# Coral reef connectivity: an empirical and theoretical synthesis (2008-2010)

**Source**: https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/9443
**Parent**: https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/920

## Abstract

Coral reef ecosystems are imperiled world-wide. Identifying and protecting key reef areas will be critical for long-term persistence of tropical marine biodiversity. However, existing theories and tools for reserve designs do not incorporate information about how marine larvae move among reefs. We will evaluate this connectivity for reefs in the Coral Triangle and Great Barrier Reef using both physical (oceanographic) and genetic methods. Novel metrics, incorporating these connectivity estimates, will be developed and tested. We will use these metrics to predict the impact of climate change and tropical storms on connections among reefs to prioritise reef conservation.

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## Experts

### Professor Cynthia Riginos

Affiliate of Centre for Marine Science
:   Centre for Marine Science
:   Faculty of Science

Affiliate of Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science
:   Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science
:   Faculty of Science

Professor
:   School of the Environment
:   Faculty of Science

[Cynthia Riginos](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1650)

### Professor Hugh Possingham

Affiliate of Centre for Marine Science
:   Centre for Marine Science
:   Faculty of Science

Affiliate of Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science
:   Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science
:   Faculty of Science

V-C Senior Research Fellow
:   School of the Environment
:   Faculty of Science

[Hugh Possingham](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/920)

Grant type
:   ARC Discovery Projects

Funded by
:   Australian Research Council