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Kurt

@kurtbb.bsky.social
68 followers 138 following 28 posts

BS/MS Marine Biology (uscphilippines). Interested in black corals and related organisms. he/him/his

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Kurt @kurtbb.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Ending this almost a month-long research trip here in Katsuura, Chiba where I examined the black coral collections at Umihaku (Coastal Branch of Natural History Museum & Institute). Especially grateful to curator Dr. Kensuke Yanagi whose exceptional hospitality is second to none!
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Kurt @kurtbb.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Visited yesterday the small yet important black coral collection of the late Prof. Kumao Kinoshita (1881-1947), a prominent Japanese coral taxonomist. Some of his specimens are currently missing but several are deposited at The University of Tokyo where he used to work.
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Kurt @kurtbb.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
I am usually powered by caffeine everyday but spent the whole day earlier drowned by fumes of either ethanol or formalin. Such a privilege to examine the black coral collection of the late Emperor Showa at the Museum of Nature and Science (NSMT). One important collection down, onward to the next!
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Kurt @kurtbb.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
Wrapped up my training on NGS workflows at AIST. Working on black coral systematics. Grateful to @hkise.bsky.social for the invite, access to facilities and resources, as well as hands-on instruction. Travel support was made possible by @icrs.bsky.social graduate fellowship.
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ICRS International Coral Reef Society @icrs.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
We are proud to celebrate the recipients of this year’s ICRS awards 🪸🏆 Each recognition reflects not only scientific excellence, but also dedication, collaboration, and meaningful contributions to to coral reef science and conservation. Congratulations to all awardees!
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Colin J Anthony @colinjanthony.bsky.social · 14/02/2026
Hello Hello! I'd like to share our recent letter on coral reef-related policy published in Science! 🪸🪸🪸 Endangered Species Act changes threaten reefs www.science.org/doi/10.1126/... 🪸🪸🪸 More below ⬇️
science.org
Endangered Species Act changes threaten reefs
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Kurt @kurtbb.bsky.social · 31/01/2026
Google Scholar seems a bit unresponsive to Boolean search operators lately or it is just on my end?
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Kurt @kurtbb.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
Counting down my days as a fellow at SI NMNH. Nothing but pure bliss to be here.
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Kurt @kurtbb.bsky.social · 29/08/2025
Workspace at NMNH MSC. #taxonomy #blackcorals
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Kurt @kurtbb.bsky.social · 25/08/2025
First day of fellowship begins today.
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Kurt @kurtbb.bsky.social · 31/07/2025
Back on land after a month of being at sea sampling in Earth's most remote ecosystem - the deep sea. Always just grateful for the experience and the kind people I have met during that time. @dsbsoc.bsky.social
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Deep-Sea Biology Society @dsbsoc.bsky.social · 27/07/2025
Another exciting 2025 #DSBSoc support awardee! Meet Kurt Bacharo (@kurtbb.bsky.social), a grad student in the @miselab.bsky.social at U. of the Ryukyus working with #BlackCorals and currently aboard the #JAMSTEC R/V Kaimei exploring the biodiversity off the Daito Islands. Read more in alt-text!
I am Kurt Bryant Bacharo, currently a graduate student in the Molecular Invertebrate and Systematics Laboratory @miselab.bsky.social at the University of the Ryukyus. Prior to relocating to Japan, I finished my BS and MS degrees in Marine Biology at the University of San Carlos in Cebu, Philippines where I had the privilege to study the readily accessible shallow-water reefs in my country. 

Image: Kurt Bacharo smiling and wearing glasses, a white hard hat, flotation device and a DSBS17 shirt on the deck of the R/V Kaimei.Coming from the developing world, the concept of deep-sea exploration has always been out of sight, out of mind. The opportunity only opened to me when I was selected as an OceanCensus participant to board JAMSTEC R/V Kaimei for the KM 24-03 (Leg 2) research cruise last year to explore the Kyushu-Palau Ridge and the Daito Islands. The latter is part of the Deep-Sea Archaic Refugia in Karst (D-ARK) project, whose main objective has been on the documentation of the deep-sea biodiversity found inside limestone caves. 

Now in its second year, I am lucky to be part of the project again to further explore the hidden biodiversity of the Daito Islands. This year's participation for the KM 25-06C research cruise was made possible by a Research Support Award granted by @DSBSoc.

