Richard B. Gump South Pacific Research Station

04 Jan, 04 AM - 27 Jan, 04 AM

The invasive alga Turbinaria ornata has expanding its range across French Polynesia drastically since the 1980s. It disperses by floating of fertile adult thalli that are ripped from the substratum during storms, form large rafts and are moved in surface currents between islands. Germlings released from adult thalli can successfully recruit across barrier reefs and create new populations. Rafting by other algae and invertebrates on Turbinaria as it drifts represents a new, potentially important dispersal vector and mechanism of connectivity in French Polynesia. However, the organisms that may be dispersing in this manner are not known. This project aims to use the BioCode database and taxonomic expertise to identify the organisms associated with this floating alga. It will also contribute to the database by sampling an abundant, dynamic, but understudied habitat. Additionally, this work will be used as part of a partner project investigating floating rafts of Sargassum in the Sargasso Sea.

Visit #30403 @Richard B. Gump South Pacific Research Station

Approved

Under Project # 26377 | Research

FLOATING TURBINARIA ALGAE AS A POTENTIAL DISPERSAL/CONNECTIVITY VECTOR

research_scientist - Tetiaroa Society

Reservation Members(s)

Hannah Stewart Jan 4 - 27, 2013 (24 days)
Ian Copping Jan 4 - 27, 2013 (24 days)

Reserve Resources(s) | Create Invoice

Bed in private room 2 Jan 4 - 7, 2013