Genetic assignment of recruits reveals short- and long-distance larval dispersal inPocillopora damicornison the Great Barrier Reef

2013 ◽  
Vol 22 (23) ◽  
pp. 5821-5834 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Torda ◽  
P. Lundgren ◽  
B. L. Willis ◽  
M. J. H. van Oppen
Keyword(s):  
Great Barrier Reef ◽  
Larval Dispersal ◽  
Barrier Reef ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Genetic Assignment

scholarly journals Asymmetric dispersal is a critical element of concordance between biophysical dispersal models and spatial genetic structure in Great Barrier Reef corals

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
C Riginos ◽  
K Hock ◽  
AM Matias ◽  
PJ Mumby ◽  
MJH van Oppen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Flow ◽  
Great Barrier Reef ◽  
Larval Dispersal ◽  
Coral Species ◽  
Spatial Genetic Structure ◽  
Critical Element ◽  
Barrier Reef ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Biophysical Models ◽  
Asymmetric Dispersal

AbstractAimWidespread coral bleaching, crown-of-thorns seastar outbreaks, and tropical storms all threaten foundational coral species of the Great Barrier Reef, with impacts differing over time and space. Yet, dispersal via larval propagules could aid reef recovery by supplying new settlers and enabling the spread of adaptive variation among regions. Documenting and predicting spatial connections arising from planktonic larval dispersal in marine species, however, remains a formidable challenge.LocationThe Great Barrier Reef, AustraliaMethodsContemporary biophysical larval dispersal models were used to predict longdistance multigenerational connections for two common and foundational coral species (Acropora tenuisandAcropora millepora). Spatially extensive genetic surveys allowed us to infer signatures of asymmetric dispersal for these species and evaluate concordance against expectations from biophysical models using coalescent genetic simulations, directions of inferred gene flow, and spatial eigenvector modelling.ResultsAt long distances, biophysical models predicted a preponderance of north to south connections and genetic results matched these expectations: coalescent genetic simulations rejected an alternative scenario of historical isolation; the strongest signals of inferred gene flow were from north to south; and asymmetric eigenvectors derived from north to south connections in the biophysical models were significantly better predictors of spatial genetic patterns than eigenvectors derived from symmetric null spatial models.Main conclusionsResults are consistent with biophysical dispersal models yielding approximate summaries of past multigenerational gene flow conditioned upon directionality of connections. ForA. tenuisandA. millepora, northern and central reefs have been important sources to downstream southern reefs over the recent evolutionary past and should continue to provide southward gene flow. Endemic genetic diversity of southern reefs suggests substantial local recruitment and lack of long distance gene flow from south to north.

Larval dispersal simulations: correlation with the crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks database

1992 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 569 ◽  
Author(s):  
MK James ◽  
JP Scandol
Keyword(s):  
Great Barrier Reef ◽  
Larval Dispersal ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
Temporal Distribution ◽  
Research Programme ◽  
Strong Positive Correlation ◽  
Barrier Reef ◽  
Central Hypothesis ◽  
Scale Population

The work reported in this paper is a further development of results from a research programme whose principal objective is to achieve an understanding of the large-scale population dynamics of Acanthaster planci. The research is based on the development and use of numerical models of hydrodynamics and resulting larval dispersal throughout a large portion of the Great Barrier Reef. It is chiefly concerned with the large-scale statistical patterns of larval dispersal, the central hypothesis being that passive hydrodynamic dispersal plays an important role in the recruitment process. The present aim is to examine more closely than has been done before the consistencies between the modelling results and the database of recorded observations of crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks. Reefs in the Cairns and Central Sections of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park that were recorded as carrying active outbreaks during the period 1979-89 were used as sources in a programme of intensive simulations of Acanthaster larval dispersal under forcing by the wind, tidal action and the East Australian Current. The resulting broad-scale patterns of larval dispersal were found to be in strong qualitative agreement with the observed spatial and temporal distribution of adult Acanthaster populations. Statistical analysis of the results revealed a strong positive correlation between potential recruitment on surveyed reefs, as estimated by the dispersal simulations, and the observed presence of outbreak populations on those reefs. The correlation was particularly strong when different cross-shelf zones were considered separately.

Multinational genetic connectivity identified in western Pacific hawksbill turtles, Eretmochelys imbricata

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian Bell ◽  
Michael P. Jensen
Keyword(s):  
Great Barrier Reef ◽  
Conservation Management ◽  
Threat Assessment ◽  
Population Connectivity ◽  
Genetic Connectivity ◽  
Stock Structure ◽  
Barrier Reef ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Eretmochelys Imbricata ◽  
Management Actions

Context An understanding of the genetic stock structure of wide-ranging marine species is necessary for sound conservation management. Eretmochelys imbricata is Critically Endangered globally, but is among the least studied marine turtles. Reduced population sizes, its long-distance migratory nature between feeding and nesting habitats and poor understanding of its stock structure, biology and anthropogenic impact(s) pose challenges to developing effective conservation strategies for regional conspecifics. Aims Quantification of the population connectivity between specific feeding areas and regional nesting populations is needed for threat assessment and development of mitigation actions. Methods Here, we sequenced the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of 91 immature and adult foraging E. imbricata individuals captured at the Howick Group of islands in the far-northern section of the Great Barrier Reef (nGBR), Queensland, Australia. We used a Bayesian mixed-stock analysis (MSA) approach to determine the contribution of nine regional genetically characterised breeding populations to this feeding aggregation. Key results The MSA estimated that a majority (83%; 95% CI = 70–92%) of feeding E. imbricata had originated from nesting beaches in the Bismarck–Solomon Sea region, whereas only 15% (95% CI = 6–25%) had originated from nGBR rookeries. International reproductive migrations were also corroborated by the return of 18 uniquely numbered titanium flipper tags that had been applied to E. imbricata found foraging in the Howick Group and had swum to rookeries within the Bismarck–Solomon Sea region. These 18 turtles represent 86% of all migration tag–recaptures from the Howick Group. Conclusions We postulate that recent increases in nesting populations within the Solomon Islands may be due to the high level of protection afforded to foraging turtles within the Great Barrier Reef. Implications An understanding of the connectivity between specific feeding areas and nesting populations is necessary to determine threats to animals over their entire life history and, therefore, allow the development of sound conservation management actions.

scholarly journals Quantifying the environmental impact of a major coal mine project on the adjacent Great Barrier Reef ecosystems

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antoine Saint-Amand ◽  
Alana Grech ◽  
Severine Choukroun ◽  
Emmanuel Hanert
Keyword(s):  
Great Barrier Reef ◽  
Coal Mine ◽  
Marine Species ◽  
Ocean Model ◽  
Barrier Reef ◽  
Dispersal Patterns ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Sediment Dispersal ◽  
Seagrass Meadows ◽  
Sediment Types

A major coal mine project in Queensland, Australia, is currently under review. It is planned to be located about 10 km away from the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (GBRWHA). Sediment dispersal patterns and their impact on marine ecosystems have not been properly assessed yet. Here, we simulate the dispersal of different sediment types with a high-resolution ocean model, and derive their environmental footprint. We show that sediments finer than 32 µm could reach dense seagrass meadows and a dugong sanctuary within a few weeks. The intense tidal circulation leads to non-isotropic and long-distance sediment dispersal patterns along the coast. Our results suggest that the sediments released by this project will not be quickly mixed but rather be concentrated where the most valuable ecosystems are located. If accepted, this coal mine could therefore have a far-reaching impact on the GBRWHA and its iconic marine species.

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