Image: Kurt gesturing towards the docked R/V Kaimei from the adjacent pier.As my current project focuses on the taxonomy of black corals in southern Japan, the deep-sea offers significant research opportunities related to biodiversity, biogeography, and species discovery. Few of the specimens collected both in KM 24-03 (Leg 2) and KM 25-06C research cruises highlighted new records of black corals in the NW Pacific, and perhaps some are likely new to science.

Image: Two pictures of Kurt smiling towards the camera on deck of the R/V Kaimei. He is wearing a dark blue JAMSTEC shirt.
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Kurt @kurtbb.bsky.social · 01/07/2025
The D-ARK (Deep-Sea Archaic Refugia in Karst) voyage continues! Was able to join as an @oceancensus.bsky.social participant last year. And now, on its second year, I am lucky to be part of it again with the generous cruise support provided by @dsbsoc.bsky.social.
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Deep-Sea Biology Society Arts @dsbsoc-arts.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
🎨🔬 CALLING ALL ARTISTS & DEEP-SEA SCIENTISTS! 💡 Open to ALL artists & scientists 
🗓 Deadline: August 31 
📍 Apply via the short form in our bio / link below! 🔗 forms.gle/SftLbez3ML2j...
Are you inspired by the mysteries of the deep? We're launching a new initiative ArtSea Matchmaking that pairs artists and scientists for creative collaborations rooted in deep-sea science.
Together, you'll co-create compelling work that bridges disciplines and reaches wider audiences through exhibitions and outreach.
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The Society of Systematic Biologists @systbiol.bsky.social · 04/06/2025
In case you missed it: SSB is hosting a breakout meeting Jan 9-11. Thinking about hosting a workshop or tutorial? Email @jembrown.bsky.social for more information - or find him at the in-person #evol2025 in two weeks! ssb2026.github.io
ssb2026.github.io
2026 SSB Breakout Meeting
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Samuel Church @shchurch.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
Excited to share our study on sailing siphonophores, AKA bluebottles or man-o'-war! 🌊 we received hundreds of samples from scientists around the world, part of a huge effort to sequence genomes and test for multiple species 🧬 out today in @currentbiology.bsky.social doi.org/10.1016/j.cu... 🦑🧪📌
Physalia megalista, a cnidiran with a gas filled float, raised sail, and long blue tentacles hanging below. Image credit: Dalila Destanović
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ZooKeys @zookeys.pensoft.net · 16/06/2025
A new species of black coral, represented by two specimens collected 738 m and 1604 m deep off Puerto Rico and Hawaii, respectively, is recognized in the family Schizopathidae. See its description here: doi.org/10.3897/zook...
doi.org
Description of a new species of Stauropathes (Anthozoa, Antipatharia, Schizopathidae) from Puerto Rico
A new species of black coral, Stauropathes monopinnata sp. nov., represented by two specimens collected 738 m and 1604 m deep off Puerto Rico and Hawaii, respectively, is recognized in the family Schi...
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Chris Mah @echinoblog.bsky.social · 15/06/2025
Many may not remember the DENDROGRAMMA mystery! This weird mushroom-shaped thing was described in 2014 as a "new metazoan" of unknown affinities! They were hinting that it might be a new phylum-but THEN 2 years later @drtimohara.bsky.social sequenced it and BOING! BENTHIC #SIPHONOPHORE!
mushroom shaped organism with translucent base
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Ocean Census @oceancensus.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
Looking to join a marine expedition — but need funding support? 🚢 The Ocean Census Expedition Awards are now OPEN for applications. Find out more and apply 👇 oceancensus.org/publications...
oceancensus.org
The Ocean Census Expedition Awards are now open
The Ocean Census Expedition Awards provide support to taxonomists, biodiversity and community scientists who wish to take part in an existing expedition onboard a research vessel.
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Chris Mah @echinoblog.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
Interesting video showing off the Antarctic brittle star Ophionotus cleaning itself off! #echinoday youtube.com/shorts/9cBOk...
youtube.com
Antarctica - the Kingdom of the Echinoderm!
YouTube video by Inkfish Expeditions
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MISE Lab @miselab.bsky.social · 03/05/2025
New paper by MISE octocoral crazy collectors and friends!! @lauramacrina.bsky.social www.nature.com/articles/s41...
nature.com
Biodiversity and biogeography of zooxanthellate soft corals across the Indo-Pacific - Scientific Reports
Scientific Reports - Biodiversity and biogeography of zooxanthellate soft corals across the Indo-Pacific
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Chris Mah @echinoblog.bsky.social · 23/04/2025
A feather star, sitting on this weird sponge/black coral cluster, 1445 m but with interestingly weird arm movements! Kure Atoll #okeanos #saveNOAA #echinoday
yellow feather star with feathery arms and long tendrils attached to sponge
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Chris Mah @echinoblog.bsky.social · 14/04/2025
A curiousity! Glass sponge with a black coral inundated within it! 981 m #okeanos #saveNOAA #spongethursday
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Mercer Brugler @sandsharks.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
Visual depiction of the evolutionary trend of black coral skeletal networks and ridges. www.nature.com/articles/s42...
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Mercer Brugler @sandsharks.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
🚨 Fossilized Black Corals 🚨 Includes two transitional species too! Come learn about the evolutionary trend toward regularity in the axial skeleton from the Ordovician to modern day antipatharians (includes reduced ridges and a longitudinal fusion of networks). www.nature.com/articles/s42...
nature.com
