Coral Reef Connectivity (2011)

This dataset estimates the level of connectivity between each area containing coral reefs and other such areas. Connectivity refers to the extent to which populations are linked by the exchange of eggs, larval recruits, juveniles, or adults—an exchange which is primarily conducted via ocean currents. A coral larvae dispersal probability model developed by Wood et al. was applied by the 50 Reefs Project to simulate coral exchange between 2003 and 2011, ultimately yielding connectivity estimates globally at 0.05° resolution. These estimates were based on potential dispersal only; settlement and post-settlement survival were not modelled.

Connectivity within and between protected areas is important for maintaining diversity, fish stocks, and especially important for maintaining ecological resilience. While poorly understood, it is a key factor to consider in marine reserve design as it may enhance resilience to disturbance and be important for the persistence of populations. Both of these are important processes in the context of conservation planning under climate change, the dominant threat to coral reefs in the coming decades. Even if the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement are achieved, 70-90% of coral reef areas are likely to cease to be suitable for coral growth by mid-century. Coral communities that survive will play a key role in the regeneration of reefs by mid-to-late century.

The purpose of the 50 Reefs Project was to develop a long-term strategic plan for the conservation of coral reefs by identifying 50 large (500 km²) regions that are the least vulnerable to climate change and which are positioned to facilitate natural coral reef regeneration. These locations constitute important opportunities for novel conservation investments to secure less vulnerable yet well-connected coral reefs that may help to repopulate degraded areas after the climate has stabilized. The strategy and actions proposed by the project should strengthen and expand existing conservation efforts for coral reefs as the world faces the long-term consequences of intensifying climate change.

Data and Resources

This dataset has no data

Additional Info

Field	Value
Source	https://app.mapx.org/static.html?views=MX-O4QA7-Y4ICN-KV6ZR&zoomToViews=true#JAAc6
Author	UNEP/GRID-Geneva
Maintainer	UNEP/GRID-Geneva
Last Updated	December 7, 2022, 08:17 (UTC)
Created	December 7, 2022, 08:17 (UTC)
GUID	MX-O4QA7-Y4ICN-KV6ZR
Issued	2022-03-11 10:22:09
Language	EN
Modified	2022-04-28 15:18:56
Publisher email	info@mapx.org
Publisher name	UNEP/GRID-Geneva
Theme	Web Map
data_type	geospatial
keywords_m49	WLD
projects_description	This project was set up in the frame of the implementation of the Cartagena Convention Secretariat’s 2020/2021 work plan and budget approved by the Sixteenth Meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Convention for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment of the Wider Caribbean Region held from July 28-30, 2021
projects_id	MX-L2W-HWZ-RIC-LM1-Y0V
projects_title	Caribbean Sea and Wider Caribbean Region
range_end_at_year	2022
range_start_at_year	2003
source_abstract	This dataset estimates the level of connectivity between each area containing coral reefs and other such areas. Connectivity refers to the extent to which populations are linked by the exchange of eggs, larval recruits, juveniles, or adults—an exchange which is primarily conducted via ocean currents. A coral larvae dispersal probability model developed by Wood et al. was applied by the 50 Reefs Project to simulate coral exchange between 2003 and 2011, ultimately yielding connectivity estimates globally at 0.05° resolution. These estimates were based on potential dispersal only; settlement and post-settlement survival were not modelled. Connectivity within and between protected areas is important for maintaining diversity, fish stocks, and especially important for maintaining ecological resilience. While poorly understood, it is a key factor to consider in marine reserve design as it may enhance resilience to disturbance and be important for the persistence of populations. Both of these are important processes in the context of conservation planning under climate change, the dominant threat to coral reefs in the coming decades. Even if the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement are achieved, 70-90% of coral reef areas are likely to cease to be suitable for coral growth by mid-century. Coral communities that survive will play a key role in the regeneration of reefs by mid-to-late century. The purpose of the 50 Reefs Project was to develop a long-term strategic plan for the conservation of coral reefs by identifying 50 large (500 km²) regions that are the least vulnerable to climate change and which are positioned to facilitate natural coral reef regeneration. These locations constitute important opportunities for novel conservation investments to secure less vulnerable yet well-connected coral reefs that may help to repopulate degraded areas after the climate has stabilized. The strategy and actions proposed by the project should strengthen and expand existing conservation efforts for coral reefs as the world faces the long-term consequences of intensifying climate change.
source_title	Coral Reef Connectivity (2011)
spatial	WLD