University of Tasmania
Browse

File(s) under permanent embargo

Implications of macroalgal isolation by distance for networks of marine protected areas

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 22:07 authored by Durrant, HMS, Christopher BurridgeChristopher Burridge, Kelaher, BP, Neville BarrettNeville Barrett, Graham EdgarGraham Edgar, Coleman, MA
The global extent of macroalgal forests is declining, greatly affecting marine biodiversity at broad scales through the effects macroalgae have on ecosystem processes, habitat provision, and food web support. Networks of marine protected areas comprise one potential tool that may safeguard gene flow among macroalgal populations in the face of increasing population fragmentation caused by pollution, habitat modification, climate change, algal harvesting, trophic cascades, and other anthropogenic stressors. Optimal design of protected area networks requires knowledge of effective dispersal distances for a range of macroalgae. We conducted a global meta-analysis based on data in the published literature to determine the generality of relation between genetic differentiation and geographic distance among macroalgal populations. We also examined whether spatial genetic variation differed significantly with respect to higher taxon, life history, and habitat characteristics. We found clear evidence of population isolation by distance across a multitude of macroalgal species. Genetic and geographic distance were positively correlated across 49 studies; a modal distance of 50–100 km maintained FST < 0.2. This relation was consistent for all algal divisions, life cycles, habitats, and molecular marker classes investigated. Incorporating knowledge of the spatial scales of gene flow into the design of marine protected area networks will help moderate anthropogenic increases in population isolation and inbreeding and contribute to the resilience of macroalgal forests.

History

Publication title

Conservation Biology

Volume

28

Pagination

438-445

ISSN

0888-8892

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

Wiley-Blackwell Publishing, Inc.

Place of publication

Hoboken, USA

Rights statement

Copyright 2013 Society for Conservation Biology

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Expanding knowledge in the environmental sciences

Usage metrics

    University Of Tasmania

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC