Current Objective: Delimit and validate coral species under restoration using phylogenomic analysis of lcWGS, 3-RADSeq and long read sequencing data
Our team has successfully set up the project’s website and GitHub for open access sharing. A pilot study is currently ongoing and the samples have already been sequenced (lcWGS) and data analysis is ongoing.
Objectives
This project aims to generate genomic resources to support coral species delimitation, identify resilience markers and develop low cost PCR tools for application in reef restoration and biodiversity monitoring. This project’s work is centred around five core objectives:
Objective 1
Delimit and validate Kenyan coral species
Status: Ongoing
Delimit and validate Kenyan coral species under restoration using phylogenomics to analyse lcWGS, 3-RADSeq and long read sequencing data.
Objective 2
Identify and map QTLs for coral species delimitation
Status: Ongoing
Utilise bioinformatics tools to skim coral genomes, then identify, prioritise and validate the diagnostic QTLs.
Objective 3
Develop and implement PCR diagnostics for species delineation
Status: Upcoming
Design and optimise diagnostic SNP panels and PCR protocols for accurate and reliable species identification in the field.
Objective 4
Estimate genetic diversity
Status: Upcoming
Quantify the intraspecific genetic diversity of coral populations and interpret reef-scale diversity to assess resilience to drastic environmental change.
Objective 5
Capacity building and partner engagement
Status: Ongoing
Strengthening regional expertise by training graduate researchers, developing and delivering SOPs and handbooks, and empowering partner institutions through workshops and resource deployment.
Progress Report Events
| Title | Description | Date |
|---|