Workshops
Current advances in octocoral research
Organisers: Götz B. Reinicke & Y. Benayahu
Octocorals (Coelenterata) are researched by a small network of colleagues worldwide, which handle subjects of taxonomy, phylogenetics, physiological and ecological studies. The workshop addresses octocoral researchers participating in the conference. The focus will be on current working issues, communication, exchange and possible project cooperation. On announcement of the work-shop within the conference program the information will be communicated through the coral list and personal contact networks. Octocorals can be prominent elements of benthic coral reef communities, sometimes significantly competing with scleractinian corals, thus influencing if not impeding reef development. Their complicated taxonomy, however, often hinders research consideration of octocoral populations - which requires active exchange of the specialists with the coral reef researching networks.
Octocorals (Coelenterata) are researched by a small network of colleagues worldwide, which handle subjects of taxonomy, phylogenetics, physiological and ecological studies. The workshop addresses octocoral researchers participating in the conference. The focus will be on current working issues, communication, exchange and possible project cooperation. On announcement of the work-shop within the conference program the information will be communicated through the coral list and personal contact networks. Octocorals can be prominent elements of benthic coral reef communities, sometimes significantly competing with scleractinian corals, thus influencing if not impeding reef development. Their complicated taxonomy, however, often hinders research consideration of octocoral populations - which requires active exchange of the specialists with the coral reef researching networks.
Red Listing assessment initiative for scleratinian corals: Progress update and collaboration opportunities
Organisers: David Obura & Paul Pearce-Kelly
This symposium provides an ideal opportunity for participants to be briefed on, and actively contribute to an urgent and ambitious Red Listing assessment initiative for scleratinian corals. IUCN Coral Specialist Group Chair David Obura will summarise assessment rationale, methodology and progress to date. Symposium colleagues are invited to discuss and actively contribute to this species and ecosystem level assessment process.
This symposium provides an ideal opportunity for participants to be briefed on, and actively contribute to an urgent and ambitious Red Listing assessment initiative for scleratinian corals. IUCN Coral Specialist Group Chair David Obura will summarise assessment rationale, methodology and progress to date. Symposium colleagues are invited to discuss and actively contribute to this species and ecosystem level assessment process.
Compiling evidence for the effectiveness of interventions to protect and manage coral reef diversity
Organisers: Sue Wells, William Sutherland, David Gill & Helen Fox
There is a long history of coral reef conservation, management and restoration work, much of which has been documented but the evidence from these past initiatives is widely scattered and difficult to access. The Conservation Evidence project (www.conservationevidence.com), based at the University of Cambridge, provides an opportunity to bring together evidence on the maintenance and restoration of biodiversity, summarize it, use expert panels to assess the effectiveness of each action, and make it freely available to anyone needing information to support decision-making. Ten evidence synopses and assessments have already been compiled on topics such as bird, amphibian, reptile and forest conservation, and work has started on wetlands. A framework for gathering evidence for marine biodiversity conservation has been developed. The purpose of this workshop will be to review progress towards the production of a synopsis of evidence for coral reef ecosystems following the Conservation Evidence format. The workshop will also finalize and refine if necessary the list of the conservation and management interventions for coral habitats that will be assessed within this synopsis of evidence. The workshop will draw together recognized international coral reef scientists and conservation practitioners, with the intention that some would subsequently become members of the project’s Advisory Group, which will guide production of the synopsis. Funding for compiling the evidence is currently being sought. Work will start (at the University of Cambridge) as soon as this is available, and the aim is to prepare the synopsis in 2018, as a contribution to IYOR3. The synopsis will provide a freely available source of information on the success of different interventions and as such a valuable decision-making tool. The workshop will complement the proposed session on reef conservation proposed by Dr Maria Beger.
There is a long history of coral reef conservation, management and restoration work, much of which has been documented but the evidence from these past initiatives is widely scattered and difficult to access. The Conservation Evidence project (www.conservationevidence.com), based at the University of Cambridge, provides an opportunity to bring together evidence on the maintenance and restoration of biodiversity, summarize it, use expert panels to assess the effectiveness of each action, and make it freely available to anyone needing information to support decision-making. Ten evidence synopses and assessments have already been compiled on topics such as bird, amphibian, reptile and forest conservation, and work has started on wetlands. A framework for gathering evidence for marine biodiversity conservation has been developed. The purpose of this workshop will be to review progress towards the production of a synopsis of evidence for coral reef ecosystems following the Conservation Evidence format. The workshop will also finalize and refine if necessary the list of the conservation and management interventions for coral habitats that will be assessed within this synopsis of evidence. The workshop will draw together recognized international coral reef scientists and conservation practitioners, with the intention that some would subsequently become members of the project’s Advisory Group, which will guide production of the synopsis. Funding for compiling the evidence is currently being sought. Work will start (at the University of Cambridge) as soon as this is available, and the aim is to prepare the synopsis in 2018, as a contribution to IYOR3. The synopsis will provide a freely available source of information on the success of different interventions and as such a valuable decision-making tool. The workshop will complement the proposed session on reef conservation proposed by Dr Maria Beger.
