Year
2021
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences
Abstract
Developing an ecological understanding on the linkages between patch types in coastal seascapes is a key goal in seascape ecology. Many reef-associated fish worldwide have complex life-histories, using vegetated nursery habitats as juveniles before undergoing ontogenetic habitat shifts to reefs. Currently, there is limited quantitative information on the spatiotemporal scales that fish connect patch types through ontogeny, particularly in temperate seascapes. Better quantifying this connectivity is essential to improving our understanding on the processes structuring fish populations, identifying critical habitats, and designing management strategies. In this thesis, I investigate the movement of reef-associated fish at both juvenile and adult life-stages to better quantify seascape connectivity and its importance for marine management and conservation.
Recommended Citation
Swadling, Daniel Scott, Understanding fish movements and connectivity across temperate seascapes: Implications for marine conservation, Doctor of Philosophy thesis, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, 2021. https://ro.uow.edu.au/theses1/1519
FoR codes (2008)
060205 Marine and Estuarine Ecology (incl. Marine Ichthyology), 060207 Population Ecology, 050104 Landscape Ecology, 050299 Environmental Science and Management not elsewhere classified
Unless otherwise indicated, the views expressed in this thesis are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the University of Wollongong.