2b/3b7/506_______________________________????????????? Save Paper, save a TreeThink Before You Print !

________________________________De?: Martin Moe ??: andrew ross ; Coral List Envoy? le : Mardi 4 Octobre 2011 18h49Objet?: Re: [Coral-List] Coral Reef research needs

On important research needs? I think information on changingbiodiversity, for good or ill, is critical knowledge for assessing currentconditions and emerging biological and ecological trends on coral reefs,especially for evaluation of management and restoration initiatives. Theexpertize, time, effort and funding that goes into the exceptional work of theCenter for Marine Science and NOAA?s National Undersea Research Center is notfound in most coral reef areas. I wonder if it would be possible to design arelatively simple protocol for determining the presence and density of a smallnumber of key organisms, taxonomic and/or ecological, that could be conductedquickly by individuals, students for example, familiar but not necessarily onan expert level with identification of coral reef organisms. The survey couldbe done several times a year and would produce at least a snapshot of thechange and rate of change of coral reef conditions. For example the survey couldconsist of a count of few non-cryptic species that would produce a rough ecologicalcross section of the life on the reef.. It could be based taxonomically, 4species of coral, , 4 algae, 4 sponges, 4 mollusks, 4 crustaceans, 4 echinoderms,4 fish; or ecologically, such as 4 plants, ?4 filter feeders, 4 calcifiers, 4 plants, 4herbivores, 4 scavengers, 4 planktivores, and 4 predators. Photography wouldenhance the value of the survey. This is very rough, meant only to convey thegerm of the concept, but it may allow development of a better understanding ofhow some reefs are changing over time that otherwise would not be known,especially in areas not frequently subject to scientific surveys. Perhaps italready exists, REEF does a good job with fish, but if does exist, I?m notaware of it.Martin Moe


Julian, Arianna and all,I'd like to see more work on the hydrology of the coral reef- the hows and whys of coastal protection, beach accretion and boundary layers.. Acropora palmata?shallows of the Caribbean must block waves very differently than a stone groyne, for example. There is plenty of info & modelling on the engineered stones, but little on the natural perforated coral structures. Unfortunately these coral systems have been essentially missing for 20+ years, largely predating the computers the models are built around.?This speaks to connectivity, restoration/rehab, value and sea level rise.Andrew Ross


Dear Julian




Hi listers








Thanks and regards,

Julian Hyde

General Manager


03 2161 5948


Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rcmalaysia


_______________________________________________Coral-List mailing listCoral-List at coral.aoml.noaa.govhttp://coral.aoml.noaa.gov/mailman/listinfo/coral-list_______________________________________________Coral-List mailing listCoral-List at coral.aoml.noaa.govhttp://coral.aoml.noaa..gov/mailman/listinfo/coral-list_______________________________________________Coral-List mailing listCoral-List at coral.aoml.noaa.govhttp://coral.aoml.noaa.gov/mailman/listinfo/coral-list_______________________________________________Coral-List mailing listCoral-List at coral.aoml.noaa.govhttp://coral.aoml.noaa.gov/mailman/listinfo/coral-list

*Project Location:*

American Samoa, located some 2,600 miles southwest of Hawaii, is a group offive volcanic islands and two coral atolls that total 76 square miles,inhabited by approximately 55,000 people. The Samoan way of life, called?Fa?a Samoa?, defines the basic structure of local communities and is basedon family, tradition, and respect. The traditional way of life promotesvillage welfare over that of an individual. Extended families, or aiga,communally own 92 percent of land in American Samoa extending from themountaintop to the outer edge of the coral reef. All resource managementactivities in American Samoa must accommodate this existing culturalframework.*Program/Agency Background*

The Climate Change Specialist will work as an integral part of theGovernor?s Coral Reef Advisory Group (CRAG). CRAG coordinates all ofAmerican Samoa?s coral reef management activities. The group is apartnership of five local agencies: the Department of Marine and WildlifeResources (DMWR), the Department of Commerce (DOC; including AS CoastalManagement Program & Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary), the AmericanSamoa Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the American Samoa CommunityCollege (ASCC), and the National Park of American Samoa (NPSA). Memberagencies work together by mutual consensus to manage the estimated 296square kilometers of coral reefs with the vision ?to protect and conservereefs for the benefit of the people of American Samoa, the United States,and the world?.*Priority Tasks:*

The Climate Change Specialist will:

- Act as point of contact for CRAG member agencies for climate change activities, and create ongoing database of past, current, and future climate change activities within the Territory. This database will be used to analyze research needs and assist in soliciting future research on climate change impacts to coral reef ecosystems;

- Conduct scenario planning for future predicted ecosystem alterations andeffectively disseminate results to inform and develop adaptive management strategies.

