Census of Coral ReefsCensus of Coral Reefs

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Preliminary Synthesis ConclusionsPreliminary Synthesis Conclusions

We are still a long way from even an order of magnitude estimate of reef biodiversity. However,

the often quoted statement that ¼ of all marine species live on coral reefs is probably too low.

In just 22 small dead heads of central Pacific corals, In just 22 small dead heads of central Pacific corals, the total number of crab species (defined bythe total number of crab species (defined bythe bar code gene) was 20% of the entire the bar code gene) was 20% of the entire

described European crab fauna! described European crab fauna!

Why?Why?

DiversityDiversity

If ¼ of all marine species live on coral reefs, and if coral reef species are described at the same rate

as other species, then there are about 62,500 described coral reef species.

If there are 1-9 million species on coral reefs in total (based on beetle and aquarium data!) then

94-99% remain undescribed!

DiversityDiversity

French Frigate Shoals (40 sites):French Frigate Shoals (40 sites):30-50 new species and > 100 new records of marine 30-50 new species and > 100 new records of marine invertebrates among ~2300 morphospecies sampledinvertebrates among ~2300 morphospecies sampled

Australian Coral Reefs:Australian Coral Reefs:3 locations, 377 sites, 5691 specimens3 locations, 377 sites, 5691 specimens

~300-500 new species ~300-500 new species

DiversityDiversity

All localitiesAll localities

Number individuals sequencedNumber individuals sequenced

BackreefBackreefForereefForereef

ForereefForereef

LagoonLagoon

ARMS French Frigate ARMS French Frigate ShoalsShoals

Difficult to adequately sample because diversity is so highDifficult to adequately sample because diversity is so high

Num

ber

Num

ber o

fof s

peci

essp

ecie

s

Distribution and AbundanceDistribution and Abundance

In a typical biodiversity survey, most species are found in only one place.

Absolute abundance is difficult to estimate because almost everything is rare.

Nb of localities Nb of species

1 452 253 74 6

ARMS Samples – French Frigate Shoals, NWHIARMS Samples – French Frigate Shoals, NWHI

34% of species were singletons, and an additional 24%34% of species were singletons, and an additional 24%occurred more than once but at a single placeoccurred more than once but at a single place

Similarly, in the Northern Line Islands and Moorea, 44% were Similarly, in the Northern Line Islands and Moorea, 44% were singletons and an additional 33% occurred in only one place.singletons and an additional 33% occurred in only one place.

Visualization & CommunicationVisualization & Communication

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 20102005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

1,000,0001,000,000

Number of coral reef Number of coral reef species detected - species detected -

One million? and counting! One million? and counting!

Visualization & CommunicationVisualization & Communication

?? ??

20102010 20502050 20102010 20502050

oror

Number of coral reef species in a warmerNumber of coral reef species in a warmerand more acidic oceanand more acidic ocean

Societal Impact of Results to DateSocietal Impact of Results to Date

January 6 2009January 6 2009

Limits to KnowledgeLimits to Knowledge

The scale of reef biodiversity is so large, that traditional taxonomic and survey approaches are inadequate.

Molecular environmental censuses hold the key.

For example pyrosequencing can generate hundreds of thousands of sequences from a single sample.

However, this is much easier to do with bacteria than with other

organisms.

No species-level matches to GenBankNo species-level matches to GenBank

Limits to KnowledgeLimits to KnowledgeMulticellular organisms vary enormously with respect to

size, which genes amplify, which preservatives work.

Even different PCR machines give different results!!

Limits to KnowledgeLimits to Knowledge

• Standardized sampling methods Standardized sampling methods are also are also essential. >300 Autonomous Reef essential. >300 Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures have already been Monitoring Structures have already been deployed throughout the Pacific.deployed throughout the Pacific.