Testing source-sink theory: the spill-over of mussel recruits beyond marine protected areas

摘要: Source-sink theory has contributed to our understanding of the function protected areas, particularly due their role as population sources. Marine reserves are a preferred management tool for conservation natural populations, creating areas good quality habitat and thus improving connectivity by enhancing larval supply recruitment among shores. Despite recent advances in study context source-sink theory, rigorous empirical testing marine metapopulation sources adjacent remain largely unexplored. We investigated sources, whether there was spill-over beyond reserve boundaries if so, directional. measured percentage cover mussels (Perna perna) at two comparably sized exploited control on south-east coast South Africa where unprotected populations severely affected artisanal exploitation. Adult abundances were enhanced within reserves, but decreased towards edges. predicted that would mirror adult show directionality, with northern shores having greater following prevalent northward flow near-shore currents. There were, however, no correlations between any months or shores, clear spatial patterns (i.e. similar occurred controls). The results emphasise that, while may act important refuges protecting abundances, influence promoting recovery near-by through be overestimated.