Lalita Putchim

PhD project:

Ecological and molecular genetic factors affecting coral bleaching susceptibility in the Andaman Sea

The impact of climate change is one of the most concerning issue of marine ecosystem. The sea surface temperature rise is one of well understanding its impacts to marine ecosystem especially to the coral. Coral bleaching is one of the strongest impacts of ecosystem which clearly cause of high sea surface temperature. There were two big events of coral bleaching in Andaman Sea, since last two decade, which occurred in 1998 and early of 2010. The coral bleaching in early 2010 is causes from very high and long period of sea surface temperature (up to 32°C) during April and May. High mortality of coral (up to 90%) in many area of Andaman Sea of Thailand was found after the bleaching event. All species including the ones identified previously be more resistant were affected, although some of those species were able to recover within the surveyed months. Nevertheless, it was found that not all colonies of coral in the same species of the same site got bleaching. The survival of these coral might relate to the genetic and adaptation behind. The difference genetic of coral and zooxanthellae might have different adaptation to changing of environments. To understand the genetic distribution of coral and zooxanthellae and its adaptation relating to marine environment could contribute to understanding impact of climate change to coral community in the Andaman Sea.

Research Area: C "Marine Ecology and Biogeochemistry"