Replanting cold water corals from bycatch in the Mediterranean, effects on reproductive output
This is a suggestion for a Degree Project for Bachelor's and Master's levels at the Department of Marine Sciences. Degree projects at the Department of Marine Sciences are done independently and must be written and assessed individually.
Subject: Marine Biology
Project Level: Adjustable to Master or Bachelor Project
Project start and length: 30-60pt, flexible start from September 2024
Supervisor: Rhian Waller & Nadjejda Espinel
Location: Tjärnö Marine Laboratory
Project Background
We have obtained preserved samples of two species of Mediterranean cold-water coral that are undergoing restoration efforts in the region.
These two species were collected as bycatch and then replanted in populations of varying densities to observe if these species could be restored in damaged habitats.
Project Description
As we have two species, this is two potential projects.
These projects would utilise histological analysis to compare coral fecundity and reproduction between naturally occuring populations and between transplanted corals to see if there are differences between them.
In addition to histological analysis there would be some video analysis involved in this project, to determine where in the colonies samples were obtained from to examine inter-colonial variation in reproduction.
Contact
Rhian Waller
Email: rhian.waller@gu.se