Linking spatial metrics and fish catch reveals the importance of coastal wetland connectivity to inshore fisheries in Queensland, Australia

摘要: Many commercially important fish species use coastal marine environments such as mangroves, tidal flats and seagrass beds nurseries or breeding grounds. The ecological importance of spatially connected habitats to conservation is well established for terrestrial environments. However, few studies have applied spatial metrics, including measures structural connectivity We examined the relationship between catch-per-unit-effort caught patterning mapped benthic habitat types along coast Queensland, Australia in their dominant fisheries (trawl, line, net pot fisheries). quantified composition configuration seascapes calculated coastline length, number estuaries, river length geographical latitude using 12 metrics within ninety 30-nautical-mile grid cells, which supported inshore catch data from 21 groups. Multiple regression analysis non-metric multidimensional scaling plots indicated that linkages may exist geomorphic features nearshore production a Connectivity indices salt marsh channels explained largest proportion (30–70%), suggesting wetlands fisheries. Barramundi (Lates calcarifer) was best by wetland patches, mangrove (r2 = 0.38, n 28). Catch-per-unit-effort Gulf Carpentaria highly correlated with connectivity, estuaries patch density (r 0.57, 29). findings could guide design protected area networks maintain ecosystem services avoid potential disruption caused removal modification. Application same approach analyses finer scales would enable information be related particular estuarine provide better understanding