From cell to colony: Imaging techniques in coral research
Organisers: Philippe Laissue, Sophie Stephenson & David Smith
Imaging is an important component to add to the interdisciplinary toolkit for the study of coral physiology, pathophysiology, behaviour and growth. This workshop will promote the use of affordable, sustainable bioimaging solutions in coral research. Direct imaging of biological events as they unfold is a uniquely powerful approach. Advancements in bioimaging have provided outstanding insights into the development, anatomy and physiology in model organisms ranging from Drosophila to zebrafish. However, to make full use of bioimaging in coral research, methods need to be adapted and promoted. This workshop will introduce participants to the application of imaging in coral research, covering affordable imaging approaches specifically adapted for the observation of reef-building corals. The target audience are members of coral reef research labs interested in bioimaging as a tool. We emphasize low-cost imaging solutions and first-hand practical advice. Two presenters (Reynaud and Laissue) are experienced leaders of imaging workshops and will bring instruments and other kit (e.g. for sample preparation) to the workshop. The main organiser (Laissue) collaborates with Cairn Research, a small independent scientific instruments manufacturer based in Kent who regularly contributes microscopes and other imaging equipment for Laissue’s hands-on workshops. The following imaging approaches will be presented: Kite- and drone-based reef surveys and low-cost photogrammetry1 of single colonies (Reynaud); Computed tomography models of skeletal growth rates2 (Summerfield); Live imaging model organisms of reef-building corals: Three-dimensional, minimally invasive fluorescence microscopy3 of coral larvae and colonies for long-term studies of development, physiology and behaviour (Laissue); Analysis of the growing edge using simple brightfield microscopy (Bellworthy).
Imaging is an important component to add to the interdisciplinary toolkit for the study of coral physiology, pathophysiology, behaviour and growth. This workshop will promote the use of affordable, sustainable bioimaging solutions in coral research. Direct imaging of biological events as they unfold is a uniquely powerful approach. Advancements in bioimaging have provided outstanding insights into the development, anatomy and physiology in model organisms ranging from Drosophila to zebrafish. However, to make full use of bioimaging in coral research, methods need to be adapted and promoted. This workshop will introduce participants to the application of imaging in coral research, covering affordable imaging approaches specifically adapted for the observation of reef-building corals. The target audience are members of coral reef research labs interested in bioimaging as a tool. We emphasize low-cost imaging solutions and first-hand practical advice. Two presenters (Reynaud and Laissue) are experienced leaders of imaging workshops and will bring instruments and other kit (e.g. for sample preparation) to the workshop. The main organiser (Laissue) collaborates with Cairn Research, a small independent scientific instruments manufacturer based in Kent who regularly contributes microscopes and other imaging equipment for Laissue’s hands-on workshops. The following imaging approaches will be presented: Kite- and drone-based reef surveys and low-cost photogrammetry1 of single colonies (Reynaud); Computed tomography models of skeletal growth rates2 (Summerfield); Live imaging model organisms of reef-building corals: Three-dimensional, minimally invasive fluorescence microscopy3 of coral larvae and colonies for long-term studies of development, physiology and behaviour (Laissue); Analysis of the growing edge using simple brightfield microscopy (Bellworthy).
Creating and Analysing 3D Models of Shallow Coral Reefs
Organisers: Grace C. Young
Audience members’ need no prior background, apart from general appreciation for why the study of coral reefs is important. We will show the potential of 3D models of coral reefs (i.e., WHY audience members should care) by overviewing existing and yet-to-be-published results. We will then delve into the methods for creating such models and answer any audience questions, including pointing them to the most relevant resources. Primary target audience is marine researchers who may create 3D models of coral reefs during fieldwork and those who may consider incorporating 3D modelling into reef monitoring programs. We will demonstrate live how to create and analyse 3D models from underwater footage. Many researchers still shy away from applying the technology, despite its vast potential, because it may seem complicated, but in the workshop we’d aim to demystify the process and show how straightforwardly methods could be applied. Grace C. Young (through her thesis work) and The Hydrous are at the forefront of developing and applying means of 3D modelling coral reefs from diver-held cost-effective cameras.
