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Global-scale dispersal and connectivity in mangroves
Tom Van der Stocken1,2, Dustin Carroll1, Dimitris Menemenlis3
1Earth Science Section, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109; tom.van.der.stocken@jpl.nasa.gov dustin.carroll@jpl.nasa.gov.
Summary
Mangrove dispersal across oceans is simulated using an ocean model, revealing significant along-coast and transoceanic connectivity. However, continental barriers isolate populations, while archipelagos act as crucial dispersal stepping-stones.
Area of Science:
- Marine biology and oceanography
- Climate change adaptation
- Ecology and biogeography
Background:
- Mangroves are vital coastal ecosystems highly vulnerable to climate change.
- Understanding mangrove propagule dispersal is crucial for predicting range shifts.
- The global scale of mangrove dispersal remains largely unquantified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To simulate global mangrove propagule dispersal using a high-resolution ocean model.
- To generate connectivity matrices and identify dispersal routes and barriers.
- To assess the impact of floating periods on dispersal patterns.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an eddy- and tide-resolving numerical ocean model for global simulations.
- Simulated mangrove propagule dispersal across various floating periods.
- Generated connectivity matrices to analyze dispersal pathways between mangrove habitats.
Main Results:
- High rates of along-coast and transoceanic dispersal observed in Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
- Continental landmasses (Americas, Africa) act as significant dispersal barriers.
- Archipelagos (Galapagos, Polynesia) and ocean currents (South Equatorial, monsoon) facilitate connectivity.
Conclusions:
- Mangrove dispersal is sensitive to floating periods, influencing connectivity.
- Findings highlight the isolation of Hawaii and explain Bermuda's outlier mangrove presence.
- Results provide a framework for understanding mangrove distribution and climate change responses.
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