Modeled connectivity of Acropora millepora populations from reefs of the Spratly Islands and the greater South China Sea
Authored by Frederic S Castruccio, Enrique N Curchitser, Jeffrey G Dorman, Joan A Kleypas, Thomas M Powell
Date Published: 2016
DOI: 10.1007/s00338-015-1354-3
Sponsors:
United States National Science Foundation (NSF)
Platforms:
No platforms listed
Model Documentation:
Other Narrative
Model Code URLs:
Model code not found
Abstract
The Spratly Island archipelago is a remote network of coral reefs and
islands in the South China Sea that is a likely source of coral larvae
to the greater region, but about which little is known. Using a
particle-tracking model driven by oceanographic data from the Coral
Triangle region, we simulated both spring and fall spawning events of
Acropora millepora, a common coral species, over a 46-yr period
(1960-2005). Simulated population biology of A. millepora included the
acquisition and loss of competency, settlement over appropriate benthic
habitat, and mortality based on experimental data. The simulations aimed
to provide insights into the connectivity of reefs within the Spratly
Islands, the settlement of larvae on reefs of the greater South China
Sea, and the potential dispersal range of reef organisms from the
Spratly Islands. Results suggest that (1) the Spratly Islands may be a
significant source of A. millepora larvae for the Palawan reefs
(Philippines) and some of the most isolated reefs of the South China
Sea; and (2) the relatively isolated western Spratly Islands have
limited source reefs supplying them with larvae and fewer of their
larvae successfully settling on other reefs. Examination of particle
dispersal without biology (settlement and mortality) suggests that
larval connectivity is possible throughout the South China Sea and into
the Coral Triangle region. Strong differences in the spring versus fall
larval connectivity and dispersal highlight the need for a greater
understanding of spawning dynamics of the region. This study confirms
that the Spratly Islands are likely an important source of larvae for
the South China Sea and Coral Triangle region.
Tags
Biodiversity
Recruitment
Climate-change
Life-history
Larval dispersal
Fish larvae
Scleractinian corals
Marine populations
Pacific-ocean
Nearshore retention