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CSCOR Researchers Recognized with US Coral Reef Task Force Award
Yimnang Golbuu and Steven Victor were recognized for their contributions to improving knowledge of coral reef conservation at the recent US Coral Reef Task Force meeting in Koror, Palau, November 4-7, 2005. Both examined recruitment processes in coral planula larvae. Yim studied settlement preferences in coral larvae and was among the first to demonstrate the importance of substratum quality in coral reef integrity. Steven built on Yim's work by demonstrating the effects of heavy metals on fertilization rates in spawning corals, as well as the longer-term effects on subsequent coral recruitment. Both studies are considered seminal research in coral reef ecology. Their recent research has expanded into the effects of land-based sources of pollution and sedimentation on coastal coral reef ecosystems of Micronesia. Yim and Steven serve as Co-Chief Scientists at the Palau International Coral Reef Center, where they have continued their research on corals and coral reef health, and provide research leadership, as well as serve key capacity-development roles by teaching other researchers in Micronesia how to measure the effects of watershed-based discharges on coastal coral reefs. This research is part of the CSCOR Coral Reef Ecosystem Studies/Micronesia program led by Dr. Bob Richmond at the University of Hawaii . For more information, please contact Michael Dowgiallo.