- Support ongoing research projects related to coral reefs and climate change within American Samoa and identify new areas of needed research with CRAG member agencies and the four Local Action Strategy working groups;

- Collaborate with local, federal, and off-island researchers to ensure the best available science is used in these strategies

- Develop and implement new research projects that ensure research questions that promote question-based monitoring - Some examples of potential research and monitoring projects include: - Identify areas that are generally more stable during climate change events; - Identify species and habitats that are highly vulnerable to climate change; - Identify habitats potentially affected by climate changeincluding transition or alternative habitats; - Conduct climate change vulnerability assessments of at-risk communities in American Samoa; - Investigate the feasibility of implementing techniques to reduce stress from climate change and ocean acidificationon coral reef ecosystems; - Coordinate and conduct relevant training opportunities to build local capacity and increase community awareness. - Work with researchers to align results with Territorial management priorities and effectively disseminate them locally;

- Work with American Samoa Department of Education (DOE) to incorporate climate change into AS curriculum. Finalize draft curriculum and work with DOE to integrate into local elementary and secondary schools;

- Develop a report of research needs that identifies by gaps in current knowledge. Research needs will be prioritized based on management priorities and questions that can be addressed by monitoring projects;

- Work with partner agencies to implement the adaptation options identified by the climate change task force and outlined in the Territorial Climate Change Framework.

In addition to the above tasks, other duties and responsibilities of thisposition include:

- Co-coordinate the Climate Change Local Action Strategy working group; - Provide expertise about local climate change impacts to Territory agencies, organizations, and governmental working groups as needed; - Serve as a liaison to ongoing national, international, and regional initiatives, including PICCC (Pacific Islands Climate Change Cooperative) and PACC (Pacific Adaptation to Climate Change); - Seek additional public and private funding opportunities for the operations and projects of the American Samoa Climate Change Strategy as needed; and - Undertake other climate change-related projects and initiatives as identified by the Climate Change Specialist and CRI Coordinator.

*Supervisor(s)*

The Coral Reef Initiative Coordinator will be the Climate ChangeSpecialist?s immediate supervisor on a day-to-day basis. The Climate ChangeSpecialist will be considered CRAG/DOC staff and will be expected to attendstaff meetings and participate in program discussions. S/he will beprovided opportunities to join staff members on field visits and in internaland external meetings.

*Project Partners:*

The Climate Change Specialist will work with key advisory group partnersincluding, but not limited to, the following:

- Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources (DMWR); - American Samoa Community College (ASCC; which includes both the Sea Grant and Land Grant programs); - American Samoa Department of Commerce (Including the American Samoa Coastal Management Program (ASCMP) and Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary (FBNMS)); - National Parks of American Samoa; and - American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA).

*Eligibility Requirements*

- A bachelor?s degree in natural resource management or environmental-related fields with 2+ years experience OR - A master?s degree in natural resource management or environmental-related fields with 1+ years experience is required.

The following background and skills are *required* for this position:

- Expert knowledge on climate change impacts specific to small-island states and coral reef ecosystems; - Knowledge of climate change adaptation strategies; - Experience disseminating climate change information to diverse audiences via education and outreach programs; - Demonstrated oral, written, and interpersonal communication and leadership skills; - Project management experience; - A proven ability to be well?organized and able to manage and prioritize multiple tasks; and - Creativity, flexibility, and willingness to learn and adapt!

The following background and skills are *preferred *for this position:

- Knowledge of sustainable development, including, but not limited to: alternative energies, waste management, and smart growth; - Knowledge of demographics and population growth patterns; - Experience living and working in another culture or in an island community; - Desire to be involved in many aspects of coastal and marine resource management (e.g., fisheries, coral reef monitoring and management, nonpoint source pollution, etc) - Knowledge of and experience working in tropical marine ecosystems; - Public speaking, events planning, and meeting facilitation experience; - Sense of humor!

*To Apply*

Applicants must send a cover letter and a curriculum vitae with threereferences that include current/most recent supervisor and their contactdetails (phone numbers and email addresses) by Friday, 4 November 2011.Applicants should email these documents tocarolyn.doherty at doc.aswith email subjectClimate Change Specialist Position. Only short-listedapplicants will be contacted for interviews.

-- *Carolyn Doherty*Coral Reef Management FellowCoral Reef Advisory Group - American Samoacarolyn.doherty at doc.as1-684-633-5155 ext.230

Hi,

Can you please post?Thanks,Christopher

REGISTRATION REMINDER

The U.S. Coral Reef Task Force Meeting in Fort Lauderdale is fast approaching. Registration is free and pre registration is requested. See recent media advisory below for details or register at http://www.coralreef.gov/meetings.html. The week at a glance schedule is available on the website to aid you in selecting which portions you would like to attend.

U.S. CORAL REEF TASK FORCE MEETING

TO BE HELD IN FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA

Fort Lauderdale - For the first time since 2004 the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force will meet in Florida, providing an opportunity for local input on reef issues of importance to the region and the nation. The 26th meeting of the Task Force will be held on October 18?21, 2011, at the Marriott Harbor Beach Hotel in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, in conjunction with the 2nd Reef Resilience Conference. The theme of the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force Meeting will be "Integrating Management of the Florida Reef Tract,? and it will specifically address coastal and marine spatial planning, water management and coral reef restoration.

