International Journal Publishes SUACKREM’s Paper on Reef-Fish Larval Dispersal Patterns
A paper entitled “Reef-fish larval dispersal patterns validate no-take marine reserve network connectivity that links human communities” by the Silliman University – Angelo King Center for Research and Environmental Management’s (SUACKREM) was accepted for publication in Coral Reefs, the Journal of the International Society for Reef Studies, on March 14, 2017.
Rene A. Abesamis, Garry R. Russ, Angel C. Alcala, Pablo Saenz-Agudedo, Michael Berumen, Michael Bode, Claro Renato L. Jadloc, Leilani A. Solera, Cesar L. Villanoy, and Lawrence Patrick C. Bernardo authored the paper, wherein larval dispersal among networks of no-take marine reserves (NTMRs) and fishing grounds in the Philippines was inferred by conducting genetic parentage analysis on a coral-reef fish (Chaetodon vagabundus).
According to SUACKREM Chair and National Scientist Dr. Angel C. Alcala, the paper is one of the most important contributions of SUACKREM to marine scientific research and conservation in the Philippines and globally.
“It presents rare empirical evidence for where and how far the larvae of coral reef fish disperse, with important implications for how networks of marine reserves should be planned and implemented in the context of developing coral reef countries,” Alcala said.
The results underscored the need for nested collaborative management arrangements among local government units to support marine reserve networks.
Dr. Alcala also acknowledged SUACKREM’s collaboration with James Cook University, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Universidad de Austral de Chile, University of Melbourne, University of the Philippines-Marine Science Institute, and Tokyo Institute of Technology for making the study possible.
