Client

Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB)

Region

Pacific Ocean — Hawai‘i, USA

Year

2011

Areas

Coral Reef Ecology, Coral Genetics, Marine Biodiversity, Taxonomy, Coral Conservation

Short Summary

Research on coral taxonomy, morphology and genetics focused on the Pocillopora genus in the Pacific Ocean, conducted at the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB).

The project contributed to improving scientific understanding of coral diversity, morphological variability and species identification challenges within one of the most ecologically important reef-building coral genera.

Key Contributions

• Research on the taxonomy, morphology and genetics of Pocillopora corals in the Pacific Ocean.
• Analysis of coral morphology, micromorphology and genetic markers to support species identification and evolutionary understanding.
• Contribution to scientific research addressing phenotypic variability and coral taxonomy challenges.
• Collaboration with international coral reef researchers and marine biology specialists.
• Contribution to coral reef ecology and biodiversity research within the Pacific region.

Results & Impact

• Contribution to scientific understanding of coral diversity and taxonomy in the Pacific Ocean.
• Support for coral reef biodiversity research and species identification approaches.
• Contribution to peer-reviewed scientific publications related to coral morphology and genetics.
• Strengthened expertise in coral reef ecology, genetics and marine biodiversity research.

Funding & Partners

Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB) in collaboration with international coral reef researchers and marine science institutions.

Selected Publications & Outputs

• Extreme phenotypic polymorphism in the coral genus Pocillopora
  Martí-Puig, P., Forsman, Z.H., Haverkort-Yeh, R.D., Knapp, I.S.S., Maragos, J.E., & Toonen, R.J. (2014). Bulletin of Marine Science.
• Martí Puig, P. (2011).
  Genetics and morphology of the genus Pocillopora between the Hawaiian archipelago and surrounding regions.
  Master’s Thesis, Ghent University.