The 2nd Reef Resilience Conference on October 18 and 19 will be the official workshop of the Task Force meeting. ?Planning for Resilience? in the Florida, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico coral reef context will be the focus of the conference which will combine presentations on biological and social science research conducted in Florida, statements from fishermen and divers who depend upon coral reefs and small group discussions that will generate input for the Task Force meeting. The conference, and public portions of the Task Force meeting are open to all interested parties. .

The USCRTF was established in 1998 by Presidential Executive Order to lead U.S. efforts to preserve and protect coral reef ecosystems. The USCRTF includes leaders of 12 Federal agencies, seven U.S. States, Territories, Commonwealths, and three Freely Associated States. The purpose of the USCRTF and meetings is to help build partnerships, strategies, and support for on-the-ground action to conserve coral reefs.

The meeting is being organized by a local planning committee of more than four dozen local scientists, managers and conservationists. These partners have come together from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, The Nature Conservancy, the Department of Interior, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Mote Marine Lab, University of Miami, NOVA?s National Coral Reef Institute, Reef Relief of Broward and Palm Beach counties, as well as the Miami-Dade Department of Environmental Resources Management.

It is anticipated that the meeting will be attended by local scientists, students, environmentalists and business leaders who depend upon coral reefs for their livelihoods. Staff and members of the seven jurisdictions which include: American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianna Islands, Florida, Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, will be participating as well. For more information on this meeting, visit http://www.coralreef.gov/meetings.html.

Christopher BoykinConsultant, Florida Gulf Coast UniversityFlorida Department of Environmental ProtectionCoral Reef Conservation Program305.795.1222 / 305.795.3470 fax1277 NE 79 St. Cswy, Miami, FL 33138

View our new illustrated poster on Florida's Coral Reefs HERE

Florida has a very broad public records law. As a result, any written communication created or received by Florida Gulf Coast University employees is subject to disclosure to the public and the media, upon request, unless otherwise exempt. Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your email address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.

Please take a few minutes to share your comments on the service you received from the department by clicking on this link. DEP Customer Survey.

Hi Laetitia,

Thanks for posting the information on the ARMS program. Ithink that project provides very useful, scientifically valid information onbiodiversity changes that could not be acquired in any other way. What I had inmind, however, was a series of basic surveys on a relatively small number of ?indicatorspecies? that could be conducted frequently at an amateur level that wouldprovide at least an indication of change over time that could not be acquired byan expensive scientific program. Of course the protocol would have to be developed by scientists who could identify what species would be most valuable to record and also establish the methodology for the surveys. I don?t know if it could be done or not, andif so, whether the information would be useful or not, but in these days ofcitizen scientist programs, An important offshoot of such a program would be to increase public awareness of the state of coral reefs and advance the idea that maybe something can be done to improve the condition of the reefs. I thought the concept was worth advancing. ?Martin

________________________________From: Laetitia Plaisance To: Martin Moe ; Coral List Sent: Tuesday, October 4, 2011 4:48 PMSubject: Re : [Coral-List] Coral Reef research needs

Dear Martin,


Best regards,

Laetitia



http://www.linkedin.com/pub/laetitia-plaisance/2b/3b7/506______________________________ _????????????? Save Paper, save a TreeThink Before You Print !

________________________________De?: Martin Moe ??: andrew ross ; Coral List Envoy? le : Mardi 4 Octobre 2011 18h49Objet?: Re: [Coral-List] Coral Reef research needs

On important research needs? I think information on changingbiodiversity, for good or ill, is critical knowledge for assessing currentconditions and emerging biological and ecological trends on coral reefs,especially for evaluation of management and restoration initiatives. Theexpertize, time, effort and funding that goes into the exceptional work of theCenter for Marine Science and NOAA?s National Undersea Research Center is notfound in most coral reef areas. I wonder if it would be possible to design arelatively simple protocol for determining the presence and density of a smallnumber of key organisms, taxonomic and/or ecological, that could be conductedquickly by individuals, students for example, familiar but not necessarily onan expert level with identification of coral reef organisms. The survey couldbe done several times a year and would produce at least a snapshot of thechange and rate of change of coral reef conditions. For example the survey couldconsist of a count of few non-cryptic species that would produce a rough ecologicalcross section of the life on the reef. It could be based taxonomically, 4species of coral, , 4 algae, 4 sponges, 4 mollusks, 4 crustaceans, 4 echinoderms,4 fish; or ecologically, such as 4 plants, ?4 filter feeders, 4 calcifiers, 4 plants, 4herbivores, 4 scavengers, 4 planktivores, and 4 predators. Photography wouldenhance the value of the survey. This is very rough, meant only to convey thegerm of the concept, but it may allow development of a better understanding ofhow some reefs are changing over time that otherwise would not be known,especially in areas not frequently subject to scientific surveys.. Perhaps italready exists, REEF does a good job with fish, but if does exist, I?m notaware of it.Martin Moe


Julian, Arianna and all,I'd like to see more work on the hydrology of the coral reef- the hows and whys of coastal protection, beach accretion and boundary layers. Acropora palmata?shallows of the Caribbean must block waves very differently than a stone groyne, for example. There is plenty of info & modelling on the engineered stones, but little on the natural perforated coral structures. Unfortunately these coral systems have been essentially missing for 20+ years, largely predating the computers the models are built around.?This speaks to connectivity, restoration/rehab, value and sea level rise.Andrew Ross


