Correction: Hybridization as driving force for cryptic species diversity in the Caribbean coral genus Madracis – Nature

Report on a Scientific Correction and its Relevance to Sustainable Development Goals

A correction has been issued for a scientific article concerning the biodiversity of the Caribbean coral genus Madracis. This report outlines the nature of the correction and analyzes the research’s significant contributions to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Summary of Corrected Scientific Findings

H3: Initial Publication Details

• Article Title: Correction: Hybridization as driving force for cryptic species diversity in the Caribbean coral genus Madracis.
• Journal: Scientific Reports
• Publication Date: 29 September 2025
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-17038-6

H3: Nature of the Correction

The original publication contained a data visualization error in Figure 2, where data was improperly truncated. The correction ensures the accurate representation of scientific findings, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of research that informs conservation policy.

H3: Corrected Data Overview

The corrected Figure 2 presents a comprehensive genetic analysis of Madracis coral species. This detailed analysis is fundamental to understanding marine biodiversity and includes:

• Maximum Likelihood Phylogeny: A diagram illustrating the evolutionary relationships between different Madracis morphospecies.
• Genotype Composition: Plots showing the genetic makeup and probability of membership for various species clusters.
• Geographic and Environmental Data: Information on the country of origin (Bermuda or Curaçao), water depth, and symbiont type associated with the coral samples.

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water

H3: Enhancing Knowledge of Marine Biodiversity

This research directly supports SDG 14 by advancing the scientific understanding of marine and coastal ecosystems. By investigating cryptic species diversity and hybridization in corals, the study provides critical data necessary for the conservation and sustainable management of marine biodiversity. Accurate genetic information is essential for identifying unique species and developing targeted strategies to protect vulnerable coral reef habitats.

H3: Implications for Coral Reef Conservation

The integrity of scientific data, reinforced by this correction, is paramount for effective conservation action. Understanding the genetic diversity of the Madracis genus helps scientists and policymakers create more resilient marine protected areas and manage coastal ecosystems sustainably. This work contributes to the global effort to minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification and other climate-related pressures on coral reefs.

Fostering Global Scientific Collaboration (SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals)

H3: International Research Network

The article is a product of a robust international partnership, a key component of SDG 17. The collaboration involves researchers and institutions from multiple nations, demonstrating a shared commitment to advancing marine science. The affiliated institutions include:

1. Natural History Museum Vienna, Austria
2. CARMABI Research Station, Curaçao
3. California Academy of Sciences, USA
4. Central Caribbean Marine Institute, Cayman Islands
5. Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, Bermuda
6. University of Vienna, Austria
7. An independent researcher in Townsville, Australia

H3: Strengthening Scientific Capacity

This multi-institutional effort exemplifies the revitalization of the global partnership for sustainable development. By pooling resources, knowledge, and technology, the scientific community enhances its capacity to address complex environmental challenges like the decline of coral reefs. Such partnerships are vital for achieving ambitious conservation targets and promoting sustainable ocean science globally.

Advancing Scientific Integrity and Education (SDG 9 & SDG 4)

H3: Upholding Research Quality

The issuance of a formal correction underscores a commitment to scientific accuracy and integrity. This process is fundamental to **SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure)**, which calls for enhancing scientific research and upgrading technological capabilities. Reliable data is the bedrock of innovation in conservation and environmental management.

H3: Educational Value

High-quality, peer-reviewed research contributes significantly to **SDG 4 (Quality Education)**. This study, and its subsequent correction, provides valuable material for higher education and scientific training, fostering a new generation of scientists equipped to tackle the planet’s most pressing environmental issues.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article, which is a correction to a scientific paper on coral species in the Caribbean, is primarily connected to the following Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 14: Life Below Water: This is the most relevant SDG as the research focuses on the “species diversity in the Caribbean coral genus Madracis.” Corals are fundamental to marine ecosystems, and this research contributes directly to the understanding of marine biodiversity, which is a core component of conserving and sustainably using the oceans and marine resources.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The article highlights a collaboration among researchers from various international institutions. The author affiliations list institutions in Austria, Curaçao, the USA (California), the Cayman Islands, and Bermuda. This international scientific cooperation is a key aspect of achieving sustainable development, as addressed by SDG 17.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s focus on marine biodiversity research and international collaboration, the following specific targets can be identified:

• Target 14.2: “By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans.” The scientific study of coral genetics and species diversity provides essential knowledge required to manage and protect these fragile ecosystems effectively.
• Target 14.5: “By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information.” This research on coral diversity in locations like Bermuda and Curaçao represents the “best available scientific information” that policymakers can use to identify and prioritize key areas for marine conservation.
• Target 14.a: “Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology… in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States…” The publication is a direct output of scientific research that increases knowledge about marine biodiversity. The involvement of research stations in Curaçao and the Cayman Islands aligns with building research capacity in small island states.
• Target 17.6: “Enhance North-South, South-South and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology and innovation and enhance knowledge-sharing…” The article is a clear example of this target in action, demonstrating a partnership between researchers and institutions from Europe (Austria), North America (USA), and the Caribbean (Curaçao, Cayman Islands, Bermuda) to share knowledge on marine science.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article does not explicitly mention any official SDG indicators. However, the content and nature of the publication itself serve as an implicit or indirect measure of progress for certain indicators:

• Implied Indicator for Target 14.5: The research provides foundational data that supports the official indicator 14.5.1 (Coverage of protected areas in relation to marine areas). By identifying and describing species diversity, the study helps inform which marine areas are ecologically significant and should be designated for protection.
• Implied Indicator for Target 14.a: The article itself is an output of scientific research, which relates to the goal of increasing scientific knowledge. While the official indicator is 14.a.1 (Proportion of total research budget allocated to research in the field of marine technology), the publication of peer-reviewed papers like this one is a tangible outcome of such funding and can be seen as a qualitative indicator of progress in marine science.
• Implied Indicator for Target 17.6: The collaboration documented in the author list serves as a practical example related to indicator 17.6.1 (Number of science and/or technology cooperation agreements and programmes between countries, by type of cooperation). The joint publication by authors from multiple countries demonstrates the existence of an international scientific cooperation program, even if a formal agreement is not mentioned.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Summary

Source: nature.com