We recently published the manuscript “Cryptic diversity of shallow and mesophotic Stephanocoenia intersepta corals across Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary." The study uncovered four distinct, cryptic genetic lineages and highlights the importance of including both mesophotic and shallow corals in population genetic assessments to better inform management, conservation, and restoration efforts within the Sanctuary. For an area that has recently experienced dramatic impacts to its coral ecosystems as a result of bleaching and disease, the prospect of mesophotic corals potentially reseeding or restoring shallow populations provides welcome hope.
The work was featured on the September cover of Heredity, the official journal of the Genetics Society. This research comprises a chapter of Ryan Eckert's PhD dissertation and was supported by grants to Josh from NOAA Ocean Exploration and NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS). We thank all the participants of the 2019 FAU Harbor Branch CIOERT Florida Keys Expedition and the crew of R/V F.G. WALTON SMITH.
The work was featured on the September cover of Heredity, the official journal of the Genetics Society. This research comprises a chapter of Ryan Eckert's PhD dissertation and was supported by grants to Josh from NOAA Ocean Exploration and NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS). We thank all the participants of the 2019 FAU Harbor Branch CIOERT Florida Keys Expedition and the crew of R/V F.G. WALTON SMITH.
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