Connectivity patterns of coastal fishes following different dispersal scenarios across a transboundary marine protected area (Bonifacio strait, NW Mediterranean)

Koeck, B. , Gérigny, O., Durieux, E. D. H., Coudray, S., Garsi, L.-H., Bisgambiglia, P.-A., Galgani, F. and Agostini, S. (2015) Connectivity patterns of coastal fishes following different dispersal scenarios across a transboundary marine protected area (Bonifacio strait, NW Mediterranean). Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 154, pp. 234-247. (doi: 10.1016/j.ecss.2015.01.010)

Abstract

The Strait of Bonifacio constitutes one of the rare transboundary Marine Protected Areas (MPA) of the Mediterranean Sea (between Sardinia, Italy and Corsica, France). Based on the hypothesis that no-take zones will produce more fish larvae, compared to adjacent fished areas, we modeled the outcome of larvae released by coastal fishes inside the no-take zones of the MPA in order to: (1) characterize the dispersal patterns across the Strait of Bonifacio; (2) identify the main potential settlement areas; (3) quantify the connectivity and the larval supply from the MPAs to the surrounding areas. A high resolution hydrodynamic model (MARS 3D, Corse 400 m) combined to an individual based model (Ichthyop software) was used to model the larval dispersal of fish following various scenarios (Pelagic Larval Duration PLD and release depth) over the main spawning period (i.e. between April and September). Dispersal model outputs were then compared with those obtained from an ichthyoplankton sampling cruise performed in August 2012. There was a significant influence of PLD to the connectivity between coastal areas. The synchronization between spawning and hydrodynamic conditions appeared to be determinant in the larval transport success. Biotic and abiotic parameters affecting the dispersal dynamic of fish larvae within the Strait of Bonifacio were identified and synthesis maps were established as a tool for conservation planning.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This study is part of the research Program “Halieutic Resources” introduced in 2012 by the University of Corsica and its platform “Stella Mare” and was funded by the European Union, the French Ministry of Environment and the Corsican Region through a CPER (Contrat de Plan Etat-Region) and a FEDER (Fonds Europeens de Developpement Regional) fund (grant number: 75/SAEU/FEDER/RD-34 448).
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Koeck, Dr Barbara
• Authors: Koeck, B., Gérigny, O., Durieux, E. D. H., Coudray, S., Garsi, L.-H., Bisgambiglia, P.-A., Galgani, F., and Agostini, S.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0272-7714
• ISSN (Online): 1096-0015