Ocean sprawl facilitates dispersal and connectivity of protected species
Abstract Highly connected networks generally improve resilience in complex systems. We present a novel application of this paradigm and investigated the potential for anthropogenic structures in the ocean to enhance connectivity of a protected species threatened by human pressures and climate change...
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| Auteurs principaux: | , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | article |
| Langue: | EN |
| Publié: |
Nature Portfolio
2018
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| Sujets: | |
| Accès en ligne: | https://doaj.org/article/b983b89305d94735be6f18bbb0e7691f |
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| Résumé: | Abstract Highly connected networks generally improve resilience in complex systems. We present a novel application of this paradigm and investigated the potential for anthropogenic structures in the ocean to enhance connectivity of a protected species threatened by human pressures and climate change. Biophysical dispersal models of a protected coral species simulated potential connectivity between oil and gas installations across the North Sea but also metapopulation outcomes for naturally occurring corals downstream. Network analyses illustrated how just a single generation of virtual larvae released from these installations could create a highly connected anthropogenic system, with larvae becoming competent to settle over a range of natural deep-sea, shelf and fjord coral ecosystems including a marine protected area. These results provide the first study showing that a system of anthropogenic structures can have international conservation significance by creating ecologically connected networks and by acting as stepping stones for cross-border interconnection to natural populations. |
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