Scientific Investigation on Larval Dispersal
Apply genetic parentage analysis on a model species of reef fish to determine the probable extent of ecologically relevant larvae dispersal among reef fish populations at spatial scales relevant to MPA networks (10’s of km to a few 100 km). Analyse single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on model species of reef fish to assess differences or similarities of population structure at more distant sites to provide an indicator for the degree of connectivity across larger spatial scales (several 100’s of km).
Conditions for adoption elsewhere:
• A high level of expertise to conducting the necessary scientific investigations (genetics, larval connectivity, physical oceanography)
• Research and laboratory facilities
• Support to conduct field work
The collaboration of leading experts (6 experts) and academic organisations (4 international academic organisations) in the field of genetics, larval connectivity, physical oceanography and ecological effects on MPAs was crucial to the successful achievement of the scientific investigation.