Early post-settlement events and recruitment ofmarine invertebrates

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In marine environments, there has been growing recognition that the numbers of juveniles added to the population in a given year, known as recruitment, is extremely variable. This variation in recruitment must be understood to predict population dynamics and make management decisions for commercially important species. Marine species commonly reproduce by producing large numbers of larvae that are transported long distances and have high mortality, uncoupling the supply of new individuals from local reproduction. Most studies assume that patterns of recruitment reflect larval supply or patterns of settlement of larvae. However, my research program has been demonstrating that mortality and dispersal after settlement can have crucial effects on recruitment success. The proposed research program builds on my previous research with the goal of developing a better understanding of the influence of dispersal and mortality during the early post-settlement period on recruitment of bottom-dwelling marine invertebrates. This research will be carried out in two habitats: mudflats and the subtidal fouling community found on docks and other structures. On mudflats, we will examine the linkages between dispersal of juvenile bivalves (e.g. the soft shell clam) and hydrodynamics (currents, waves, movement of sediment) as well as the role of clam burrowing behaviour in dispersal. This research program will also assess the effect of pH and carbonate saturation state as a source of mortality of juvenile bivalves. The ocean is predicted to become more acidic in future due to increasing CO2 emissions. This ocean acidification is expected to impact organisms with calcium carbonate skeletons like bivalves. The final objective of the proposed research program is to investigate the effects of delay of metamorphosis of larvae on the outcome of early post-settlement competition and predation using invasive and native species of ascidians. This research program will substantially advance our understanding of the role of early post-settlement events in recruitment of marine invertebrates. Ultimately, the proposed research program will advance our understanding of coastal marine habitats and assist in managing and conserving marine resources.