Connectivity between island Marine Protected Areas and the mainland

摘要: In addition to protecting important species or ecosystems, ideally Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) should also act as propagule sources and be located where they can receive larval influxes so buffer against local extinctions allow genetic mixing. There are many examples of island MPAs across the world because their advantages compared mainland sites, although evidence suggests effectively protect biodiversity may have localized fisheries benefits, contribution export connectivity areas remains largely unknown; these aspects MPA sustainability functioning. Here I examined differentiation between four in northern Europe respective mainlands, relative populations along coast at similar spatial scales for two marine invertebrates (Semibalanus balanoides, planktonic larvae; Nucella lapillus, direct development). These data were used infer past patterns exchange populations. Gene flow was restricted all locations islands mainland, gene (for both species) more distant had greater than those closer S. but not N. lapillus. My results analysis suggest that provide much buffering extinctions, with a sized protected area). findings especially relevant creation networks understanding importance achieving greatest benefits ensuring inter-MPA linkages. Low levels limit success any area prevent multiple conservation objectives from being achieved.