Audience members’ need no prior background, apart from general appreciation for why the study of coral reefs is important. We will show the potential of 3D models of coral reefs (i.e., WHY audience members should care) by overviewing existing and yet-to-be-published results. We will then delve into the methods for creating such models and answer any audience questions, including pointing them to the most relevant resources. Primary target audience is marine researchers who may create 3D models of coral reefs during fieldwork and those who may consider incorporating 3D modelling into reef monitoring programs. We will demonstrate live how to create and analyse 3D models from underwater footage. Many researchers still shy away from applying the technology, despite its vast potential, because it may seem complicated, but in the workshop we’d aim to demystify the process and show how straightforwardly methods could be applied. Grace C. Young (through her thesis work) and The Hydrous are at the forefront of developing and applying means of 3D modelling coral reefs from diver-held cost-effective cameras.
Delving into the depths: wHAT do we study on mesophotic reefs?
Organisers: Joe Turner, Dominic Andradi-Brown, Gal Eyal & Andrea Gori
Mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) lie at depths beyond those typically associated with coral reefs. MCEs harbour diverse assemblages of corals, fish and other invertebrates, including some species that are highly endemic to these systems. Similarly, diverse coral-dominated ecosystems are also present in the twilight zone of temperate seas, such as the Mediterranean. Challenges associated with data collection in deep water has resulted in many key MCE questions remaining unanswered. This workshop invites all those working on mesophotic ecosystems to help identify the key questions currently limiting this field. We encourage participation by all those working with MCEs, either through academic research, conservation management, or government policy. We seek to identify the major knowledge gaps hindering understanding of MCE processes, and preventing broader integration into reef management plans. Research prioritization exercises have proved to be useful tools for emerging scientific disciplines and have been utilised in conservation-related fields. We have invited many participants to submit questions prior to the workshop, and will use this time to discuss and prioritise the most important questions.
Mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) lie at depths beyond those typically associated with coral reefs. MCEs harbour diverse assemblages of corals, fish and other invertebrates, including some species that are highly endemic to these systems. Similarly, diverse coral-dominated ecosystems are also present in the twilight zone of temperate seas, such as the Mediterranean. Challenges associated with data collection in deep water has resulted in many key MCE questions remaining unanswered. This workshop invites all those working on mesophotic ecosystems to help identify the key questions currently limiting this field. We encourage participation by all those working with MCEs, either through academic research, conservation management, or government policy. We seek to identify the major knowledge gaps hindering understanding of MCE processes, and preventing broader integration into reef management plans. Research prioritization exercises have proved to be useful tools for emerging scientific disciplines and have been utilised in conservation-related fields. We have invited many participants to submit questions prior to the workshop, and will use this time to discuss and prioritise the most important questions.
European launch of the International Year of the Reef 2018 (IYOR3)
Organisers: Sue Wells & Francis Staub
At the 31st General Meeting (November 2016 in Paris, France), the International Coral Reef Initiative declared 2018 as the third International Year of the Reef. The aims of IYOR3 are to: strengthen awareness globally about the value of, and threats to, coral reefs and associated ecosystems; promote partnerships between governments, the private sector, academia and civil society on the management of coral reefs; identify and implement effective management strategies for conservation, increased resiliency and sustainable use of these ecosystems and promoting best practices; and share information on best practices in relation to sustainable coral reef management. IYOR3 will build on the experiences of the last IYOR held in 2008, when over 630 events were organized in over 65 countries and territories around the world. ECRS provides an ideal opportunity to bring scientists and conservation practitioners in Europe into the process and encourage them to participate in the new initiative. RCUK took a lead role in previous IYORs, and indeed was founded as a part of the first IYOR, and its support is anticipated in 2018.
At the 31st General Meeting (November 2016 in Paris, France), the International Coral Reef Initiative declared 2018 as the third International Year of the Reef. The aims of IYOR3 are to: strengthen awareness globally about the value of, and threats to, coral reefs and associated ecosystems; promote partnerships between governments, the private sector, academia and civil society on the management of coral reefs; identify and implement effective management strategies for conservation, increased resiliency and sustainable use of these ecosystems and promoting best practices; and share information on best practices in relation to sustainable coral reef management. IYOR3 will build on the experiences of the last IYOR held in 2008, when over 630 events were organized in over 65 countries and territories around the world. ECRS provides an ideal opportunity to bring scientists and conservation practitioners in Europe into the process and encourage them to participate in the new initiative. RCUK took a lead role in previous IYORs, and indeed was founded as a part of the first IYOR, and its support is anticipated in 2018.
