Genetic variability of Acropora cervicornis and A. palmata in Puerto Rico

Acropora, Coral, Genetics

Author: Nikolaos Schizas, Ph.D. Institution: University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez Year: 2006 Asexually reproducing organisms accumulate deleterious mutations and potentially limit the range of responses when subjected to changing environmental or biotic stresses. In reef-building corals, increased propagation through asexual reproduction will reduce the genetic variability leading to genetically monomorphic coral reefs. Less diverse communities are less resilient…

Mona reef community structure and function for MPA design

Benthic, Conservation, Ecology, Fish, Habitat, Management, Marine Protected Area, Monitoring, Ontogeny, Spawning

Author: Michelle T. Schärer, Ph.D. Institution: HJR Reefscaping Year: 2006 The Mona Island Natural Reserve (MINR) was designated in 1986 and is managed by the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER). As an isolated island in the middle of a partial biogeographic boundary, healthy coral reef fish communities at Mona are essential both for population…