Dear Julian




Hi listers








Thanks and regards,

Julian Hyde

General Manager


03 2161 5948


Follow us on Facebook at www..facebook.com/rcmalaysia


_______________________________________________Coral-List mailing listCoral-List at coral.aoml.noaa.govhttp://coral.aoml.noaa.gov/mailman/listinfo/coral-list_______________________________________________Coral-List mailing listCoral-List at coral.aoml.noaa.govhttp://coral.aoml.noaa.gov/mailman/listinfo/coral-list_______________________________________________Coral-List mailing listCoral-List at coral.aoml.noaa.govhttp://coral.aoml.noaa.gov/mailman/listinfo/coral-list_______________________________________________Coral-List mailing listCoral-List at coral.aoml.noaa.govhttp://coral.aoml.noaa.gov/mailman/listinfo/coral-list

Colleagues -- we are pleased to draw attention to a tenure track faculty position in marine biology at CSUN that might appeal to some of you. The details are below -- this ad should be in the current issue of Science.

Thanks,

Pete***************************************************California State University, Northridge invites applications for a tenure-track position in the Department of Biology. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. and have post-doctoral experience. The successful candidate shall develop a vigorous research program involving undergraduate and Masters students, seek extramural research funding, and demonstrate teaching excellence.

Marine Biologist: Focused on the biology of early life stages of near-shore organisms with interests in population connectivity and the biological effects of climate change; expertise in mathematical modeling and the capacity to develop a research program based in California is preferred. Teaching options include a course on early life stages/bentho-pelagic coupling, climate change and the marine environment, and introductory biology. Contact information: marinebio at csun.edu.

Applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, three letters of recommendation, summary of teaching experience, statements of teaching philosophy and research interests, and three publications. Electronic submissions as a single pdf file are strongly preferred. For more information: www.csun.edu/facultyaffairs/openings/sm/. Screening will begin on 14 November 2011.

-- Peter J. Edmunds PhDDepartment of BiologyCalifornia State University18111 Nordhoff StreetNorthridgeCA 91330-8303

Phone: 818.677.2502Fax: 818.677.2034e-mail: peter.edmunds at csun.eduhttp://www.csun.edu/biology/faculty/edmunds.htm

Dear Coral-listers:

There are still a few openings for students for spring semester, 2012. Ifyou know of undergraduate students that would be interested in a semester ofstudy in Tropical Marine Ecology and Conservation; please pass this noticealong to them. Students with an interest in Independent Research experienceand Scientific Diving are especially encouraged to apply. Enrollment islimited to 16 students.

Thanks in advance,

Rita Peachey

*Tropical Marine Ecology and Conservation Semester Abroad: Bonaire, Spring2012*

Undergraduate Study Abroad Opportunity in the Caribbean

The Tropical Marine Biology and Conservation study abroad program isaccepting applications for spring semester. Students register for 17semester hours: Coral Reef Ecology (4), Marine Ecology Field ResearchMethods (3), Advanced SCUBA (1), Environmental and Cultural History ofBonaire (2), Marine Conservation Biology (3) and Independent Research (4). Theprogram description can be found using the following link:http://www.cieebonaire.org/courses.html

The Scientific Diving course provides dive training that prepares studentsfor AAUS certification at their home universities. Students will receivethe following training in the Scientific Diving course: Open Water, AdvancedDiver, Rescue Diver, Emergency First Responder, CPR + First Aid, Dan OxygenRescue, underwater photography and videography, night diving, and underwaternavigation. Students will learn internationally recognized monitoringprotocols including REEF and AGRRA.

Independent Research provides students with the opportunity to conduct aresearch project of their choice in marine science and to publish theresults in a student journal, *PHYSIS: Journal of Marine Science*. A copyof the journal can be downloaded on the following page:http://www.cieebonaire.org/physis.html

Prerequisites: Overall GPA 2.75 or better, 2 semesters of biology,chemistry, geology, ecology or environmental science and a nationallyrecognized open water SCUBA certification (or a PADI referral ? you can doyour check out dives in Bonaire). *The deadline for application to thespring semester program is November 1st, 2011. *

Interested students should contact Rita Peachey Director of CIEE ResearchStation Bonaire at RPeachey at ciee.org or call 1-800-40-STUDY. The studyabroad office at your institution will assist you with registration.

____________________________________

Rita BJ Peachey, PhD

Director, CIEE Research Station Bonaire

Kaya Gobernador Debrot #26

Kralendijk, Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles

rpeachey at ciee.org

*+599.786.7394_*__________________________--

CIEE Research Station BonaireKaya Gobernador N Debrot 26Kralendijk, Bonaire Netherlands Antilles+599 717 4140

www.cieebonaire.orginfo at cieebonaire.org

That is, I believe, the concept of ReefCheck.

