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Uncovering marine connectivity through sea surface temperature.
Ljuba Novi1, Annalisa Bracco2,3, Fabrizio Falasca3
1Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources (IGG), National Research Council (CNR), 56124, Pisa, Italy. ljuba.novi@igg.cnr.it.
Scientific Reports
|April 24, 2021
Summary
Marine ecoregions can now be defined by species connectivity, not just water masses. This new approach helps track changes over time for better conservation planning.
Area of Science:
- Marine ecology
- Oceanography
- Network analysis
Background:
- Oceans are traditionally divided into ecoregions based on similar water masses and resources.
- Defining marine ecoregions is challenging due to data gaps and the dispersal capabilities of ocean currents.
- Changes in ocean currents and water characteristics impact biological communities, with predictions of susceptibility remaining difficult.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define marine ecoregions based on species connectivity using recent advances in satellite data.
- To track the evolution of these ecoregions over time.
- To provide a framework for conservation management and planning.
Main Methods:
- Application of a time-dependent complex network framework.
- Analysis of a thirty-year dataset of sea surface temperatures in the Mediterranean Sea.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that ocean ecoregionalization based on connectivity is achievable.
- Showcased the ability to define ecoregions at relevant spatial and temporal scales.
Conclusions:
- Connectivity-based ecoregionalization offers a robust method for defining and monitoring marine ecosystems.
- This approach is valuable for conservation management and planning in dynamic ocean environments.
