Newly Developed Genetic Sequencer May Hold Key To Coral Reef Survival

Researchers at the University of Guam (UOG) Marine Laboratory are taking the help of a new genetic sequencer to know more about the biological mechanism of coral reefs. The study will enable the scientists to understand why certain colonies of coral reefs thrive while others do not. The findings will have an invaluable consequence on saving coral colonies that are increasingly perishing due to bleaching.

The scientists are looking at a high-tech genome system, called the NextSeq 500, for mapping coral species. The UOG scientists will get a better understanding of marine ecosystems and fragile coral reefs, and their ability to adapt to drastic environmental changes, with the help of the genetic sequencer. The study may also give a deeper insight in to the impacts caused by ocean acidification, excessive sedimentation and warmer ocean waters on coral reef colonies. 

"Coral reef survival is linked to Guam's economic survival," said Dr. John Peterson, UOG researcher. "Everything from recreational tourism to fishing is based on the health of our coral reefs. It is in our best interests to better understand the genetic factors that enable coral colonies to thrive."

The National Science Foundation (NSF) had given a $6 million grant to the UOG to develop a research program, termed Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR). The NextSeq 500 will enable EPSCor and UOG Marine Lab to systematically sequence genetic information and thereby study the coral colonies in Guam's waters. Researches, such as these, are already in process in Australia and Hawaii.

Guam's warmer climate may lead to a new angle being found by the scientists. According to Dr. Jason Biggs from Marine Laboratory, the new study will enable UOG to gain a leading position in understanding molecular reef ecology and its consequent effect on coral survival.