Reef Genomics and Bioinformatics
Organisers: Bry Wilson, Manuel Aranda & Hollie Putnam
Next-Generation Sequencing technologies are revolutionising the way that we investigate the bewildering complexity of coral reef ecosystems. In this workshop, we shall give a brief overview of the genomic and bioinformatic tools available and discuss best practices for harnessing the power of these cutting edge techniques in hypothesis-driven research. Primary target audience and focus of the workshop: Senior researchers who wish to learn how the state of the art tools can be applied to their particular area of interest and PhD researchers looking for inspiration as they embark on their own projects. The focus of the workshop will be to educate and inform but importantly, also to troubleshoot existing issues and highlight areas of this new field in need of improvement. Approaches to generating audience interaction: As detailed above, inviting audience members to ask questions about the tools and best practices and discussing (and hopefully assisting with) issues already encountered. Justification of the topic: These techniques are at the forefront of biological research and as the technologies have become more affordable, their accessibility to researchers has increased. However, as with all things new, there are caveats to be aware of when analysing and interpreting these data and we hope to address some of these in this workshop.
Next-Generation Sequencing technologies are revolutionising the way that we investigate the bewildering complexity of coral reef ecosystems. In this workshop, we shall give a brief overview of the genomic and bioinformatic tools available and discuss best practices for harnessing the power of these cutting edge techniques in hypothesis-driven research. Primary target audience and focus of the workshop: Senior researchers who wish to learn how the state of the art tools can be applied to their particular area of interest and PhD researchers looking for inspiration as they embark on their own projects. The focus of the workshop will be to educate and inform but importantly, also to troubleshoot existing issues and highlight areas of this new field in need of improvement. Approaches to generating audience interaction: As detailed above, inviting audience members to ask questions about the tools and best practices and discussing (and hopefully assisting with) issues already encountered. Justification of the topic: These techniques are at the forefront of biological research and as the technologies have become more affordable, their accessibility to researchers has increased. However, as with all things new, there are caveats to be aware of when analysing and interpreting these data and we hope to address some of these in this workshop.
What are the advances in citizen science for coral reef research?
Organisers: Debbie Winton & David Smith
Citizen science is contributing a wealth of vital data on how ecosystems are changing in response to man-made threats. Through Earthwatch, more than 100,000 volunteers have given 11 million hours of their time on 3,000 scientific research projects. Some of this research has been specifically focused on coral reefs. In the Seychelles, in partnership with the University of Essex and volunteers from the Mitsubishi Corporation, 12,420 hours of research has been undertaken. This research has led to new advances in the field of coral reef research. The data have shown how coral reefs can become more resilient to extreme environmental conditions. Other Earthwatch projects in Japan and Australia have generated information on microbial interactions on corals and the impacts of storms and black band disease on some of the world’s most vulnerable reefs. Coral reefs inspire considerable public interest and are thus an ideal habitat for citizen science activities. However, in-water citizen science also presents specific training, safety and quality assurance needs which have been addressed by Earthwatch and the University of Essex. These insights will be shared as part of the workshop.
Target Audience
Coral reef scientists looking for practical insights and inspiration on how to engage the public in their research.
Audience interaction
Lessons learned on quality assurance, safety and public engagement will be shared, followed by a “World café” workshop where participants will discuss possibilities for using citizen science in their own research.
Speakers
Earthwatch brings over 30 years of citizen science experience which will be shared by Debbie Winton (Programme Manager) and Lucy Goodman (Programme Manager). Professor David Smith (University of Essex) is the Director of the Coral Reef Research Unit. He has over two decades of experience working with members of the public, students and corporate employees on science.
Citizen science is contributing a wealth of vital data on how ecosystems are changing in response to man-made threats. Through Earthwatch, more than 100,000 volunteers have given 11 million hours of their time on 3,000 scientific research projects. Some of this research has been specifically focused on coral reefs. In the Seychelles, in partnership with the University of Essex and volunteers from the Mitsubishi Corporation, 12,420 hours of research has been undertaken. This research has led to new advances in the field of coral reef research. The data have shown how coral reefs can become more resilient to extreme environmental conditions. Other Earthwatch projects in Japan and Australia have generated information on microbial interactions on corals and the impacts of storms and black band disease on some of the world’s most vulnerable reefs. Coral reefs inspire considerable public interest and are thus an ideal habitat for citizen science activities. However, in-water citizen science also presents specific training, safety and quality assurance needs which have been addressed by Earthwatch and the University of Essex. These insights will be shared as part of the workshop.
