Uncovering the genetic diversity of Caribbean coral rubble beds
Key Facts
FUNDING SCHEME Darwin Plus Local
VALUE £46,558
WHERE Turks and Caicos Islands
Summary
Anthropogenic pressure is accelerating the destruction of marine ecosystems and coral rubble beds are increasing in size as a result. Despite being created of dead skeletons, the ecosystem maintains a high biodiversity including all major marine phyla. The variety of organisms present in Caribbean coral rubble beds is not currently known. Using a combination of physical collection, morphological identification and genetic analysis is the most accurate way of creating the first biodiversity inventory for Caribbean coral rubble beds.