Daphne G. FautinProfessor, Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyCurator, Natural History Museum (Biodiversity Institute)University of Kansas1200 Sunnyside AvenueLawrence, Kansas 66045 USA

telephone 1-785-864-3062fax 1-785-864-5321skype user name daphne.fautinevo user name fautinwebsite: invertebratezoology.biodiversity.ku.edu/homecv: www.nhm.ku.edu/inverts/daphne.html

database of hexacorals, including sea anemones newest version released 19 August 2011hercules.kgs.ku.edu/Hexacoral/Anemone2/index.cfm

________________________________________From: coral-list-bounces at coral.aoml.noaa.gov [coral-list-bounces at coral.aoml..noaa.gov] on behalf of Martin Moe [martin_moe at yahoo.com]Sent: Wednesday, October 05, 2011 3:42 PMTo: Laetitia Plaisance; Coral ListSubject: Re: [Coral-List] Re : Coral Reef research needs

Hi Laetitia,

Thanks for posting the information on the ARMS program. Ithink that project provides very useful, scientifically valid information onbiodiversity changes that could not be acquired in any other way. What I had inmind, however, was a series of basic surveys on a relatively small number of ?indicatorspecies? that could be conducted frequently at an amateur level that wouldprovide at least an indication of change over time that could not be acquired byan expensive scientific program. Of course the protocol would have to be developed by scientists who could identify what species would be most valuable to record and also establish the methodology for the surveys. I don?t know if it could be done or not, andif so, whether the information would be useful or not, but in these days ofcitizen scientist programs, An important offshoot of such a program would be to increase public awareness of the state of coral reefs and advance the idea that maybe something can be done to improve the condition of the reefs.. I thought the concept was worth advancing.Martin

________________________________From: Laetitia Plaisance To: Martin Moe ; Coral List Sent: Tuesday, October 4, 2011 4:48 PMSubject: Re : [Coral-List] Coral Reef research needs

Dear Martin,


Best regards,

Laetitia



http://www.linkedin.com/pub/laetitia-plaisance/2b/3b7/506______________________________ _

Save Paper, save a TreeThink Before You Print !

________________________________De : Martin Moe ? : andrew ross ; Coral List Envoy? le : Mardi 4 Octobre 2011 18h49Objet : Re: [Coral-List] Coral Reef research needs

On important research needs? I think information on changingbiodiversity, for good or ill, is critical knowledge for assessing currentconditions and emerging biological and ecological trends on coral reefs,especially for evaluation of management and restoration initiatives. Theexpertize, time, effort and funding that goes into the exceptional work of theCenter for Marine Science and NOAA?s National Undersea Research Center is notfound in most coral reef areas. I wonder if it would be possible to design arelatively simple protocol for determining the presence and density of a smallnumber of key organisms, taxonomic and/or ecological, that could be conductedquickly by individuals, students for example, familiar but not necessarily onan expert level with identification of coral reef organisms. The survey couldbe done several times a year and would produce at least a snapshot of thechange and rate of change of coral reef conditions. For example the survey couldconsist of a count of few non-cryptic species that would produce a rough ecologicalcross section of the life on the reef. It could be based taxonomically, 4species of coral, , 4 algae, 4 sponges, 4 mollusks, 4 crustaceans, 4 echinoderms,4 fish; or ecologically, such as 4 plants, 4 filter feeders, 4 calcifiers, 4 plants, 4herbivores, 4 scavengers, 4 planktivores, and 4 predators. Photography wouldenhance the value of the survey. This is very rough, meant only to convey thegerm of the concept, but it may allow development of a better understanding ofhow some reefs are changing over time that otherwise would not be known,especially in areas not frequently subject to scientific surveys.. Perhaps italready exists, REEF does a good job with fish, but if does exist, I?m notaware of it.Martin Moe


Julian, Arianna and all,I'd like to see more work on the hydrology of the coral reef- the hows and whys of coastal protection, beach accretion and boundary layers. Acropora palmata shallows of the Caribbean must block waves very differently than a stone groyne, for example. There is plenty of info & modelling on the engineered stones, but little on the natural perforated coral structures. Unfortunately these coral systems have been essentially missing for 20+ years, largely predating the computers the models are built around. This speaks to connectivity, restoration/rehab, value and sea level rise.Andrew Ross


Dear Julian


Best regards,Arianna Bucci, PhDCentre d'Estudis Avan?ats de Blanes (CSIC), Spain; Visiting Researche Fellow, University of Malaya, Malaysia


Hi listers


- Resilience

- Connectivity

- Economics

- Rehabilitation

- Climate change/acidification.


Thanks and regards,

Julian Hyde

General Manager


03 2161 5948


Follow us on Facebook at www..facebook.com/rcmalaysia


_______________________________________________Coral-List mailing listCoral-List at coral.aoml.noaa.govhttp://coral.aoml.noaa.gov/mailman/listinfo/coral-list_______________________________________________Coral-List mailing listCoral-List at coral.aoml.noaa.govhttp://coral.aoml.noaa.gov/mailman/listinfo/coral-list_______________________________________________Coral-List mailing listCoral-List at coral.aoml.noaa.govhttp://coral.aoml.noaa.gov/mailman/listinfo/coral-list_______________________________________________Coral-List mailing listCoral-List at coral.aoml.noaa.govhttp://coral.aoml.noaa.gov/mailman/listinfo/coral-list_______________________________________________Coral-List mailing listCoral-List at coral.aoml.noaa.govhttp://coral.aoml.noaa.gov/mailman/listinfo/coral-list

Hi Daphe, Listers,

The AGRRA protocol (www.agrra.org) also focus on certain species to assessthe health of a reef system. It includes species from various taxa such asthe Queen conch, the Caribbean Spiny Lobster, and even the newcomerLionfish.

