Integrating molecular methods and biophysical modeling to assess functional connectivity between marine protected areas.

ABSTRACT: Marine protected area (MPA) networks are important for supporting biodiversity, enhancing ecosystem resilience, and facilitating species recovery. For the effectiveness of conservation and restoration, functional connectivity plays a vital role. The dispersal, movement, and successful establishment of organisms between suitable habitats and MPAs ensure long-term sustainability of the populations. Despite its importance, functional connectivity is rarely integrated into restoration planning, which limits the effectiveness of species reintroductions, habitat connectivity, and adaptation to environmental changes. In this study, we applied an integrative approach combining molecular detections (environmental DNA [eDNA] and meroplankton metabarcoding) with biophysical modeling to explore the fu

SUBMITTER: Beng KC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12683707 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature