Cited by 2,077Coral and Marine Ecosystems StudiesMarine Biology and Ecology ResearchMarine and fisheries research

Larval Dispersal and Marine Population Connectivity

Cowen, Robert K., Sponaugle, Su·2009·Annual Review of Marine Science

Abstract

Connectivity, or the exchange of individuals among marine populations, is a central topic in marine ecology. For most benthic marine species with complex life cycles, this exchange occurs primarily during the pelagic larval stage. The small size of larvae coupled with the vast and complex fluid environment they occupy hamper our ability to quantify dispersal and connectivity. Evidence from direct and indirect approaches using geochemical and genetic techniques suggests that populations range from fully open to fully closed. Understanding the biophysical processes that contribute to observed dispersal patterns requires integrated interdisciplinary approaches that incorporate high-resolution biophysical modeling and empirical data. Further, differential postsettlement survival of larvae may add complexity to measurements of connectivity. The degree to which populations self recruit or receive subsidy from other populations has consequences for a number of fundamental ecological processes that affect population regulation and persistence. Finally, a full understanding of population connectivity has important applications for management and conservation.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1146/annurev.marine.010908.163757

Cites

149 of 149 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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Authors
Cowen, R. K., & Sponaugle, S.
Affiliations
University of Miami (US)
Venue
Annual Review of Marine Science
Published
2009-01-01
Volume
1
Issue
1
Pages
443-466
ISSN
  • 1941-0611 (ISSN-L)
  • 1941-1405
OpenAlex
W2140618008
Cited by
2,077
References
152
Citations by year
2026: 128 · 2025: 133 · 2024: 134 · 2023: 113 · 2022: 125 · 2021: 115 · 2020: 155 · 2019: 146 · 2018: 153 · 2017: 125 · 2016: 133 · 2015: 111 · 2014: 126 · 2013: 96 · 2012: 117
FWCI
5.21
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Annual Review of Marine Science (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
National Science Foundation
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Ecology › Coral and Marine Ecosystems Studies
  • Physical Sciences › Earth and Planetary Sciences › Oceanography › Marine Biology and Ecology Research
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Global and Planetary Change › Marine and fisheries research
Keywords
larval dispersal, pelagic larval stage, benthic species, complex life cycles, biophysical model, self-recruitment, population regulation, marine conservation
MeSH terms
Animals, Invertebrates, Larva, Models, Biological, Population Dynamics, Time Factors, Ecosystem, Animal Migration

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