Logistics

1
Logistics

• Sign up for Informal Evening Seminar
• Sign up for diving with local dive shop on
• Monday, 14 July
• 45
• two dives _at_ sites we recommend
• Includes gear (indicate what you need)

2
Collections Management

• So many algae, so little time.

3
Collections Management

• Permits are required to collect marine organisms
  in Panama
• STRI is covered by a marine collecting permit
• Exporting dead/live specimens requires separate
  permits.
• Requirement of permitting is to provide duplicate
  specimen for deposition at University of Panama
• Co-ordinate sample export with course instructor
  if necessary
• Dont over-collect, youll only waste time
  throwing out rotten, smelly seaweed
• Collect sufficient material to preserve
  appropriately

4
Collections Management

• Goal
• To be able to recall collection information
  associated with each sample at a later date
  (months, years, decades from now)
• (14 collection days) x (16 collectors) x (10
  specimens) 2240 specimens!
• Record unique identification number for each
  specimen using class spreadsheet
• iMac TFP Workshop Folder TFP_08_Specimens.xls

5
Collections Management Identification

• Identification may require multiple strategies
• Morphological examination of fresh material is
  best
• Photomicrography is available in lab
• Image data will be transferred to iMac from
  1700-1730 everyday by Jessie Liz
• Folders S1, C1 (door bench) S2, C2 (window
  bench)
• Preservation is always required for vouchering
• Herbarium
• Formalin
• 4-5 Formaldehyde solution in seawater from
  collection site

6
Collections Management Preservation

• Herbarium preparation

corrugated cardboard
felt blotter
newsprint
specimen
newsprint
felt blotter
corrugated cardboard
7
Collections Management TFP Goals

• Contribute accurately identified specimens to BRS
  Reference Collection (and UP)
• Contribute species records to BdT Biodiversity
  Database
• http//biogeodb.stri.si.edu/bocas_database/search/
  kingdom/2/
• Document the morphology of select species as part
  of a series of photographic plates
• Addressing these goals will promote your
  understanding of tropical algal diversity

8
Collections Management Identification

• Identification may require multiple strategies
• Molecular Work (DNA Sequencing/Barcoding)
• Extraction of fresh material is best
• Integrity of DNA is preserved by rapid drying
• Non-formalin fixed herbarium specimens can be
  used
• Silica gel promotes rapid drying

9
Collections Management TFP Goals

• Contribute specimens and morphological
  observations to class DNA Barcoding Project
• Hypotheses
• H0 Species richness of taxon x as determined by
  morphological examination is the same as
  determined by molecular examination (sequencing
  of coxI mitochondrion gene)
• Ha1 DNA barcoding of taxon x reveals cryptic
  (hidden) diversity
• Morphologically identical specimens are
  genetically distinct
• Ha2 Morphological variability within taxon x
  conceals genetic similarity
• Morphologically variable specimens are
  genetically identical

10
Collections Management TFP Goals

• Means of tracking information is absolutely
  essential to reconcile
• Specimen records with field/lab image data
• Specimen records (i.e., morphology,
  ecological/geographic distribution) with
  molecular data
• Ensure that your specimen records are updated
  daily in the Excel spreadsheet
• Do not put specimens in press without logging or
  labeling
• There may be bottle-necking at spreadsheet
• Claim number by entering collection information
  even if identity is uncertain, update later
• Use safe copy pasting to facilitate data entry

11
Laboratory Maintenance

• Microscopes
• Always clean up seawater spills on microscopes
  immediately
• Wipe down slide platform (compound scope) or
  glass base (stereo scope) daily
• Replace dust cover
• Conserve slides/cover slips as best as possible
• Slide drying on your own table, not in common
  space next to sink
• Broken/used slides/cover slips in glass waste
• Lab tables
• Keep workspace clean
• Return literature to literature table when not in
  use
• Use fans overnight to facilitate herbarium drying

12
Laboratory Maintenance

• Sea Water Tables
• Keep your specimens in labeled containers/bags
• May be hard to keep track of free-floating
  specimens
• Change water in baggies at least daily
• Dont hold specimens for more than 1-2 days,
  maximum
• Get rid of old specimens (not in trash)
• Waste bucket will be established in lab, ensure
  it is emptied at least once/day
• Spills
• Clean them up
• Try to avoid electrical outlets

13
Collections Management Field Photography

• 3 cameras are available for in situ photography
• Canon PowerShot 720
• Canon underwater housing (WP-DC16) rated to 130
• Cameras will be prepared for field use by Jessie
  Liz
• Return cameras to Jessie Liz in the field
• Image data will be downloaded by Jessie Liz

14
Collections Management Field Photography

• Work in pairs to photo-document selected
  specimens
• Photograph on numbered collection bag (to
  segregate image data by specimen)
• Photograph specimen (multiple images)
• Place photographed specimen into numbered bag
• 1 specimen/bag
• Ultimately, you will need to generate image file
  name and link it to specimen number in MS Excel
  spreadsheet