Fish On The Move

Optimizing the connectivity of Australia's marine protected areas to boost biodiversity

The Fish On The Move project

CONTEXT AND MAIN ISSUES

On a global scale, although marine protected areas (MPAs) have been widely developed to preserve marine biodiversity, these large surfaces can prove ineffective in the long term if they are isolated and do not take into account the migratory movements of marine species during their life cycle. While they protect adult habitats, they frequently neglect crucial habitats for eggs, larvae and juveniles, which are located far from the main areas. Without connectivity between these habitats, species’ life cycles are disruptedmaking protection ineffective.

GOALS

Combine biophysical and socio-ecological models to map and protect the migration corridors of marine species, to align the delimitation of marine protected areas with the biological cycles of species.

METHOD

The project will model the dispersal of fish eggs and larvae from breeding grounds, integrating data on ocean currents and local knowledge of fishermen. This information will be used toidentify key areas for juveniledevelopment, and to connect these habitats with those of adults. This integrated approach willoptimize marine protected areas, making them more effective in supporting marine populations and ensuring the sustainability of fishing.

HOW IS THIS PROJECT INNOVATIVE?

The major innovation lies in the integration of fish movement into the management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). By combining biological data and modeling, this project rethinks the design of MPAs so that they truly follow the life cycles of species. A breakthrough that could make these areas far more effective in terms of conservation and management of fishery resources.