MANAGEMENT UNDER UNCERTAINTY:

guide-lines for incorporating connectivity into the protection of coral reefs

There are 3 key ecological informations required to
improve management for connectivity:
1. Relevant dispersal distances of key organisms,
especially habitat formers (e.g. corals, seagrasses,
mangroves, herbivorous fishes, etc.)
2. Mechanisms of dispersal and connectivity (e.g.
passive, current-driven dispersal, or active
movements; larval or adult dispersal)
3. Reliable prediction of probable source reefs
or habitat patches

There are 5 principles for protecting connectivity:

1. Spread the risk factors and allow margins of

error, as insurance against unforeseen or
incompletely understood threats or critical
processes
Summarized by: Elice Kristiono, Kevin Angkasa, Minda Kartini
Writers: McCook, Almany, Berumen, Day, Green, Jones, Leis, Planes, Russ, Sale, Thorrold

GLOSSARY
Connectivity, the extent to
which marine populations are
connected by dispersal
Bioregion, regions of similar
biological composition that
incorporates geographic
location and gradients, thus
more specific than habitat types

Coral Reefs (2009) 28:353366

DOI 10.1007/s00338-008-0463-

MANAGEMENT UNDER UNCERTAINTY:

guide-lines for incorporating connectivity into the protection of coral reefs

2. Create networks of protected areas, which are:
a. Comprehensive
Protection should cover biological aspects (life cycle, genetic and movement of organism), habitat, and
geographic aspects (habitat location, such as latitude, inshore-offshore, depth, and influences such as
upwelling or river runoff)
Protecting the full range of ecosystems
or habitats maximises the likelihood
of capturing the full range of
connections between them, including
especially connections which are not
yet recognised or appreciated.

Connectivity between different

habitat types and regions is critical

http://eatlas.org.au/sites/default/files/resize/eatlas/articles/202_blue_highway_RK-680x413.jpg

Summarized by: Elice Kristiono, Kevin Angkasa, Minda Kartini

Writers: McCook, Almany, Berumen, Day, Green, Jones, Leis, Planes, Russ, Sale, Thorrold

Coral Reefs (2009) 28:353366

DOI 10.1007/s00338-008-0463-7

MANAGEMENT UNDER UNCERTAINTY:

guide-lines for incorporating connectivity into the protection of coral reefs

2. Create networks of protected
areas, which are:
b. Adequate
Protection should cover 30-40% of each
habitat type. The percentage is greater for
isolated habitats.
c. Representative
Protect areas which represents the full
range of biological and physical
characteristics and processes
d. Replicated
Replicate examples of each bioregion,
habitat type or process to provide margin
of error.

3. Protect entire biological unit,

Summarized
by: Elice Kristiono,
Kevin Angkasa,
Minda
Kartini areas.
including
buffers
around
core

Writers: McCook, Almany, Berumen, Day, Green, Jones, Leis, Planes, Russ, Sale, Thorrold

>
Protect entire biological unit

30-40%

>

Choose bigger rather than smaller areas

Coral Reefs (2009) 28:353366
DOI 10.1007/s00338-008-0463-7

MANAGEMENT UNDER UNCERTAINTY:

guide-lines for incorporating connectivity into the protection of coral reefs

4. provide for connectivity at a wide range of dispersal distances within and
between patches by ensuring protection for dispersal distances <2030 km.
To ensure connectivity this area has to be
protected

habitat 1
0

stepping stone
30

habitat 2
30
dispersal distance (km)

distances
dispersal
<20-30km
over larger
are very
important
distances
for dispersal
require
to several
species
stepping
of stones
reef fish

5. use a variety of approaches, including but not limited to MPAs.

Summarized by: Elice Kristiono, Kevin Angkasa, Minda Kartini
Writers: McCook, Almany, Berumen, Day, Green, Jones, Leis, Planes, Russ, Sale, Thorrold

Coral Reefs (2009) 28:353366

DOI 10.1007/s00338-008-0463-7