Showing papers by "Robert J. Toonen published in 2011"
TL;DR: Re-evaluation of previously published and new datasets revealed a consistent, moderate fit between genetic and PLD proxies of dispersal (using either IBD slope or global FST), with significant improvement for small-scale (<650 km) studies, and important effects of marker type.
Abstract: Understanding connectivity remains a fundamental challenge to marine ecology due to technical limitations of tracking larval dispersal. Marine population genetic analyses are often used to make inferences about the scale of population connectivity. For species with a larval phase, pelagic larval duration (PLD) is assumed to influence the scale of connectivity. If PLD and genetic metrics are reliable proxies of connectivity, the 2 should be well correlated. Previous tests report conflicting results, with many reports that global FST (Wright's fixation index) correlates poorly with PLD, and one very high correlation of isolation-by-distance (IBD) slope, which is derived from FST, with PLD. First we clarify the expectations for the performance of these different proxies in light of the latest understanding of larval dispersal dynamics. We then test the hypothesis that IBD slope may be a more robust correlate with dispersal scale than global FST with a new dataset of recent marine genetic studies. Re-evaluation of previously published and new datasets revealed a consistent, moderate fit (R 2 ~0.30) between genetic and PLD proxies of dispersal (using either IBD slope or global FST), with significant improvement for small-scale (<650 km) studies (R 2 = 0.50), and important effects of marker type. Significant effects of number of individuals and number of populations sampled on the genetic metrics in our dataset suggest a common need for more robust sampling designs. These results syn- chronize previous studies on this topic and provide validation that PLD and genetic metrics typically reflect scales of dispersal, as intended, at least when sampling design is robust.
323 citations
TL;DR: It is argued that this multispecies approach to determine concordant patterns of connectivity is an objective and logical way in which to define the minimum number of management units and that EBM in the Hawaiian Archipelago requires at least five spatially managed regions.
Abstract: Determining the geographic scale at which to apply ecosystem-based management (EBM) has proven to be an obstacle for many marine conservation programs. Generalizations based on geographic proximity, taxonomy, or life history characteristics provide little predictive power in determining overall patterns of connectivity, and therefore offer little in terms of delineating boundaries for marine spatial management areas. Here, we provide a case study of 27 taxonomically and ecologically diverse species (including reef fishes, marine mammals, gastropods, echinoderms, cnidarians, crustaceans, and an elasmobranch) that reveal four concordant barriers to dispersal within the Hawaiian Archipelago which are not detected in single-species exemplar studies. We contend that this multispecies approach to determine concordant patterns of connectivity is an objective and logical way in which to define the minimum number of management units and that EBM in the Hawaiian Archipelago requires at least five spatially managed regions.
172 citations
TL;DR: The diversity of Symbiodinium ITS2 sequence assemblages retrieved from individual colonies of M. capitata here highlights the problems inherent in interpreting multi-copy and intra-genomically variable molecular markers, and serves as a context for discussing the utility and biological relevance of assigning species names based on Symbiodine ITS2 genotyping.
Abstract: Endosymbiotic dinoflagellates in the genus Symbiodinium are fundamentally important to the biology of scleractinian corals, as well as to a variety of other marine organisms. The genus Symbiodinium is genetically and functionally diverse and the taxonomic nature of the union between Symbiodinium and corals is implicated as a key trait determining the environmental tolerance of the symbiosis. Surprisingly, the question of how Symbiodinium diversity partitions within a species across spatial scales of meters to kilometers has received little attention, but is important to understanding the intrinsic biological scope of a given coral population and adaptations to the local environment. Here we address this gap by describing the Symbiodinium ITS2 sequence assemblages recovered from colonies of the reef building coral Montipora capitata sampled across Kāne'ohe Bay, Hawai'i. A total of 52 corals were sampled in a nested design of Coral Colony(Site(Region)) reflecting spatial scales of meters to kilometers. A diversity of Symbiodinium ITS2 sequences was recovered with the majority of variance partitioning at the level of the Coral Colony. To confirm this result, the Symbiodinium ITS2 sequence diversity in six M. capitata colonies were analyzed in much greater depth with 35 to 55 clones per colony. The ITS2 sequences and quantitative composition recovered from these colonies varied significantly, indicating that each coral hosted a different assemblage of Symbiodinium. The diversity of Symbiodinium ITS2 sequence assemblages retrieved from individual colonies of M. capitata here highlights the problems inherent in interpreting multi-copy and intra-genomically variable molecular markers, and serves as a context for discussing the utility and biological relevance of assigning species names based on Symbiodinium ITS2 genotyping.
