A new technique in controlling Sun-Coral invasion: Air Blasting

• Grant number: 23/05584-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2023
• End date: June 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Ecology
• Principal Investigator: Guilherme Henrique Pereira Filho
• Grantee: Gustavo Henrique Piazzaroli Leite
• Host Institution: Instituto do Mar (IMar). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus Baixada Santista. Santos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Dispersion of invasive species is one of the main causes of biodiversity loss, generating many impacts on the functioning of ecosystems. Among these organisms, corals of the genus Tubastraea spp. are the ones that invade the Brazilian rocky shore more quickly, causing retreat of the tissue area of endemic corals. So far, control techniques for this species have not been effective and, thus, it is important to continue expending efforts to improve these strategies. This project aims to develop a technique to control the coral invader Tubastraea spp. by air blasting over the colonies. The research aims that the developed technique is easy to apply, with less limitation and more efficient than those applied nowadays. In addition, the project add efforts to the National Plan for Prevention, Control and Monitoring of Coral Sol, seeking not only to eradicate sun corals from recently invaded areas, but also to control the invasion of sun corals in priority areas. The experiment will be carried out using the photoquadrat technique, in which PVC squares measuring 75cm X 75cm will be fixed in previously specified areas. Then, the air will be blasted over the sun coral colonies that were in the delimited space. Photographs of managed colonies will be trademarked shortly after blasting, one month and six months after the experiment. These images will be obtained in the laboratory through the PhotoQuad software. In order to test the possible viability of the detached tissue in regenerating new polyps, we will also carry out in vitro experiments in collaboration with researchers associated with CEBIMar/USP, increasing a multidisciplinary and inter-institutional character to the formation of the undergraduate student.