EASTERN TROPICAL PACIFIC REGIONAL GROUP
GEOGRAPHICAL FOCUS AREA: México, El Salvador, Costa Rica and Colombia
The Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) Coral Restoration Network (RED PTO) was adopted by the CRC in 2019 and has participants from México, El Salvador, Costa Rica and Colombia, as well as the sponsorship and collaboration of Raising Coral Costa Rica (RCCR), Center for Research in Marine Science and Limnology (CIMAR), the Environmental Minister (MINAE) and the National Protected Areas System government (SINAC), together with the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ).
The regional group is led by primary chair, Tatiana Villalobos (Raising Coral Costa Rica).
PRIORITIES
Identifying the main research needs and exchange platforms for rapid communication and action on coral restoration through the region. Main priorities for the network are:
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Standardize coral propagation and restoration methodologies through an ETP coral restoration protocol to compare growth & survival results.
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Promote a regional genetic analyses of the main reef builders and specially for understanding Pocillopora connectivity (mid or long-term).
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Studying coral sexual reproduction of the main reef builders for future assisted interventions (long-term), the goal is to understand sexual reproduction processes, timing and connectivity issues.
WHAT WE'RE WORKING ON
Creating and integrating a website into the network for exchanging ETP work on coral restoration research, works, and experiences.
