Meroplankton distribution in South Pacific islands, implications for larval connectivity

• DOI: 10.1093/plankt/fbx053
• Publication Date: 2017-09-08T19:12:00Z
• Authors: Erika Meerhoff; Marcel Ramos; Beatriz Yannicelli; Luis Bravo; Denys Zambra; Carlos Varela
• Keywords: Ichthyoplankton; Ecoregion

The knowledge on the mechanisms of population connectivity through larval stages and its implications across time spatial scales is crucial to assess possible biological outcomes marine protected areas (MPA) network designs. We re-analyzed available data meroplankton distribution in Rapa Nui ecoregion around Easter Island (27° S, 109°22′ W) Salas y Gómez (26°28′S, 105°21′W) together with situ satellite physical information evaluate for populations connectivity. geostrophic flow near coast included vertical horizontal shears which, combined migration behavior larvae, would promote retention. Larval duration plankton a effect connection seamounts between islands could cause pattern ichthyoplankton endemic species both islands. Finally, we studied role sub-mesoscale structures (<10 km) chlorophyll using finite size Lyapunov exponent (FSLE). Lagrangian coherent which are identified as ridges FSLE were related higher depth integrated chlorophyll, insular oceanic abundances, explained differences community structure island.