DataSheet_1_Spatio-temporal connectivity and dispersal seasonal patterns in the Adriatic Sea using a retention clock approach.zip

Hydrodynamic features play a key role in determining the dispersal and connectivity of fish populations, especially in highly energetic areas determined by currents, river flow, and meteorologically induced fluctuations. Understanding how species interact with these physical processes is essential for managing vulnerable populations and identifying areas that require effective conservation efforts. This study examines the hydrodynamics that regulate connectivity in the Adriatic Sea, a shallow and semi-enclosed basin that is widely recognized as one of the most important areas in the Mediterranean Sea for protection. A high-resolution hydrodynamic model coupled with a lagrangian tracking module serves as the numerical tool. Lagrangian particles, representing eggs and larvae with typical biological characteristics of generic marine organisms inhabiting the region, are released throughout the basin at different times during a test year to identify the most likely pathways of individual dispersal. The temporal component of connectivity is highlighted using a previously developed retention clock matrix over different larval durations. Seasonality is a critical factor in dispersal, with greater variability and reduced efficiency in winter compared to summer. The potential implications of the results for improved assessment and management of high value marine species in the basin are discussed.

水动力学特征在决定鱼类种群分布和连通性方面发挥着至关重要的作用，尤其是在由潮流、河流流动和气象因素引起的波动所确定的能量充沛区域。理解物种如何与这些物理过程相互作用，对于管理脆弱种群和识别需要有效保护措施的区域至关重要。本研究探讨了调节亚得里亚海连通性的水动力学，亚得里亚海是一个浅水且半封闭的海盆，被广泛认为是地中海保护最重要的区域之一。一个高分辨率的水动力学模型与拉格朗日跟踪模块相结合，作为数值工具。代表具有该地区典型海洋生物典型生物学特征的卵和幼虫的拉格朗日粒子，在测试年份的不同时间在整个海盆中释放，以确定个体扩散的最可能路径。使用先前开发的保留时钟矩阵在不同幼虫持续时间中突出连通性的时间因素。季节性是扩散的关键因素，冬季与夏季相比，具有更大的变异性并降低了效率。讨论了研究结果对提高该海盆内高价值海洋物种评估和管理水平的潜在影响。