96 citations
TL;DR: The habitat stratification, extensive sympatry, and evolutionary history of these limpets collectively indicate a strong ecological component to speciation and support the growing body of evidence for non‐allopatric speciation in the ocean.
Abstract: Speciation remains a central enigma in biology, and nowhere is this more apparent than in shallow tropical seas where biodiversity rivals that of tropical rainforests. Obvious barriers to gene flow are few and most marine species have a highly dispersive larval stage, which should greatly decrease opportunities for speciation via geographic isolation. The disparity in the level of geographic isolation for terrestrial and marine species is exemplified in Hawai‘i where opportunities for allopatric speciation abound in the terrestrial realm. In contrast, marine colonizers of Hawai‘i are believed to produce only a single endemic species or population, due to the lack of isolating barriers. To test the assertion that marine species do not diversify within Hawai‘i, we examine the evolutionary origin of three endemic limpets (Cellana exarata, C. sandwicensis and C. talcosa) that are vertically segregated across a steep ecocline on rocky shores. Analyses of three mtDNA loci (12S, 16S, COI; 1565 bp) and two nDNA loci (ATPSb, H3; 709 bp) in 26 Indo-Pacific Cellana species (N = 414) indicates that Hawai‘i was colonized once 3.4‐ 7.2 Ma from the vicinity of Japan. Trait mapping demonstrates that high-shore residence is the ancestral character state, such that mid- and low-shore species are the product of subsequent diversification. The Hawaiian Cellana are the first broadcast-spawners demonstrated to have speciated within any archipelago. The habitat stratification, extensive sympatry, and evolutionary history of these limpets collectively indicate a strong ecological component to speciation and support the growing body of evidence for non-allopatric speciation in the ocean.
93 citations
TL;DR: Estimates of Yellow Tang historical demography contradict expectations of Hawaii as a population sink, and instead indicate asymmetrical gene flow, with Hawaii exporting rather than importing Yellow Tang larvae.
Abstract: The depauperate marine ecosystems of the Hawaiian Archipelago share a high propor- tion of species with the southern and western Pacific, indicating historical and/or ongoing connec- tions across the large oceanic expanse separating Hawaii from its nearest neighbors. The rate and direction of these interactions are, however, unknown. While previous biogeographic studies have consistently described Hawaii as a diversity sink, prevailing currents likely offer opportunities for larval export. To assess interactions between the remote reefs of the Hawaiian Archipelago and the species-rich communities of the Central and West Pacific, we surveyed 14 nuclear microsatellite loci (nDNA, n = 857) and a 614 bp segment of mitochondrial cytochrome b (mtDNA, n = 654) in the yel- low tang Zebrasoma flavescens. Concordant frequency shifts in both nDNA and mtDNA reveal sig- nificant population differentiation among 3 West Pacific sites and Hawaii (nDNA F'CT = 0.116; mtDNA φCT = 0.098, p < 0.001). SAMOVA analyses of microsatellite data additionally indicate fine scale differentiation within the 2600 km Hawaiian Archipelago (F'SC = 0.026, p < 0.001), which has implications for management of this heavily-exploited aquarium fish. Mismatch analyses indicate the oldest contemporary populations are in the Hawaiian Archipelago (ca. 318 000 yr) with younger pop- ulations in the West Pacific (91 000 to 175 000 yr). Estimates of yellow tang historical demography contradict expectations of Hawaii as a population sink and instead indicate asymmetrical gene flow, with Hawaii exporting rather than importing yellow tang larvae.
67 citations
TL;DR: The results indicate that anthropogenic runoff and effluent are acting as barriers to larval dispersal, effectively isolating a high gene flow species that is virtually free of direct human impact.
Abstract: The ecological impact of large coastal human populations on marine ecosystems remains relatively unknown. Here, we examine the population structure of Patiria miniata, the bat star, and correlate genetic distances with a model based on flow rates and proximity to P. miniata populations for the four major stormwater runoff and wastewater effluent sources of the Southern California Bight. We show that overall genetic connectivity is high (F(ST)~0.005); however, multivariate analyses show that genetic structure is highly correlated with anthropogenic inputs. The best models included both stormwater and wastewater variables and explained between 26.55 and 93.69% of the observed structure. Additionally, regressions between allelic richness and distance to sources show that populations near anthropogenic pollution have reduced genetic diversity. Our results indicate that anthropogenic runoff and effluent are acting as barriers to larval dispersal, effectively isolating a high gene flow species that is virtually free of direct human impact.
65 citations
TL;DR: It is found that soft tissue integrity was better maintained and higher quantities of DNA were extracted from EtOH-preserved specimens; however, by all other measures, SSD was a superior preservative to EtOH.
Abstract: Specimen collection is time consuming and expensive, yet few laboratories test preservation methods before setting out on field expeditions. The most common preservation buffer used for coral specimens is >70% EtOH. However, alternatives exist that are less flammable, easier to ship, and are widely used in other taxa. Here, we compare the effects of salt-saturated DMSO (SSD) and EtOH preservation buffers on post-extraction DNA quantity and quality. We found that soft tissue integrity was better maintained and higher quantities of DNA were extracted from EtOH-preserved specimens; however, by all other measures, SSD was a superior preservative to EtOH. Extractions of SSD-preserved specimens resulted in higher molecular weight DNA, higher PCR success, and more efficient amplification than specimens preserved in EtOH. Our results show that SSD is generally a superior preservative to EtOH for specimens destined for PCR studies, but species-specific differences indicate that preservation comparisons should be undertaken before collection and storage of samples.
61 citations
TL;DR: Migrate analyses along with haplotype networks and patterns of haplotype diversity suggest that Hawai’i and Kingman reef are important centers of the genetic diversity in the region rather than an evolutionary dead-end for migrants from the Indo-Pacific.
Abstract: Holothuria atra is one of the most common and widest ranging tropical, coral reef sea cucumbers in the world, and here we examine population genetic structure based on mitochondrial COI to aid in determining the appropriate scale for coral reef management. Based on SAMOVA, AMOVA and BARRIER analyses, we show that despite its large range, H. atra has hierarchical, fine-scale population structure driven primarily by between-archipelago barriers, but with significant differences between sites within an archipelago as well. Migrate analyses along with haplotype networks and patterns of haplotype diversity suggest that Hawai‘i and Kingman reef are important centers of the genetic diversity in the region rather than an evolutionary dead-end for migrants from the Indo-Pacific. Finally we show that for H. atra Kingman Reef is the most likely stepping stone between Hawai‘i and the rest of the Pacific, not Japan or Johnston Atoll as previously presumed. Based on our data, Johnston Atoll can instead be seen as an outpost of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands rather than a gateway to the Hawaiian Archipelago.
58 citations
13 Dec 2011
50 citations
TL;DR: These findings confirm that the capacity to engage in endosymbiosis with Symbiodinium is evolutionarily conserved across the cnidarian subclass Hexacorallia, and that antipatharians associate with Symbodinium types found in shallow-water scleractinians.
Abstract: The ecological success of shallow-water reef-building corals (Hexacorallia: Scleractinia) is framed by their intimate endosymbiosis with photosynthetic dinoflagellates in the genus Symbiodinium (zooxanthellae). In contrast, the closely related black corals (Hexacorallia: Anthipatharia) are described as azooxanthellate (lacking Symbiodinium), a trait thought to reflect their preference for low-light environments that do not support photosynthesis. We examined 14 antipatharian species collected between 10 and 396 m from Hawai'i and Johnston Atoll for the presence of Symbiodinium using molecular typing and histology. Symbiodinium internal transcribed spacer-2 (ITS-2) region sequences were retrieved from 43 per cent of the antipatharian samples and 71 per cent of the examined species, and across the entire depth range. The ITS-2 sequences were identical or very similar to those commonly found in shallow-water scleractinian corals throughout the Pacific. Histological analyses revealed low densities of Symbiodinium cells inside antipatharian gastrodermal tissues (0-92 cells mm(-3)), suggesting that the Symbiodinium are endosymbiotic. These findings confirm that the capacity to engage in endosymbiosis with Symbiodinium is evolutionarily conserved across the cnidarian subclass Hexacorallia, and that antipatharians associate with Symbiodinium types found in shallow-water scleractinians. This study represents the deepest record for Symbiodinium to date, and suggests that some members of this dinoflagellate genus have extremely diverse habitat preferences and broad environmental ranges.
39 citations
TL;DR: Evidence for directional dispersal away from the Main Hawaiian Islands lends caution to any management decisions that would rely on the NWHI replenishing depleted MHI stocks and supports the preservation of the mid-archipelago as a source of genetic diversity and a region of connectivity with locations outside the Hawaiian Archipelago.
Abstract: Integration of ecological and genetic data to study patterns of biological connectivity can aid in ecosystem-based management. Here we investigated connectivity of the Hawaiian grouper Epinephelus quernus, a species of management concern within the Main Hawaiian Islands (MHI), by comparing genetic analyses with simulated larval dispersal patterns across the species range in the Hawaiian Archipelago and Johnston Atoll. Larval simulations revealed higher dispersal from the MHI to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) than in the opposite direction and evidence for a dispersal corridor between Johnston and the middle of the Hawaiian Archipelago. Genetic analyses using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequences and microsatellites revealed relatively high connectivity across the Hawaiian Archipelago, with the exception of genetically distinct populations and higher mtDNA diversity in the mid-Archipelago. These analyses support the preservation of the mid-archipelago as a source of genetic diversity and a region of connectivity with locations outside the Hawaiian Archipelago. Additionally, our evidence for directional dispersal away from the MHI lends caution to any management decisions that would rely on the NWHI replenishing depleted MHI stocks.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored the geographic evolution of E. analoga, an inter-tidal sandy beach crab with an exceptionally long pelagic larval phase and wide latitudinal, amphitropical distribution.
Abstract: Aim Phylogeographic analyses have confirmed high dispersal in many marine taxa but have also revealed many cryptic lineages and species, raising the question of how population and regional genetic diversity arise and persist in dynamic oceanographic settings. Here we explore the geographic evolution of Emerita analoga, an inter-tidal sandy beach crab with an exceptionally long pelagic larval phase and wide latitudinal, amphitropical, distribution. We test the hypothesis that eastern Pacific E. analoga constitute a single panmictic population and examine the location(s), timing and cause(s) of phylogeographic differentiation.
Location Principally the eastern Pacific Ocean.
Methods We sequenced cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) from 742 E. analoga specimens collected between 1997 and 2000 and downloaded homologous sequences of congeners from GenBank. We reconstructed a phylogeny for Emerita species using maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods and estimated times to most recent common ancestors (TMRCAs), using a COI divergence rate of 1% Myr−1 and timing of closure of the Central American Seaway. We constructed the COI haplotype network of E. analoga using statistical parsimony, calculated population genetic and spatial structure statistics in Arlequin, and estimated the demographic history of E. analoga using Bayesian skyline analysis.
Results Population subdivision and allele frequency differences were insignificant among north-eastern Pacific locations over 2000 km apart (ΦST = 0.00, P = 0.70), yet two distinct phylogroups were recovered from the north-eastern and south-eastern Pacific (ΦCT = 0.87, P < 0.001). Amphitropical differentiation of these temperate clades occurred after TMRCA 1.9 ± 0.02 (mean ± SE) Ma and E. analoga has expanded into its present-day north-eastern Pacific range since c. 250 ka.
