1. Logistics Sign up for Informal Evening Seminar Sign up for diving with local dive shop on: –Monday, 14 July –$45 two dives @ sites we recommend Includes gear (indicate what you need)

2. 2 Collections Management So many algae, so little time.

3. 3 Collections Management Permits are required to collect marine organisms in Panama –STRI is covered by a marine collecting permit –Exporting dead/live specimens requires separate permits. Requirement of permitting is to provide duplicate specimen for deposition at University of Panama –Co-ordinate sample export with course instructor if necessary Don’t over-collect, you’ll only waste time throwing out rotten, smelly seaweed Collect sufficient material to preserve appropriately

4. 4 Collections Management Goal –To be able to recall collection information associated with each sample at a later date (months, years, decades from now) –(14 collection days) x (16 collectors) x (10 specimens) = 2240 specimens! Record unique identification number for each specimen using class spreadsheet –iMac: TFP Workshop Folder: TFP_08_Specimens.xls

5. 5 Collections Management: Identification Identification may require multiple strategies –Morphological examination of fresh material is best Photomicrography is available in lab Image data will be transferred to iMac from 17:00-17:30 everyday by Jessie & Liz –Folders: S1, C1 (door bench)S2, C2 (window bench) –Preservation is always required for vouchering Herbarium Formalin –4-5% Formaldehyde solution in seawater from collection site

6. 6 Collections Management: Preservation Herbarium preparation corrugated cardboard felt blotter newsprint specimen corrugated cardboard felt blotter newsprint Data recorded in spreadsheet must be recorded on herbarium sheet.

7. 7 Collections Management: TFP Goals 1.Contribute accurately identified specimens to BRS Reference Collection (and UP) 2.Contribute species records to BdT Biodiversity Database http://biogeodb.stri.si.edu/bocas_database/search/kingdom/2/ 3.Document the morphology of select species as part of a series of photographic plates Addressing these goals will promote your understanding of tropical algal diversity

8. 8 Collections Management: Identification Identification may require multiple strategies –Molecular Work (DNA Sequencing/Barcoding) Extraction of fresh material is best Integrity of DNA is preserved by rapid drying –Non-formalin fixed herbarium specimens can be used –Silica gel promotes rapid drying

9. 9 Collections Management: TFP Goals Contribute specimens and morphological observations to class DNA Barcoding Project Hypotheses: –H 0 : Species richness of taxon x as determined by morphological examination is the same as determined by molecular examination (sequencing of coxI mitochondrion gene) –H a1 : DNA barcoding of taxon x reveals cryptic (hidden) diversity Morphologically identical specimens are genetically distinct –H a2 : Morphological variability within taxon x conceals genetic similarity Morphologically variable specimens are genetically identical

10. 10 Collections Management: TFP Goals Means of tracking information is absolutely essential to reconcile –Specimen records with field/lab image data –Specimen records (i.e., morphology, ecological/geographic distribution) with molecular data Ensure that your specimen records are updated daily in the Excel spreadsheet –Do not put specimens in press without logging or labeling –There may be bottle-necking at spreadsheet Claim number by entering collection information even if identity is uncertain, update later Use safe copy & pasting to facilitate data entry

11. 11 Laboratory Maintenance Microscopes –Always clean up seawater spills on microscopes immediately –Wipe down slide platform (compound scope) or glass base (stereo scope) daily –Replace dust cover –Conserve slides/cover slips as best as possible Slide drying on your own table, not in common space next to sink Broken/used slides/cover slips in glass waste Lab tables –Keep workspace clean –Return literature to literature table when not in use Use fans overnight to facilitate herbarium drying

12. 12 Laboratory Maintenance Sea Water Tables –Keep your specimens in labeled containers/bags May be hard to keep track of free-floating specimens –Change water in baggies at least daily –Don’t hold specimens for more than 1-2 days, maximum –Get rid of old specimens (not in trash) Waste bucket will be established in lab, ensure it is emptied at least once/day Spills –Clean them up –Try to avoid electrical outlets

13. 13 Collections Management: Field Photography 3 cameras are available for in situ photography –Canon PowerShot 720 –Canon underwater housing (WP- DC16) rated to 130’ Cameras will be prepared for field use by Jessie & Liz Return cameras to Jessie & Liz in the field Image data will be downloaded by Jessie & Liz

14. 14 Collections Management: Field Photography Work in pairs to photo-document selected specimens –Photograph # on numbered collection bag (to segregate image data by specimen) –Photograph specimen (multiple images) –Place photographed specimen into numbered bag –1 specimen/bag –Ultimately, you will need to generate image file name and link it to specimen number in MS Excel spreadsheet