Ocean sprawl facilitates dispersal and connectivity of protected species
Henry, Lea-Anne; Mayorga-Adame, Claudia G; Fox, Alan D; Polton, Jeff A; Ferris, Joseph S; McLellan, Faron; McCabe, Chris; Kutti, Tina; Roberts, J. Murray
Journal article, Peer reviewed
Published version
Permanent lenke
http://hdl.handle.net/11250/2565575Utgivelsesdato
2018Metadata
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Originalversjon
10.1038/s41598-018-29575-4Sammendrag
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.