Main conclusions Emerita analoga is not panmictic but is very widely dispersed and approaching genetic homogeneity, i.e. ‘eurymixis’, in the north-eastern Pacific. North-eastern and south-eastern Pacific populations of E. analoga probably became isolated c. 1.5 Ma as the tropical eastern Pacific Ocean warmed and expanded, intensifying barriers to gene flow. The fragmentation of a widespread ancestral species previously connected by long-distance gene flow (‘soft vicariance’) coincident with changing oceanographic conditions may be a common theme in the evolution of Emerita species and in other highly dispersive taxa. Highly dispersive species may differentiate because of, not despite, the dynamic oceanographic setting.
TL;DR: In this article, a coral-eating crown-of-thorns sea star, Acanthaster planci, was examined from Johnston Atoll and 12 locations across the Hawaiian Archipelago.
Abstract: The population structure of marine species is variable along the Hawaiian Archipelago; thus, it is important to understand dispersal and recruitment patterns for economically and ecologically important taxa to inform Ecosystem-based Management. Connectivity of the coral-eating crown-of-thorns sea star, Acanthaster planci, was examined from Johnston Atoll and 12 locations across the Hawaiian Archipelago. Sequences of mitochondrial DNA from 383 individuals were analyzed to infer patterns of gene flow among the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHIs), the main Hawaiian Islands, and Johnston Atoll. Population samples were genetically similar across the Hawaiian Archipelago with the exception of the west side of the Big Island of Hawaii, which was significantly differentiated from the majority of Hawaiian samples (pairwise ΦST=0.0607–0.1068, Pl.05). Although differentiated, Hawai`i West shares haplotypes with every other site across the Hawaiian Archipelago. Johnston Atoll was genetically distinct from every location (pairwise ΦST=0.064–0.13, Pl.05) except French Frigate Shoals (ΦST=0.03, P=.10), supporting connectivity between the central NWHIs and Johnston Atoll. Taken together with the lack of geographic population structure and haplotypes shared among all populations, these results indicate widespread larval dispersal with few restrictions to gene flow along the archipelago.
TL;DR: It is hypothesized that IGMS are a parasitic cellular lineage resulting from the chimeric fusion between M. capitata and M. flabellata larvae followed by morphological reabsorption of M.FlabellATA and subsequent formation of cell-lineage parasites.
Abstract: Montipora white syndrome (MWS) results in tissue-loss that is often lethal to Montipora capitata, a major reef building coral that is abundant and dominant in the Hawai'ian Archipelago. Within some MWS-affected colonies in Kane'ohe Bay, Oahu, Hawai'i, we saw unusual motile multicellular structures within gastrovascular canals (hereafter referred to as invasive gastrovascular multicellular structure-IGMS) that were associated with thinning and fragmentation of the basal body wall. IGMS were in significantly greater densities in coral fragments manifesting tissue-loss compared to paired normal fragments. Mesenterial filaments from these colonies yielded typical M. capitata mitochondrial haplotypes (CO1, CR), while IGMS from the same colony consistently yielded distinct haplotypes previously only found in a different Montipora species (Montipora flabellata). Protein profiles showed consistent differences between paired mesenterial filaments and IGMS from the same colonies as did seven microsatellite loci that also exhibited an excess of alleles per locus inconsistent with a single diploid organism. We hypothesize that IGMS are a parasitic cellular lineage resulting from the chimeric fusion between M. capitata and M. flabellata larvae followed by morphological reabsorption of M. flabellata and subsequent formation of cell-lineage parasites. We term this disease Montiporaiasis. Although intra-specific chimerism is common in colonial animals, this is the first suspected inter-specific example and the first associated with tissue loss.
TL;DR: In antipatharians, more generally, entire colonies are either female or male (although sequential hermaphroditism cannot be ruled out in most cases), gametes are confined to the primary transverse mesenteries in most species, and there is no evidence of internal fertilization.