Now, to get back to the original question... I believe that the *coral reefresearch needs* depend on the outcome each person or team hopes for. Thepressing questions that an evolutionary biologist would like to answer willundoubtedly differ from those of a national park manager or an environmentaleconomist. So, the quest for an *ultimate question* about coral reefs,although entertaining, it's fruitless. Furthermore, asking what question ismore important than others is also misleading, for the original engine ofscience is curiosity.

Finally, I think climate change (ocean acidification, sea level rise,increase of sea surface temperature, and the resulting plankton loss) is keyto coral reef survival. It is in fact, the ultimate threat to coral reefs.

Cheers,

Helder I. P?rez

On 6 October 2011 12:00, Fautin, Daphne G wrote:

> That is, I believe, the concept of ReefCheck.>>> Daphne G. Fautin> Professor, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology> Curator, Natural History Museum (Biodiversity Institute)> University of Kansas> 1200 Sunnyside Avenue> Lawrence, Kansas 66045 USA>> telephone 1-785-864-3062> fax 1-785-864-5321> skype user name daphne.fautin> evo user name fautin> website: invertebratezoology.biodiversity.ku.edu/home> cv: www.nhm.ku.edu/inverts/daphne.html>> database of hexacorals, including sea anemones> newest version released 19 August 2011> hercules.kgs.ku.edu/Hexacoral/Anemone2/index.cfm>> ________________________________________> From: coral-list-bounces at coral.aoml.noaa.gov[coral-list-bounces at coral.aoml.> .noaa.gov] on behalf of Martin Moe [martin_moe at yahoo.com]> Sent: Wednesday, October 05, 2011 3:42 PM> To: Laetitia Plaisance; Coral List> Subject: Re: [Coral-List] Re : Coral Reef research needs>> Hi Laetitia,>> Thanks for posting the information on the ARMS program. I> think that project provides very useful, scientifically valid information> on> biodiversity changes that could not be acquired in any other way. What I> had in> mind, however, was a series of basic surveys on a relatively small number> of ?indicator> species? that could be conducted frequently at an amateur level that would> provide at least an indication of change over time that could not be> acquired by> an expensive scientific program. Of course the protocol would have to be> developed by scientists who could identify what species would be most> valuable to record and also establish the methodology for the surveys. I> don?t know if it could be done or not, and> if so, whether the information would be useful or not, but in these days of> citizen scientist programs, An important offshoot of such a program would> be to increase public awareness of the state of coral reefs and advance the> idea that maybe something can be done to improve the condition of the> reefs.. I thought the concept was worth advancing.> Martin>>> ________________________________> From: Laetitia Plaisance > To: Martin Moe ; Coral List coral-list at coral.aoml.noaa.gov>> Sent: Tuesday, October 4, 2011 4:48 PM> Subject: Re : [Coral-List] Coral Reef research needs>>> Dear Martin,>> One of the core projects of The Census Of Marine Life, Census of Coral Reef> Ecosystems was to develop a standardized, quantitative way to measure reef> diversity so that the results can be compared across localities and through> time. After many years of experimenting different designs, we started using> Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures (ARMS) to sample reef diversity> (mainly the cryptic fauna associated with coral reefs). You can find more> information about the ARMS here: http://www.pifsc.noaa.gov/cred/arms.php> Processing these structures can be done either using morphology to count> the number of species, or using molecular tools if access to a molecular lab> is not a problem. The ARMS have proven to be very effective in detecting> habitat differentiation and biogeographic patterns of biodiversity.> You can find more information in the following article:> http://www.mdpi.com/1424-2818/3/4/581/ as well as an article to come the> second week of October in the journal: PLoS.> I am not sure this is would be of any help for the purpose you mentioned> but I thought it was worth pointing it out.>> Best regards,>> Laetitia>>> Laetitia Plaisance> Marine Ecologist - Coral Reef Biodiversity Specialist>> Skype: laetitia.plaisance> Email: laetitia.plaisance at gmail.com>> http://www.linkedin.com/pub/laetitia-plaisance/2b/3b7/506> ______________________________ _>> Save Paper, save a Tree> Think Before You Print !