Unveiling the early evolution of black corals - Communications Biology
The authors describe two transitional species of Sterictopathes from the Middle Ordovician of Shaanxi, China, bridging the fossil gaps and thereby elevating the genus Sterictopathes to a new family, S...
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Ocean Census @oceancensus.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
Calling all marine scientists involved in marine species discovery 📣 The Ocean Census Species Discovery Awards are now open for applications. These are financial awards, generously provided by The Nippon Foundation, to help fund the discovery of new species. Info here: oceancensus.org/awards/
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Chris Mah @echinoblog.bsky.social · 06/04/2025
Was at #AWESOMECON here in DC and wow. Handmade PLUSHIE NUDIBRANCHS! Sometimes I think education about invertebrates is working! #molluscmonday
multiple plush toy nudibranchs on a shelf
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Ocean Census @oceancensus.bsky.social · 01/04/2025
The Ocean Census Species Discovery Awards support outstanding taxonomists, biodiversity and community scientists involved in marine species discovery. Financial awards available to apply for now oceancensus.org/awards/
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Chris Mah @echinoblog.bsky.social · 29/03/2025
Benthic siphonophores! aka Sea Dandelions! GORGEOUS, weird & deadly! All those thin threads? stinging cells! but also holding the animal in place. It has created a curtain of death around it as food gets stung and eaten! #okeanos Lumpy Seamount North Atlantic #saveNOAA
orange-brown center on a ball-like jelly like animal suspended by long mucous like threadsorange-brown center on a ball-like jelly like animal suspended by long mucous like threadsorange-brown center on a ball-like jelly like animal suspended by long mucous like threads
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Chris Mah @echinoblog.bsky.social · 28/03/2025
IRIDIGORGIA! the fireworks coral-for #octocoralFriday #Okeanos #saveNOAA south of Hawaiian Islands, about 700m I think? from dive 4 of the shakedown cruise!
spiral coral in multiple whorlsspiral coral in multiple whorls
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Colin J Anthony @colinjanthony.bsky.social · 27/03/2025
NEW PAPER ON CORAL RESTORATION PUBLISHED IN ONE EARTH! 🌏🌊🏝 Within we find a lack of knowledge on basic coral biology limits innovation. 🪸🪸🪸 Please enjoy! doi.org/10.1016/j.on... Request on ResearchGate if you need access: www.researchgate.net/publication/...
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Chris Mah @echinoblog.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
#wormwednesday! A #newspecies of an unusual polychaete genus Ctenophoricola (#Phyllodocida, Phyllodocidae, Alciopini) from the Indian Ocean how interesting! www.mapress.com/zt/article/v...
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MISE Lab @miselab.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
We are super happy and proud to celebrate our MISE graduates! Congratulations to Dr. Iori @mizukaming.bsky.social, Dr. Ifenna, Dr. Jue for their PhD, Ayaka and Kairi for their MSc, and Yuka, Nanami and Shion for their bachelor degree!🎉🎉🎉
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Kurt @kurtbb.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
Grabbing one of the "Kinoshita" coral treasures here at the University Museum, University of Tokyo. Collected back in 1894, described in 1910, and opening it for re-examination after decades.
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Kurt @kurtbb.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
Todai
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ICRS International Coral Reef Society @icrs.bsky.social · 02/03/2025
Time to get applications in for ICRS awards! Exciting awards for all career stages incl. early and mid-career awards, Eminence in Research, and Honorary lifetime memberships. Deadline March 15th. More details on these and more exciting awards at: coralreefs.org/awards-and-h...
coralreefs.org
Awards, Honors & Fellowships - International Coral Reef Society
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ICRS International Coral Reef Society @icrs.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
Do you work on coral reef conservation and protection? Come check out our World Reef and Coral Reef Conservation Awards – Deadline March 15th. For more details on these and more exciting awards go to: coralreefs.org/awards-and-h...
coralreefs.org
Awards, Honors & Fellowships - International Coral Reef Society
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C. Chen @ Jamsteeeec @squamiferum.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
[New Paper] is on the COVER of @science.org !! FIRST genome-phylogeny of MOLLUSCS (snails, clams, octopus, etc.) complete with ALL classes —incl. the mythical "living fossil" Monoplacophora— reveals how they evolved the most diverse body forms of all animals! OPEN ACCESS: doi.org/10.1126/scie...
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diginverts.bsky.social @diginverts.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
Pensoft Publishers issued a new journal to showcase the significance of taxonomy and natural history collections. 🦋 cetaf.org/elementor-10...
cetaf.org
Pensoft launches a new journal to highlight the importance of taxonomy and natural history collections - Consortium of European Taxonomic Facilities - CETAF
Great news for the taxonomic community! Pensoft Publishers – an independent, open-access publisher and technology provider,...
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Jean-François Cudennec @limpetnerd.eurosky.social · 25/02/2025
I was quite confident on my knowledge of marine biodiversity in my area (I have a PhD in marine biology after all). But today I learn about Paromola cuvieri, one of the largest crab species of the Northeast Atlantic, that uses its last pair of legs to carry live specimens of sponges and corals 🦑 🌊
Paromola cuvieri carrying a deep sea coral
Source : @irisgorgonaParomola cuvieri carrying a sponge