Abstract: . Black corals (Cnidaria: Antipatharia) are ecologically important members of the sessile invertebrate fauna, but due to their typical deep-water environments (>50 m), very little is known about their basic biology, including reproduction. We used histological techniques to examine the sexual reproduction of members of eight species of antipatharians collected from the Hawaiian Islands over a wide depth range (10–1327 m). Gametes of all species examined were found in association with the primary transverse mesenteries, which in some cases reached into the cavity of lateral tentacles. Specimens contained either spermatocysts or oocytes, but never both within the same individual, suggesting either a gonochoric or a sequentially hermaphroditic mode of reproduction. No developing embryos or larvae were observed in any of the samples, indicating that fertilization and larval development likely occur externally in the water column and not internally within polyps. We compared our results with previously published information on the sexual reproduction of antipatharians. Our review suggests that in antipatharians, more generally, (1) entire colonies are either female or male (although sequential hermaphroditism cannot be ruled out in most cases and has been reported previously for one species), (2) gametes are confined to the primary transverse mesenteries in most species, and (3) there is no evidence of internal fertilization. Further studies are needed to determine whether gonochorism or sequential hermaphroditism is more prevalent within the Antipatharia, whether dimorphic polyps occur within this taxonomic order, and to examine the reproductive seasonality and larval behavior of individual species.
TL;DR: An unprecedented, near-complete genetic inventory of the Hawaiian monk seal was examined and human-mediated translocation of seals among locations is not likely to result in genetic incompatibilities, confirming seal movement and gene flow throughout the Hawaiian Archipelago.
Abstract: : The Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi) is one of the most critically endangered marine mammals. Less than 1200 individuals remain, and the species is declining at a rate of approximately 4% per year as a result of juvenile starvation, shark predation, and entanglement in marine debris. Some of these problems may be alleviated by translocation; however, if island breeding aggregates are effectively isolated subpopulations, moving individuals may disrupt local adaptations. In these circumstances, managers must balance the pragmatic need of increasing survival with theoretical concerns about genetic viability. To assess range-wide population structure of the Hawaiian monk seal, we examined an unprecedented, near-complete genetic inventory of the species (n =1897 seals, sampled over 14 years) at 18 microsatellite loci. Genetic variation was not spatially partitioned (w=−0.03, p = 1.0), and a Bayesian clustering method provided evidence of one panmictic population (K =1). Pairwise FST comparisons (among 7 island aggregates over 14 annual cohorts) did not reveal temporally stable, spatial reproductive isolation. Our results coupled with long-term tag-resight data confirm seal movement and gene flow throughout the Hawaiian Archipelago. Thus, human-mediated translocation of seals among locations is not likely to result in genetic incompatibilities.
Resumen: La foca (Monachus schauinslandi) es una de las especies de mamiferos marinos en mayor peligro critico. Existen menos de 1200 individuos, y la especie esta declinando a una tasa de ∼4% por ano como resultado de la inanicion juvenil, depredacion por tiburones y enmaranamiento en escombro marino. Algunos de esos problemas se pueden aligerar por translocacion; sin embargo, si las colonias reproductivas insulares son subpoblaciones aisladas efectivamente, el movimiento de animales puede alterar adaptaciones locales. En estas circunstancias, los manejadores deben balancear la necesidad pragmatica de incrementar la supervivencia con preocupaciones teoricas sobre la viabilidad genetica. Para evaluar la estructura de la poblacion de M. schauinslandi en toda su area de distribucion, examinamos un inventario genetico, casi completo y sin precedentes, de la especie (n =1897 focas, muestreadas a lo largo de 14 anos) en 18 loci microsatelite. La variacion genetica no estaba subdividida espacialmente (w=−0.03, p = 1.0), y un metodo de agrupamiento Bayesiano proporciono evidencia de una poblacion panmictica (K =1). Comparaciones pareadas FST (entre 7 grupos insulares en 14 cohortes anuales) no revelo aislamiento reproductivo espacial, temporalmente estable. Nuestros resultados, combinados con datos de avistamiento de marcas, confirman el movimiento de individuos y el flujo de genes en el Archipielago Hawaiano. Por lo tanto, es probable que la translocacion de focas por intervencion humana no resulte en incompatibilidades geneticas.
TL;DR: Two commercially valuable black coral species, Antipathes griggi and Myriopathes ulex, were found, representing substantial range expansions for these species and highlight the utility of deepdiving technologies in surveying the largest part of the depth range of coral reef ecosystems, which remains largely unexplored.