>>>>> ________________________________> De : Martin Moe > ? : andrew ross ; Coral List coral-list at coral.aoml.noaa.gov>> Envoy? le : Mardi 4 Octobre 2011 18h49> Objet : Re: [Coral-List] Coral Reef research needs>>>> On important research needs? I think information on changing> biodiversity, for good or ill, is critical knowledge for assessing current> conditions and emerging biological and ecological trends on coral reefs,> especially for evaluation of management and restoration initiatives. The> expertize, time, effort and funding that goes into the exceptional work of> the> Center for Marine Science and NOAA?s National Undersea Research Center is> not> found in most coral reef areas. I wonder if it would be possible to design> a> relatively simple protocol for determining the presence and density of a> small> number of key organisms, taxonomic and/or ecological, that could be> conducted> quickly by individuals, students for example, familiar but not necessarily> on> an expert level with identification of coral reef organisms. The survey> could> be done several times a year and would produce at least a snapshot of> the> change and rate of change of coral reef conditions. For example the survey> could> consist of a count of few non-cryptic species that would produce a rough> ecological> cross section of the life on the reef. It could be based taxonomically, 4> species of coral, , 4 algae, 4 sponges, 4 mollusks, 4 crustaceans, 4> echinoderms,> 4 fish; or ecologically, such as 4 plants, 4 filter feeders, 4 calcifiers,> 4 plants, 4> herbivores, 4 scavengers, 4 planktivores, and 4 predators. Photography> would> enhance the value of the survey. This is very rough, meant only to convey> the> germ of the concept, but it may allow development of a better understanding> of> how some reefs are changing over time that otherwise would not be known,> especially in areas not frequently subject to scientific surveys.. Perhaps> it> already exists, REEF does a good job with fish, but if does exist, I?m not> aware of it.> Martin> Moe>> ________________________________> From: andrew ross > To: Coral List > Sent: Friday, September 30, 2011 10:23 AM> Subject: Re: [Coral-List] Coral Reef research needs>> Julian, Arianna and all,> I'd like to see more work on the hydrology of the coral reef- the hows and> whys of coastal protection, beach accretion and boundary layers. Acropora> palmata shallows of the Caribbean must block waves very differently than a> stone groyne, for example. There is plenty of info & modelling on the> engineered stones, but little on the natural perforated coral structures.> Unfortunately these coral systems have been essentially missing for 20+> years, largely predating the computers the> models are built around. This speaks to connectivity, restoration/rehab,> value and sea level rise.> Andrew Ross>>> ________________________________> From: arianna bucci > To: "Julian @ Reefcheck Malaysia" ;> "Coral-List at coral.aoml.noaa..gov" > Sent: Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:01 PM> Subject: Re: [Coral-List] Coral Reef research needs>> Dear Julian>> I hope that when you talk about "connectivity" you are also referring to> connectivity between different,> interconnected habitats to achieve a comprehensive and integrated> understanding of the fluxes of materials and energy flow. In this context, I> would strongly suggest you to put in your list the study of coral reefs as a> part of a system, including the adjacent watersheds, coastal systems,> littoral fringe and the adjacent oceanic watermasses.>>> Best regards,> Arianna Bucci, PhD> Centre d'Estudis Avan?ats de Blanes (CSIC), Spain; Visiting Researche> Fellow, University of Malaya, Malaysia>>>> ________________________________> Da: "Julian @ Reefcheck Malaysia" > A: coral-list at coral.aoml.noaa.gov> Inviato: Mercoled? 28 Settembre 2011 19:57> Oggetto: [Coral-List] Coral Reef research needs>> Hi> listers>>>> If I were to put together a list of the most important research needs in> coral reef science and management, what should be on the list? What are the> most pressing or important areas that need to be looked at? In my> ignorance,> some areas that stand out are:>>>> - Resilience>> - Connectivity>> - Economics>> - Rehabilitation>> - Climate change/acidification.>>>> But I am sure listers can improve greatly on this list. I would appreciate> your thoughts.>>>> Thanks and regards,>>>> Julian Hyde>> General Manager>> Reef Check Malaysia Bhd>> 03 2161 5948>> www.reefcheck.org.my>> Follow us on Facebook at www..facebook.com/rcmalaysia>>>> "The bottom line of the> Millenium Asessment findings is that human actions> are depleting Earth's natural capital, putting such strain on the> environment that the ability of the planet's ecosystems to sustain future> generations can no longer be taken for granted.">>>> _______________________________________________> Coral-List mailing list> Coral-List at coral.aoml.noaa.gov> http://coral.aoml.noaa.gov/mailman/listinfo/coral-list> _______________________________________________> Coral-List mailing list> Coral-List at coral.aoml.noaa.gov> http://coral.aoml.noaa.gov/mailman/listinfo/coral-list> _______________________________________________> Coral-List mailing list> Coral-List at coral.aoml.noaa.gov> http://coral.aoml.noaa.gov/mailman/listinfo/coral-list> _______________________________________________> Coral-List mailing list> Coral-List at coral.aoml.noaa.gov> http://coral.aoml.noaa.gov/mailman/listinfo/coral-list> _______________________________________________> Coral-List mailing list> Coral-List at coral.aoml.noaa.gov> http://coral.aoml.noaa.gov/mailman/listinfo/coral-list>> _______________________________________________> Coral-List mailing list> Coral-List at coral.aoml.noaa.gov> http://coral.aoml.noaa.gov/mailman/listinfo/coral-list>

I believe that Reef Check (http://www.reefcheck.org/) does a good job of doing this. They have been doing surveys of fish, corals, and other invertebrates around the world using indicator species and other indicators.

