The 3rd International Workshop on the Science and Conservation of Horseshoe crabs 第三屆國際馬蹄蟹科學及保育會議 - 日本 Print

Date: June 15-19, 2015 (Field Trips on June 20, 21)

Location: Saikai National Park Kujukushima, Sasebo-City, Nagasaki, Japan

Abstract
The decreasing number of horseshoe crab is dramatic in this decade; concern is raised on the survival of this species. Our students are participating in a scientific research on Tachypleus tridentatus (Chinese Horseshoe crab) by extracting their DNA and find out the relativity among horseshoe crabs which are found in Hong Kong’s water. The result will be helpful to identify the habitation and migration pattern of horseshoe crab in the pacific area.

Program’s objectives

-        To conduct scientific research on Tachypleus tridentatus (Chinese Horeshoe crab)and publish a paper for the result;
-        To attend the ‘3rd Intenational Workshop on the Science and Conservation of Horseshoe crabs’ held at Nagasaki, Japan

Research’s directions

-       Chemical perspective: Conduct heavy metal analysis of hemolymph sample of Tachypleus tridentatus and identify any correlation with the copper ion level in sea water of their local area (Chemical-Geographical perspective)
-       Biological perspective: Conduct genetic profile of Tachypleus tridentatus for the study of phylogenetics and genetic variation through the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) approach (Molecular Biology-Geographical perspective)
(The DNA sample manipulated by our school would be sent to Taiwan for further DNA sequencing)

Background’ information

(i)             Biological importance of Horseshoe crab – Living fossil; Biological classification       
(ii)             Risk of Extinction of Horseshoe crab (1) Human’s impact on nurturing shores (2) Commercial value of HSC’s blood (3) Traditional Chinese Cuisine
(iii)           Basic Physiology of HSC – What are important perimeters for measuring the growth/maturity of Tachypleus tridentatus? What are biological indicators for distinguishing Tachypleus tridentatus from  Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda
(iv)           Basic Chemistry of HSC – Why the hemolymph of HSC is blue in colour? How to conduct heavy metal analysis of hemolymph sample?
(v)            Basic Molecular Biology – How to extract DNA from an animal blood cell and identify by specific DNA region?
(vi)           Basic Molecular Genetics – What can be interpreted from the genetic variations and genetic diversity?

Research’s stages


Date

Stage

Early November
(3rd – 16th NOV, 2014)

Background research, Literature Review,
Lecture on Journal

Mid November
(17th – 28th NOV, 2014)

Sampling, Purchasing HSC

Late NOV – Early DEC
(17thNOV - 5th DEC2014)

Research on Chemical & Biological perspective

Mid DEC – Early JAN
(5th DEC – JAN 2015)

Summarizing results & Drafting paper

LAST STAGE

Hand-in abstract & completing the paper

Manpower
Manpower should be split into sub-team and focus on different perspectives
(i)     Team for locating and purchasing HSC
(ii)    Team for compiling background research and information about HSC
(iii)  Team for conducting practical work on chemical and biological perspective (Priority given to Science Background)
(iv)   Team for drafting reports, generation of charts and publishing paper & abstract

Exact manpower plan SHOULD be DONE for BETTER manipulation of manpower in the MOST EFFICIENT way

Prior Knowledge
Before the beginning of research work, you are expected to be EXTREMELY FAMILIAR with the knowledge concerned.
        **Please study the following checklist of knowledge prior to conducting the research work**

  • Structure & Characteristics of DNA
  • Procedure & Rationale in DNA extraction & Cell Lysis
  • Procedure & Rationale in Amplification of DNA segment by PCR reaction

Procedure & Rationale in Separation & Inspection of PCR DNA product by Agarose Gel Electrophoresis

Recent events


Date

21 Nov 2014

Venue

Sai Kung Seafood Market

Event

Buying horseshoe crab

Photos

描述: IMAG0124.jpg

 

Date

21 Nov 2014

Venue

Po Leung Kuk Laws Foundation College – Ecology Lab

Event

Horseshoe crab blood extraction

Description

Two S6 students Jamie Cheung(left) and Jessica Ho(right) are extracting blood from a juvenile horseshoe crab for further analysis

Photos

描述: DSC_8622.JPG
描述: DSC_8636.JPG

Previous events
Our school has been participating in horseshoe crab rearing programmes organized by the Ocean Park and City University of Hong Kong for three years. We are passionate to promote and share messages of conservation this endangered species to our fellow schoolmates and extend it to our community.

Horseshoe Crab Rearing Team: Phoebe Choy, Gigi Lun, Rachel Bull, Jessie Lam, Sabina Chan, Christy Yung, Lidia Wong, Angus Lee, Alex Hi, Oscar Tze, Pakho Chow


Date

19 May 2014

Venue

Po Leung Kuk Laws Foundation College

Event

Horseshoe Crab Conservation Exhibition

Participants

10 students, 1 teacher

Description

An exhibition about the conservation of horseshoe crab was held at school. Students from all levels were able to closely look at the horseshoes crab and know more facts about this species.

Photos

描述: DSC05572.JPG
描述: DSC05570.JPG

Date

28 June 2014

Venue

Ha Pak Nai, Yuen Long, Hong Kong

Event

Horseshoe Crab Release

Description

A group of students from S2 to S4 had participated in the Horseshoe Crab rearing programme organized by the City University of Hong Kong and Ocean Park this year. The objective of this rearing programme was to awake the public awareness of the conservation of the endangered species in the world. The crabs were raised at the ecology laboratory for five months from February to June.

Photos

描述: DSC05745.JPG
描述: DSC05716.JPG

 

Date

9 July 2014

Venue

City University of Hong Kong

Event

Horseshoe Crab Rearing Finale Sharing

Participants

3 students, 1 teacher

Description

A year end sharing of the horseshoe crab rearing programme. Around 20 schools in Hong Kong had join this event and it was a great opportunity for each school to share and learn from each other.

Photos

描述: DSC05831.JPG

Date

13 September 2014

Venue

Ocean Park

Event

Horseshoe Crab Conservation Sharing

Description

Children are listening to our students’ sharing about the experience of rearing infant horseshoe crabs at Ocean Park.

Photos

描述: DSC06224.JPG
描述: DSC06214.JPG

 

Last Updated on Wednesday, 14 January 2015 22:36