Target Audience
Coral reef scientists looking for practical insights and inspiration on how to engage the public in their research.
Audience interaction
Lessons learned on quality assurance, safety and public engagement will be shared, followed by a “World café” workshop where participants will discuss possibilities for using citizen science in their own research.
Speakers
Earthwatch brings over 30 years of citizen science experience which will be shared by Debbie Winton (Programme Manager) and Lucy Goodman (Programme Manager). Professor David Smith (University of Essex) is the Director of the Coral Reef Research Unit. He has over two decades of experience working with members of the public, students and corporate employees on science.
Can citizen science bridge the knowledge gap? Lessons from the field
Organisers: Ans Vercammen, Karsten Shein & Max Bodmer
Public participation in scientific or conservation activities can greatly expand their scope, foster increased public interest and awareness of the work's importance, and is often looked upon favourably by granting organs seeking to engage the public on topics aligned with their mission. But designing and implementing a citizen science component to one's research or conservation goals, and ensuring scientifically robust outcomes also carries challenges, which if unaddressed may imperil success. The conference session ‘Can citizen science bridge the knowledge gap? Lessons from the field.’ addresses these issues, but its format is not conducive to participant interaction. As the session organisers, we felt it would be beneficial to have a low-threshold, informal opportunity for discussion. The workshop will be set up as a round-table where participants are invited to share their citizen science ambitions and real-world experiences, both successes and challenges, in a collaborative setting of meaningful dialogue. Outcomes of this knowledge-sharing round table will help advance a body of best practice for citizen science in coral reef research and conservation. It will also facilitate networking and promote collaboration by encouraging participants from a wide cross-section of the field to participate so that successes and challenges from a range of study sites and volunteer infrastructures can be debated.
Public participation in scientific or conservation activities can greatly expand their scope, foster increased public interest and awareness of the work's importance, and is often looked upon favourably by granting organs seeking to engage the public on topics aligned with their mission. But designing and implementing a citizen science component to one's research or conservation goals, and ensuring scientifically robust outcomes also carries challenges, which if unaddressed may imperil success. The conference session ‘Can citizen science bridge the knowledge gap? Lessons from the field.’ addresses these issues, but its format is not conducive to participant interaction. As the session organisers, we felt it would be beneficial to have a low-threshold, informal opportunity for discussion. The workshop will be set up as a round-table where participants are invited to share their citizen science ambitions and real-world experiences, both successes and challenges, in a collaborative setting of meaningful dialogue. Outcomes of this knowledge-sharing round table will help advance a body of best practice for citizen science in coral reef research and conservation. It will also facilitate networking and promote collaboration by encouraging participants from a wide cross-section of the field to participate so that successes and challenges from a range of study sites and volunteer infrastructures can be debated.
Information Session on National Geographic Society Grants
Organiser: Helen Fox
This workshop will provide an opportunity to learn more about National Geographic grants, which support bold people and transformative ideas in the fields of conservation, education, research, storytelling, and technology. We are currently open for applications to our Early Career and Standard Grants, welcoming applications from around the world, and specifically encouraging applications from outside the United States. Projects should aim to advance our knowledge and seek solutions to challenges reefs currently face (e.g., climate change, coastal development, pollution (including plastics), unsustainable fishing practices); develop technology to advance ocean exploration or protection; or effect changes in policy or behavior, including through community-based projects. Our grants portal provides an easy-to-use and streamlined application process: www.nationalgeographic.org/grants
This workshop will provide an opportunity to learn more about National Geographic grants, which support bold people and transformative ideas in the fields of conservation, education, research, storytelling, and technology. We are currently open for applications to our Early Career and Standard Grants, welcoming applications from around the world, and specifically encouraging applications from outside the United States. Projects should aim to advance our knowledge and seek solutions to challenges reefs currently face (e.g., climate change, coastal development, pollution (including plastics), unsustainable fishing practices); develop technology to advance ocean exploration or protection; or effect changes in policy or behavior, including through community-based projects. Our grants portal provides an easy-to-use and streamlined application process: www.nationalgeographic.org/grants