Dr. Barbara Kojis St. Thomas, USVI 00803

> Date: Wed, 5 Oct 2011 13:42:51 -0700> From: martin_moe at yahoo.com> To: lplaisance at yahoo.com; coral-list at coral.aoml.noaa.gov> Subject: Re: [Coral-List] Re : Coral Reef research needs> > Hi Laetitia,> > Thanks for posting the information on the ARMS program. I> think that project provides very useful, scientifically valid information on> biodiversity changes that could not be acquired in any other way. What I had in> mind, however, was a series of basic surveys on a relatively small number of ?indicator> species? that could be conducted frequently at an amateur level that would> provide at least an indication of change over time that could not be acquired by> an expensive scientific program. Of course the protocol would have to be developed by scientists who could identify what species would be most valuable to record and also establish the methodology for the surveys. I don?t know if it could be done or not, and> if so, whether the information would be useful or not, but in these days of> citizen scientist programs, An important offshoot of such a program would be to increase public awareness of the state of coral reefs and advance the idea that maybe something can be done to improve the condition of the reefs. I thought the concept was worth advancing. > Martin> > > ________________________________> From: Laetitia Plaisance > To: Martin Moe ; Coral List > Sent: Tuesday, October 4, 2011 4:48 PM> Subject: Re : [Coral-List] Coral Reef research needs> > > Dear Martin,> > One of the core projects of The Census Of Marine Life, Census of Coral Reef Ecosystems was to develop a standardized, quantitative way to measure reef diversity so that the results can be compared across localities and through time. After many years of experimenting different designs, we started using Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures (ARMS) to sample reef diversity (mainly the cryptic fauna associated with coral reefs). You can find more information about the ARMS here: http://www.pifsc.noaa.gov/cred/arms.php> Processing these structures can be done either using morphology to count the number of species, or using molecular tools if access to a molecular lab is not a problem. The ARMS have proven to be very effective in detecting habitat differentiation and biogeographic patterns of biodiversity.> You can find more information in the following article: http://www.mdpi.com/1424-2818/3/4/581/ as well as an article to come the second week of October in the journal: PLoS.> I am not sure this is would be of any help for the purpose you mentioned but I thought it was worth pointing it out.> > Best regards,> > Laetitia> > > Laetitia Plaisance> Marine Ecologist - Coral Reef Biodiversity Specialist> > Skype: laetitia.plaisance> Email: laetitia.plaisance at gmail.com> > http://www.linkedin.com/pub/laetitia-plaisance/2b/3b7/506> ______________________________ _> > Save Paper, save a Tree> Think Before You Print !> > > > > ________________________________> De : Martin Moe > ? : andrew ross ; Coral List > Envoy? le : Mardi 4 Octobre 2011 18h49> Objet : Re: [Coral-List] Coral Reef research needs> > > > On important research needs? I think information on changing> biodiversity, for good or ill, is critical knowledge for assessing current> conditions and emerging biological and ecological trends on coral reefs,> especially for evaluation of management and restoration initiatives. The> expertize, time, effort and funding that goes into the exceptional work of the> Center for Marine Science and NOAA?s National Undersea Research Center is not> found in most coral reef areas. I wonder if it would be possible to design a> relatively simple protocol for determining the presence and density of a small> number of key organisms, taxonomic and/or ecological, that could be conducted> quickly by individuals, students for example, familiar but not necessarily on> an expert level with identification of coral reef organisms. The survey could> be done several times a year and would produce at least a snapshot of> the> change and rate of change of coral reef conditions. For example the survey could> consist of a count of few non-cryptic species that would produce a rough ecological> cross section of the life on the reef. It could be based taxonomically, 4> species of coral, , 4 algae, 4 sponges, 4 mollusks, 4 crustaceans, 4 echinoderms,> 4 fish; or ecologically, such as 4 plants, 4 filter feeders, 4 calcifiers, 4 plants, 4> herbivores, 4 scavengers, 4 planktivores, and 4 predators. Photography would> enhance the value of the survey. This is very rough, meant only to convey the> germ of the concept, but it may allow development of a better understanding of> how some reefs are changing over time that otherwise would not be known,> especially in areas not frequently subject to scientific surveys.. Perhaps it> already exists, REEF does a good job with fish, but if does exist, I?m not> aware of it.> Martin> Moe> > ________________________________> From: andrew ross > To: Coral List > Sent: Friday, September 30, 2011 10:23 AM> Subject: Re: [Coral-List] Coral Reef research needs> > Julian, Arianna and all,> I'd like to see more work on the hydrology of the coral reef- the hows and whys of coastal protection, beach accretion and boundary layers. Acropora palmata shallows of the Caribbean must block waves very differently than a stone groyne, for example. There is plenty of info & modelling on the engineered stones, but little on the na

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coral.aoml.noaa.govcoral.aoml.noaa.gov/pipermail/coral-list/2011-October.txtFrom david.yellowlees at jcu.edu.au Mon Oct 3 01:07:14 2011 From: david.yellowlees at jcu.edu.au (Yellowlees,