AUTHOR=Abecasis David , Fragkopoulou Eliza , Claro Bruno , Assis Jorge 

TITLE=Biophysical modelling and graph theory identify key connectivity hubs in the Mediterranean marine reserve network

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Marine Science

VOLUME=Volume 9 - 2022

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2022.1000687

DOI=10.3389/fmars.2022.1000687

ISSN=2296-7745

ABSTRACT=Connectivity plays a key role in the effectiveness of MPA networks ensuring metapopulation resilience through gene flow and recruitment effect. Yet, despite its recognized importance for proper MPA network functioning, connectivity is not often assessed and is very seldomly used in marine spatial planning. Here, we combined biophysical models with graph theory to identify Mediterranean marine reserves that contribute towards the connectivity between different ecoregions thus preventing further network fragmentation, and those that have an important role as propagule source areas contributing to the recruitment and rescue effects. The Côte D’Azur marine reserves play an important role both as stepping-stones and propagule source areas for several ecological groups. Also key are the Capo Rizzuto and Plemmirio marine reserves due to their role as stepping stones between different marine ecoregions, particularly for species with longer propagule duration (Pisces, Crustacea and Echinodermata). These results provide stakeholders and managers with crucial information for the implementation and management of an efficient marine reserve network in the Mediterranean.