Meeting Abstract
One of the greatest current threats to the study of biodiversity is the loss of taxonomic expertise. As the number of experts declines, it becomes increasingly difficult to train the next generation of taxonomists as well as to disseminate knowledge of the basic methods required to study poorly known taxa. A major challenge in learning the taxonomy of marine invertebrates and macroalgae is learning the methods and “tricks of the trade” that are buried in hard-to-obtain taxonomic papers or simply unpublished. Dissemination of this information is complicated by the fact that many of the methods are best conveyed through hands-on demonstrations and in-person training. For many groups, there are few active taxonomists and in-person training may be difficult to obtain. As a first step to confront these challenges, we have developed a series of “How To” videos focused on basic techniques for collection, preservation and identification of marine organisms. Focusing on macroalgae, tunicates, sponges, hydrozoans, sea anemones and nemerteans, the six taxa represented in the Bocas NSF-ARTS project, these videos aim to help students and biodiversity researchers to prepare material that is useful for identification and taxonomic research. Associated protocols provide more detailed information on the best ways to observe the anatomy and biology of the organisms. Transcripts in both English and Spanish are provided to broaden accessibility of the information.
