Masayuki Hatta

'Look at all the coral gametes that wash ashore during mass spawning events! They are lost for nature, but we can use them for scientific research and for the propagation of corals in aquaria.'

Dr. Masayuki Hatta is specialized in coral evolution and molecular biology (peptidic signal molecules in hydra). His present reseach interest is focused on the mechanisms of metamorphosis and settlement of coral larvae. He and his colleagues of Ochanomizu University (Japan) have identified bacteria from submarine substrates as environmental cues and neuropeptides as internal cues to regulate the initiation of metamorphosis in Acropora.

The contribution of Dr. Hatta to SECORE is his delivery of coral larvae to Rotterdam Zoo for breeding experiments and the establishment of a captive live stock. The larvae are grown from gametes collected in Okinawa by a specially designed, non-invasive collection method.