Abstract: Mesophotic coral reef ecosystems are notoriously undersurveyed worldwide and particularly in remote locations like the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). A total of 37 mixed-gas technical dives were performed to depths of 80 m across the NWHI to survey for the presence of the invasive octocoral Carijoa sp., the invasive red alga Acanthophora spicifera, and conspicuous megabenthic fauna such as black corals. The two invasive species were not recorded from any of the surveys, but two commercially valuable black coral species, Antipathes griggi and Myriopathes ulex, were found, representing substantial range expansions for these species. Antipathes griggi was recorded from the islands of Necker and Laysan in 58–70 m, and Myriopathes ulex was recorded from Necker Island and Pearl and Hermes Atoll in 58–70 m. Despite over 30 yr of research in the NWHI, these black coral species had remained undetected. The new records of these conspicuous marine species highlight the utility of deepdiving technolo...
TL;DR: In this article, an ecosystem-based management research partnership between the Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology and Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, specifically with the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve and, later, the Papahaneumokuakea Marine National Monument, provides a case study to analyze integration of scientific research into management plans through collaborative communications.
Abstract: An ecosystem-based management research partnership between the Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology and Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, specifically with the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve and, later, the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, provides a case study to analyze integration of scientific research into management plans through collaborative communications. Ecosystem-based management seeks input from disparate stakeholders and requires effective communication systems for the public, science, and management partners that bypass differences in organizational culture and communication styles. Here, we examine a successful partnership within the framework of ecosystem-based management to survey and evaluate cultural differences, understand what facilitates collaborative communication, highlight factors that impede a successful partnership, and identify areas for improvement. Effective communication has been achieved through an analysis of the organizations cultures and structures to better define communication links. Although specific differences were noted in organization and style, successful integration was accomplished through techniques such as the development of symposia and semiannual reports. This paper will explore the organizational culture analysis and structure evaluation, which are components of a larger study. This science management integration project is an example of how organizational analysis can lead to recommendations for improved communication and integration of science and management.
TL;DR: Molecular analysis indicates that recent populations of H. kuda kuda from elsewhere in the Indo-Pacific region are not based on introduced fishes as their cytb sequence is identical to that of the H. hilonis holotype.
Abstract: Three species of seahorses of the genus Hippocampus are recognized within the Hawaiian Islands, H. kuda, H. fisheri and H. histrix. Based on molecular and morphological evidence H. kuda is treated here as two subspecies, the Hawaiian H. kuda hilonis and H. kuda kuda from elsewhere in the Indo-Pacific region. Molecular analysis also indicates that recent populations of H. kuda hilonis are not based on introduced fishes as their cytb sequence is identical to that of the H. hilonis holotype. Hippocampus fisheri is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. The Hawaiian record of H. histrix is based on a specimen collected from O‘ahu in 1877 and one reported from Maui in 1928. The specimens are identified correctly, and there is no reason to doubt these old records, illogical as they seem.
01 Jan 2011
TL;DR: The hypothesis that eastern Pacific E. analoga constitute a single panmictic population is tested and the location(s), timing and cause(s) of phylogeographic differentiation are examined.
Abstract: Aim Phylogeographic analyses have confirmed high dispersal in many marine taxa but have also revealed many cryptic lineages and species, raising the question of how population and regional genetic diversity arise and persist in dynamic oceanographic settings. Here we explore the geographic evolution of Emerita analoga, an inter-tidal sandy beach crab with an exceptionally long pelagic larval phase and wide latitudinal, amphitropical, distribution. We test the hypothesis that eastern Pacific E. analoga constitute a single panmictic population and examine the location(s), timing and cause(s) of phylogeographic differentiation. Location Principally the eastern Pacific Ocean. Methods We sequenced cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) from 742 E. analoga specimens collected between 1997 and 2000 and downloaded homologous sequences of congeners from GenBank. We reconstructed a phylogeny for Emerita species using maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods and estimated times to most recent common ancestors (TMRCAs), using a COI divergence rate of 1% Myr )1 and timing of closure of the Central American Seaway. We constructed the