Graduate students Courtney Klepac and Michael Studivan recently participated in a research cruise in the Gulf of Mexico led by Dr. Paul Sammarco of LUMCON. The purpose was to sample invasive coral species Tubastraea micranthus from oil platforms in order to determine if platforms are serving as “stepping stones” for dispersal of the species. Although the cruise was cut short by Tropical Storm Karen, Courtney and Michael had the opportunity to develop new collaborations, practice sampling skills, and dive an oil rig. |