Why did you choose the service/institution you chose?

The Canary Islands host several populations of black corals, important habitat-forming species which are the focus of our study. The facilities at University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria provide easy access to these species by recreational scuba diving.

Moreover, black corals are notoriously hard to keep in aquaria, but this species has been maintained in these facilities before, providing valuable know-how about its biology and maintenance. Our partners at the host facilities have also succeeded in creating favourable conditions for the reproduction of this species, a crucial step in obtaining embryos and larvae. As a result, the facilities provide an ideal setting to study larval stages of black corals.

How did this access experience support your research?

My research focuses on the impacts of climate change on benthic ecosystems, with a focus on temperate and cold-water coral communities. Most climate research so far has focused on tropical corals, however corals can be encountered worldwide. Black corals are among the least studied coral taxonomic groups. Very few research groups in have the expertise and facilities to maintain and study the biology of these enigmatic species.

The access experience allowed me to overcome important methodological challenges in studying the early life stages of this taxonomic group, and collect important data to further understand their dispersal, connectivity among populations and response to climate change.

How does your project benefit society, industry, or policy?

Black corals are important ecosystem engineers which build habitat for other species and support biodiversity, but we still know very little about their biology. Our study helps to develop protocols for keeping and rearing these species in aquaria, which helps both research and conservation.

Since these animals do not move, their early life stages are the only stages where they can disperse, which is crucial for replenishing existing populations and occupying new areas. Our results allow a better understanding of dispersal and connectivity among populations, that can inform the design of protected areas and contribute to EU goals for marine biodiversity, restoration and sustainable use of coastal ecosystems. Moreover, antipatharian gardens often attract scuba diving activities, supporting diving businesses. Thus, our study is also relevant under the EU's objectives to promote sustainable coastal resource management and enhance ecosystem services, all relevant under the Sustainable Blue Economy policy.

How did this experience mark your scientific career?

On a personal level, this research will form part of a chapter of my PhD thesis and enhance the representativeness of my results.