Do marine reserve networks work? Larval connectivity, sustainable harvesting and ecological resilience

大堡礁是全球标志性的海洋生态系统，受益于世界上最大的禁捕保护区网络。虽然我们知道保护区拥有更多更大的鱼类，但关于保护区如何促进可持续捕捞，保护生物多样性和抵御气候变化的几个关键问题仍然没有答案。答案取决于对不同珊瑚礁上的鱼类种群之间联系程度的新理解，以及保护区网络是否有助于维持这些联系。该项目将使用新技术来测量鱼苗在珊瑚礁之间的运输，评估保护区网络的优势和弱点，并研究如何在不断变化的气候中改善物种保护和可持续捕捞。

The Great Barrier Reef is a globally iconic marine ecosystem and benefits from the world's largest network of no-take reserves. While we know reserves contain more and bigger fish, several key questions about how reserves contribute to sustainable harvesting, protecting biodiversity and resisting climate change remain unanswered. Answers depend on a new understanding of the degree to which fish population on different reefs are connected, and whether or not reserve networks help sustain these linkages. This project will use new technologies to measure the transport of fish larvae between reefs, to assess strengths and weaknesses of the reserve network, and examine ways to improve species protection and sustainable harvesting in a changing climate.