Ocean Connectivity Key to Boosting Reef Fish Populations in Western Indian Ocean
New research highlights the importance of oceanographic connectivity in enhancing fish abundance and coral reef resilience in a region vulnerable to climate change.
- The study by the University of Oxford reveals oceanographic connectivity as a major factor influencing fish abundance in the Western Indian Ocean.
- Herbivorous reef fish, crucial for coral reef resilience, are significantly impacted by ocean connectivity, emphasizing its role in conservation planning.
- Sea surface temperature and chlorophyll levels also strongly predict reef fish distribution and abundance, highlighting environmental influences on marine ecosystems.
- Local communities in the Western Indian Ocean depend heavily on reefs for food security, making reef protection vital amid climate change threats.
- Researchers developed a metric for proportional oceanographic connectivity to integrate this factor into ecological models, aiding in marine protected area management.
ScienceDaily 
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