Image: OCEANA
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Dr Craig R McClain @drcraigmc.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
Bloodybelly comb jellies don’t glow—they put on a shifting rainbow light show with reflective glass plates as they drift through the abyss. But that deep red color? It’s the ultimate invisibility cloak, making sure nothing sees what they’ve had for lunch. 🌊🪼 #DeepSea #Marinelife
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Chris Mah @echinoblog.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
List of Invertebrate Zoology # #molluscmonday or #molluskmonday #tunicatetuesday #trilobitetuesday #wormwednesday #spongethursday #octocoralfriday #polylchaeteday on July 1 aka #internationalpolycaeteday #seaslugday on October 29th #echinoday for anything echino related and for cephalopods? ha ha
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Chris Mah @echinoblog.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
A nice lavender squat lobster from Pioneer Seamount in the North Pacific #Okeanos 2015
purple colored squat bodied lobster with elongate spiny arms and legspurple colored squat bodied lobster with elongate spiny arms and legspurple colored squat bodied lobster with elongate spiny arms and legs
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MISE Lab @miselab.bsky.social · 14/02/2025
In the next round of thesis season, super MISE master students were defending today! Ayaka Umeda on acidified bay community in Palau and Kairi Takahashi on the diet of zoantharians with different symbiotic regimes! Both of them rocked!!! #thisishowMISErolls
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Ocean Census @oceancensus.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
Today on International Day of Women and Girls in Science we are highlighting some of the incredible women in the Ocean Census Science Network! Hear from some of the scientists involved in different stages of species discovery 👇 oceancensus.org/women-in-sci... #WomenInScienceDay
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MISE Lab @miselab.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
It’s International day of Women in Science! Showcasing the incredible lineup of women in MISE, all doing as much incrediblly cool research!
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MISE Lab @miselab.bsky.social · 07/02/2025
Rockstars soft coral ecology expert Jue, microplastics super surveyor Ifenna and Peronia slugs specialist Iori defended their PhD theses today! 👏👏👏
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Kurt @kurtbb.bsky.social · 05/02/2025
#ThisIsHowMISERolls
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Mya Breitbart @viromegirl.bsky.social · 29/01/2025
Senior scientists who will be reviewing tenure & promotion files in the future - please remember that the effects of many of these executive orders will disproportionately affect researchers from marginalized groups - often the same folks penalized by COVID-related delays, childcare issues, etc. 🧪
Image of a ship in rocky seas. Text reads “We are not all the same boat. We are in the same storm. Some have yachts, some have canoes, and some are drowning. Just be kind and help wherever you can”
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Lisa @tuexplorer1.bsky.social · 29/01/2025
Bryozoan, anthomastus, & shrimps. @schmidtocean.bsky.social dive 786 #AntarcticClimateConnections #MarineLife
Two large sofy coral polyps next to a white lace patterned animal and several red shrimp behind them. A white animal that has a structure looks like lace.
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