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Phone:(808) 956-8369
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University of Hawai`i at Manoa
3190 Maile Way, Room 101
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Dept. Chair:
Dr. Tom Ranker
Graduate Program Chair:
Dr. Tom Ranker
Home > People > Graduate Students > Daniel Amato
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Daniel Amato MS Student Marine Botany Track Contact Information University of Hawai`i at Manoa Affiliations |
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Thesis Title: The Growth and Physiology of the Endemic Edible Marine Alga Gracilaria coronopifolia in Response to Variable Amounts of Submarine Groundwater Discharge Personal Statement: The majority of my research at UHM has been focused on the growth and physiology of the endemic red algae Gracilaria coronopifolia. This alga is one of the three most sought after species for human consumption in the Hawaiian Islands. As a result of over harvesting and other unknown factors, this species has seen drastic reductions in its population over the last few decades. Working along side a team of economists and hydrologists on a USGS grant, my work has focused on the biological effects of ground water consumption. Our basic theory states that the more ground water is extracted from the aquifer, the less there is to flow underground to nourish the reef. Since tropical ocean water is generally considered nutrient replete, I suspect that many marine algae rely on submarine groundwater discharge to supply its nutritional requirements. To test this theory, I am measuring the growth and photosynthetic response of G. coronopifolia under varied nutrient and salinity conditions in a highly controlled laboratory environment. So far, so good. |
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