Unified methods in collecting, preserving, and archiving coral bleaching and restoration specimens to increase sample utility and interdisciplinary collaboration

• DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14176
• Publication Date: 2022-11-02T09:24:36Z
• Authors: Rebecca Vega Thurber; Emily R. Schmeltzer; Andréa G. Grottoli; Robert van Woesik; Robert J. Toonen; Mark Warner; Kerri L. Dobson; Rowan H. McLachlan; Katie Barott; Daniel J. Barshis; Justin Baumann; Leila Chapron; David J. Combosch; Adrienne MS Correa; Thomas M. DeCarlo; Mary Hagedorn; Laetitia Hédouin; Kenneth Hoadley; Thomas Felis; Christine Ferrier...; Carly Kenkel; Ilsa B. Kuffner; Jennifer Matthews; Mónica Medina; Christopher Meyer; Corinna Oster; James Price; Hollie M. Putnam; Yvonne Sawall
• Keywords: Sample (material); Foundation (evidence)

Coral reefs are declining worldwide primarily because of bleaching and subsequent mortality resulting from thermal stress. Currently, extensive efforts to engage in more holistic research restoration endeavors have considerably expanded the techniques applied examine coral samples. Despite such advances, studies often conducted within a specific disciplinary focus, where specimens collected, preserved, archived ways that not always conducive further downstream analyses by specialists other disciplines. This approach may prevent full utilization unexpended specimens, leading siloed research, duplicative efforts, unnecessary loss additional corals endeavors, overall increased costs. A recent US National Science Foundation-sponsored workshop set out consolidate our collective knowledge across disciplines Omics, Physiology, Microscopy Imaging regarding methods used for sample collection, preservation, archiving. Here, we highlight gaps propose some simple steps collecting, preserving, archiving coral-bleaching can increase impact individual studies, as well foster future discoveries through collaboration. Rapid freezing samples liquid nitrogen or placing at −80 °C −20 is optimal most Omics Physiology with few exceptions; however, removes potential many Imaging-based due alteration tissue integrity during freezing. For Imaging, best stored aldehydes. The use sterile gloves receptacles collection supports analysis host-associated bacterial viral communities which particularly germane disease efforts. Across all disciplines, aseptic maximizes allows greatest number possible analyses.