Ecobreves – VENEZUELA: Coral Hybrids Considered

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CARACAS, Aug 18 2002 (IPS) - Experts at the Ecology Center of the Venezuelan Scientific Research Institute are studying the creation of hybrids of different coral types in order to apply the technique in environmental management and preservation of the species. “This type of research is applicable in Venezuela because there is a great abundance of coral in the island region along the coast, particularly at Mochima and Morrocoy Parks,” said Luis Miguel Márquez, expert in coral ecology and genetics, at a recent seminar.

Through controlled hybridization, it is possible to combine species or create new varieties, explained Márquez, who has proved in his research that the phenomenon occurs naturally among coral species.

The idea is to develop a genetic lineage of the population of these aquatic organisms in order to apply it towards coral conservation, he said.