[Fertilization success in Porites lobata gamete age assays] - Fertilization success rates from gamete age assays using eggs and sperm from Porites lobata corals in April-May 2023 (Collaborative Research: How do selection, plasticity, and dispersal interact to determine coral success in warmer and more variable environments?)

Porites lobata colonies were collected from study sites in the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon in the Republic of Palau. Colonies were isolated in individual plastic containers at the Palau International Coral Reef Center.

Sperm from selected male colonies were pooled in a single container, and eggs were gently poured into this pool, allowing fertilization to commence. Fertilization success was evaluated visually 2-3 hours after fertilization began by observing a sub-sample of the eggs from each cross under a dissecting microscope and counting whole (undivided) eggs and dividing embryos.