Abstract
Spatial connectivity has long been recognized as a key process for sustaining healthy ecosystems and robust ecosystem services. However, system-level metrics that capture environmentally significant aspects of connectivity at appropriate temporal and spatial scales have not previously been identified. Using a major industrial harbour adjacent to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef as a test case, we developed a consistent and comprehensive set of connectivity indicators associated with waterborne dispersal that transparently relate to water quality, spread of contaminants, and potential for recruitment of planktonic larvae to nursery habitats. Results indicate all measures of connectivity are variable across management zones and likely to influence water quality and breeding success at these scales. Connectivity indicators also reveal environmental and ecological trade-offs. For example, while reduced flushing of creeks and estuaries may negatively impact local water quality, it can benefit ecological connectivity through more effective upstream transport of larvae to nursery habitats.
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