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Release
New
study shows coral larvae susceptible
to low pollution
November 18, 2003
Research from the Australian Institute of Marine Science has found
low levels of contaminants could retard the success of the biggest
reproductive event in the animal kingdom.
The mass coral spawning was discovered 20 years ago unlocking the
key to the survival and renewal of the reef, but until now, knowledge
about the sensitivity of the larvae produced by the spawning has been
very limited.
| PhD
student Claire Bennett of The University of Melbourne is
conducting a collaborative study with AIMS analysing the impact
contaminants have on developing coral larvae in the period
directly following spawning.
This research sheds light on how
critical the larval stage is and how it determines the
recruitment success rate of coral.
The study has involved delicately
timed experiments cross-fertilising eggs and sperm precisely
after spawning and dosing them with varying concentrations of
copper. |
 Coral spawning photographed
in moonlight.
|
Copper is a common sediment contaminant in urban and industrial
run-off, and is also the major active ingredient in antifouling paints
that potentially leach into the water column.
Claire Bennett has found even very low concentrations of copper
severely inhibit the maturation of the larvae preventing the normal
development of juvenile coral polyps.
| "It seems the
larval stage is a particularly sensitive one, a very crucial
period for normal development and consequently successful
settlement and recruitment," she said.
"We’ve found the copper exposed larvae that do
progress to the juvenile status experience significantly delayed
development.
The evidence shows the larval stage of corals to be the most
fragile and vulnerable to low levels of pollution and
environmental change" Ms Bennett said. |
Claire Bennett collecting eggs
and sperm.
|
It is hoped that the study will help to set benchmarks for the
impact of toxicants on coral larvae and support a broader
investigation into the adverse affects of other contaminants and
environmental changes.
The new understanding about the larval stage will assist reef
managers to better predict the success of a spawning event and the
health of subsequent generations.
Media
contact
Claire
Bennett, PhD Student, AIMS and The University of Melbourne
Ph (07) 4753 4109
email: c.bennett@aims.gov.au
Dr Andrew Negri, AIMS Senior
Research Scientist, Biotechnology Group
Ph (07) 4753 4322
email: a.negri@aims.gov.au
Wendy Ellery, AIMS Media
Liaison
Ph (07) 4753 4409
email: w.ellery@aims.gov.au
AIMS home page
web@aims.gov.au
Last updated - November 18, 2003
Copyright ©1996-2003 Australian Institute of Marine Science
URL http://www.aims.gov.au
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