Dirk Petersen

Dr. Dirk Petersen's primary research interest is the sexual reproduction of corals in aquaria. Reproduction in corals is a very complex and fascinating process. Environmental cues and the physiology of the coral have to be in a perfect balance to stimulate sexual reproduction. In Dr. Petersen's view, an aquarium offers the unique opportunity to study nature under semi-laboratory conditions. The boarders between nature and the sterile environment of a laboratory can be easily shifted depending ont the research purpose. In that way basic biological and physical processes can be experimentally influenced to maximize reproductive success. All aspects of the sexual reproduction of corals in the aquarium must be fully understood: from the development and release of gametes (spawning), to settlement and early post-settlement stages. Only then, corals can be successfully bred in captivity.

It is Dr. Petersen's strong belief that the synergy between science and aquariology can be a key to the conservation of marine ecosystems such as the coral reef.