34 
THE CORAL TRIANGLE: HEARST BIODIVERSITY EXPEDITION 
Photo 9. Outreach with community leaders in Mabini, Batangas, May 26, 2011. Photographer unknown, California 
Academy of Sciences. 
Once specimens arrived back at the Academy, more in-depth study, including DNA sequenc¬ 
ing of specimens, was initiated. In virtually every case, field identifications of new species were 
upheld by the morphologieal and molecular studies. In the case of some of the shallow-water nudi- 
branchs, we had collected what we thought represented at least four new species in one genus from 
just one locality. When we sequenced their DNA, we discovered that in fact there were eight new 
species. Total estimate of new species for the expedition has been increased from the initial 300 to 
500 currently. John MeCosker, Academy ichthyologist, published the first new speeies name from 
the expedition, a snake eel {Myrichthys paleracio) named for Club Ocellaris dive guide. Peri 
Paleracio, who collected the specimens during the expedition (MeCosker and Allen 2012). 
Personnel exehanges and interaetions eontinue. Two of the expedition’s Philippine entomolo¬ 
gists have visited the Aeademy to continue their eollaborative interaetions, and other visits are 
being planned for Filipino botanists, invertebrate zoologists, and ichthyologists in 2013. In Novem¬ 
ber 2012, at the invitation of UP, a group of nine Aeademy scientists, educators, and exhibit staff 
will participate in a week-long workshop at the university on integrating research, education, 
exhibits, and conservation. 
Shortly after Aeademy scientists returned from the Philippines, the REEF group and the 
Philippine Consulate General joined the Academy in a Thursday NightLife celebration of the expe¬ 
dition, with scientists, speeimens, and lectures, as well as demonstration stations by local Bay Area 
Filipino companies and cultural groups. Almost 3,000 visitors attended, mostly members of the 
