Population Connectivity of the Acropra Palmata on Cayos Cochinos, Honduras

Alberto Fenix

Date of Award

2011

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

Gilchrist, Sandra

Keywords

Cayos Cochinos, Honduras, Population Connectivity Maps, Acropora Palmata, Elkhorn Coral, DNA, Microsatellites, PCR

Area of Concentration

Marine Biology

Abstract

Population connectivity is an underlying concept in studies for conservation biology, marine organism biodiversity, population dynamics, marine preserve area (MPA) and fisheries management and design. Recently, the understanding of population connectivity has grown significantly, but the consensus is that more empirical data are needed to support theoretical studies and models currently in use. Gathering data for population connectivity is a monumental task because it spans through varying spatial and temporal scales requiring the collaboration of multiple disciplines of the physical sciences, even if the focus is just one marine organism. An iterative process approach has also been recommended wherein theoretical studies and current models give researchers insights in designing field experiments, which in return generate data that improve the models. Many data gathering efforts have focused on larval dispersal, which has been identified to be the main contributing process in population connectivity in the marine environment. A growing field in data gathering for larval dispersal is genetics, which has benefited from improved technologies that have lowered its costs of implementation and requires less material from the organism such that sample collection can be less invasive on the organism studied. In this study I gathered data on: (a) Acropora palmata (elkhorn coral), and (b) my field site. My field work was conducted over the summers of 2008 and 2009 at the Plantation Beach Resort Cove in Cayos Cochinos, Honduras and consisted of mapping out the nearest reef patches present, the locations of elkhorn coral colonies observed, and the collection of mucus samples of A. palmata. Current biogeographical designations and maps for the site were compiled in addition to new maps I created for the site. Mucus samples were processed at New College of Florida in the Spring of 2011, extracting the A. palmata DNA from several samples and putting them through multiplex PCR with primers designed to amplify Mendelian microsatellite markers of elkhorn coral. PCR products were visualized using agarose gel electrophoresis as a conservative (and quick) approach to identify genets and clonal ramets of the colonies sampled. The ultimate goal of this study was to begin gathering and consolidating data for population connectivity of the elkhorn coral in Cayos Cochinos, Honduras and to provide a stepping stone for further research in the area.

Rights

This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.

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