Rodrigo completed a BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences (Oceanography) and an MSc in Geosciences at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of the Republic of Uruguay. He also worked as a research assistant for a few years at the Department of Oceanography and Marine Ecology of the same institution. Rodrigo’s research topics of interest include the population connectivity and ecology of marine organisms, the implementation and evaluation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), and the effect of climatic events on marine ecological processes (such as recruitment and marine connectivity), among others. Rodrigo's research is expected to contribute to the conservation and sustainable management of marine organisms.

Coral reef fish larval connectivity in the Great Barrier Reef from biophysical modelling and genomics

2016 to 2020

Project Description

The project will estimate the population connectivity of reef fish on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), combining biophysical modelling of larval dispersal and genetics. The influence of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events will be evaluated on the interannual population connectivity patterns over the GBR. Additionally, the subseasonal variability in larval supply and connectivity will be investigated, i.e. to test the effect of spawning across the lunar cycle on connectivity patterns. The genetic connectivity of adults and recruits will also be evaluated over space and time, and potential restrictions to gene flow will be identified. Finally, the larval connectivity patterns will be compared to the genetic population structure results.

Project Importance

Larval transport is a critical stage for connectivity, recovery and persistence of marine populations. Larval connectivity of marine organisms can be affected by the dynamics of the marine environment. With relatively small home ranges and a relatively long pelagic larval phase, the model reef-associated fish, L. carponotatus is dependent on currents to link their GBR sub-populations. By using genomics and hydrodynamic modelling tools over time, a comprehensive understanding of the connectivity dynamics of larval fish along the GBR will be presented for the first time. A better understanding of these dynamics and interactions between environmental and biological systems will enable effective designation of MPA networks and management policies for marine organisms along the world's largest coral reef ecosystem.

Project Methods

Tissue samples from adults and recruits collected along the GBR were sent to Diversity Arrays Technology for SNP genotyping. The genetic connectivity will be quantified by evaluating the population genomic structure applying population genetic analyses to outlier and neutral SNP data. The hydrodynamic connectivity of L. carponotatus larvae will be estimated along the system by using the eReefs hydrodynamic ocean model and particle tracking techniques, from 2010 to present.

Project Results

At interannual scales, ENSO-linked hydrodynamics enhanced multi-directional larval dispersal, although poleward and equatorward larval connectivity predominated during El Niño and extreme La Niña events, respectively. At subseasonal scales, spawning over multiple months and moon phases ensured a consistent larval supply to different reefs, although supply levels differed significantly according to the timing of spawning. Genomic (neutral and adaptive loci) and geographic distances were significantly correlated along the GBR and associated with limited larval dispersal over large distances. Genomic differentiation from adaptive loci of recruits exceeded that of adults, and was spatially and temporally variable, suggesting an effect of selection. Overall, findings reveal the importance of identifying consistency in connectivity patterns, which are relevant for temporal stability in recruitment and population replenishment over time.

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