TAGRA 2024

Marine functional connectivity plays an important role in the sustainability and resilience of marine ecosystems. It simply refers to the exchange of individuals, genes, and energy between marine habitats, which supports biodiversity, enhances fishery yields, and strengthens the adaptability of marine populations to environmental changes. This study provides an overview of the key methodologies used to estimate marine functional connectivity, offering insights into genetic, tagging, chemical markers, and modeling approaches. Genetic tools, such as analysis of protein variants, cytoplasmic and (mtDNA, cpDNA), nuclear markers, microsatellites, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), enable researchers to trace lineage and identify population structure. Tagging and tracking methods provide direct evidence of species movement, while chemical markers, including stable isotope ratios and elemental concentrations, reveal environmental and physiological histories. Advances in modeling techniques, such as ecological niche models (ENMs), biophysical modeling, and meta-population models, further facilitate the prediction of connectivity patterns. These collaborative efforts aim to improve resource management and conservation strategies by providing comprehensive knowledge on marine connectivity. By understanding the mechanisms that drive marine connectivity, stakeholders can better design marine protected areas, support sustainable fisheries, and promote biodiversity conservation.