Studying connectivity and the structure of marine populations with Lagrangian Flow Networks

  • IFISC Seminar

  • Vincent Rossi
  • IFISC
  • Sept. 30, 2015, 2:30 p.m.
  • IFISC Seminar Room
  • Announcement file

Assessing the effect of larval dispersal on the structures and dynamics of marine populations is still
challenging. Connectivity has also crucial implications for the design of reserves and the evaluation of
exploited stocks. The Lagrangian Flow Network methodology provides a full characterization of multiscale
dispersal and connectivity for the dispersive stages of marine organisms, offering new
opportunities in population genetics, fisheries and conservation biology. We subdivide the basin into
sub-regions which are interconnected through the transport of larvae by ocean currents. The
identification of hydrodynamical provinces and the computation of proxies measuring the retention and
exchanges of larvae allow us to better understand how dispersion structure genetically marine
populations and the relative role of larval dispersal and local adaptation to the environment on genetic
differentiation. Another project explores the sensitivity of management units’ boundaries to
connectivity processes. Focusing on Hake, we study the links between the mainland spawning areas
and the recruited stock surrounding the Balearic Islands. Numerical experiments and long-term
observations are combined to test if connectivity explains inter-annual variations of recruitment. Last,
this methodology shows great promise as future developments (e.g. implementing habitat patchiness
and the abiotic controls of larval production and survival) are handily accessible.


Contact details:

Rosa Lopez

Contact form


This web uses cookies for data collection with a statistical purpose. If you continue browsing, it means acceptance of the installation of the same.


More info I agree