Application of Elemental Fingerprinting to Evaluate the Dynamics of Larval Exchange
Abstract
A major goal of this research is to develop a complete methodology for estimating bay-ocean, bay-bay, and within-bay larval exchange rates that can be applied to several invertebrate taxa and to a range of bays and estuaries within the United States (or elsewhere). This methodology will employ larval and recruit origin determinations using elemental 'fingerprints'. An ultimate goal is to incorporate dispersal information into population dynamic models to examine the consequences of different dispersal patterns and population connectivity. Objectives of this research are to: (1) extend the elemental fingerprinting approach developed for crab zoea to mussels in southern California, (2) evaluate physical connectivity of bay and ocean habitats (and thus potential for dispersal) using thermistor, elemental , drifter and current meter data, (3) apply elemental fingerprinting to the detection of bay-ocean larval exchange and inter-bay larval exchange , and (4) model consequences of bay-ocean exchange for population dynamics using P. crassipes as a test organism. For southern California mussel populations we hope to determine whether bay-released larvae develop inside or outside a specific bay, whether populations are self seeding, and whether there is larval exchange with other bays or coastal populations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA609867
Entities
People
- John Largier
- Lisa A. Levin
Organizations
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography