Single-copy gene markers isolated from the Caribbean coral, Montastraea annularis

We report the isolation of seven single-copy nuclear DNA loci from the Caribbean reef-building coral, Montastraea annularis. All loci are polymorphic at the nucleotide level, and three loci have readily screened restriction enzyme site polymorphisms that can help to rapidly assess population genetic structure. Use of these markers can provide baseline genetic information concerning the population dynamics of dominant stony corals and fuel the implementation and management of appropriate conservation strategies.