Living on the edge: settlement dynamics of reef fishes across their ranges

Project Member(s): Booth, D.

Funding or Partner Organisation: Australian Research Council (ARC - Other Funds)
Australian Research Council (ARC Discovery Projects)

Start year: 2003

Summary: Settlement and early establishment (recruitment) are major determinants of population viability of marine organisms, and can vary greatly among oceans and latitudes. We will compare the recruitment dynamics of populations of reef fishes across their range, including at range boundaries where populations may be more vulnerable to environmental impact. We will test the hypothesis that a combination of highly erratic settlement, poor physiological condition of incoming larvae, and poor recruit growth and survivorship will occur at range boundaries. Outcomes of the study will help in prediction of the viability of fish populations which will improve their management and protection.''

Keywords: settlement recruitment reef fishes geographic range ecology

FOR Codes: Marine and Estuarine Ecology (incl. Marine Ichthyology), Ecosystem Studies and Stock Assessment, Fish not elsewhere classified, Living resources (incl. impacts of fishing on non-target species), Marine protected areas, Protected Conservation Areas in Marine Environments, Aquatic Ecosystem Studies and Stock Assessment, Marine Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity, Aquaculture and fisheries stock assessment, Marine biodiversity, Rehabilitation or conservation of marine environments

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.