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Marine and Freshwater Research Marine and Freshwater Research Society
Advances in the aquatic sciences
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Modelling transport of larval New Zealand abalone (Haliotis iris) along an open coast

S. A. Stephens A C , N. Broekhuizen A , A. B. Macdiarmid B , C. J. Lundquist A , L. McLeod B and R. Haskew A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, PO Box 11-115, Hamilton 3216, New Zealand.

B National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Private Bag 14 901, Kilbernie, Wellington 6022, New Zealand.

C Corresponding author. Email: s.stephens@niwa.co.nz

Marine and Freshwater Research 57(5) 519-532 https://doi.org/10.1071/MF06020
Submitted: 31 January 2006  Accepted: 9 May 2006   Published: 13 July 2006

Abstract

The dispersal and transport of larval New Zealand abalone Haliotis iris was simulated using coupled two-dimensional hydrodynamic and Lagrangian particle-trajectory models. The aim was to estimate pelagic larval dispersal potential along the open coast, as a starting point from which basic management questions can be made for this recreationally and commercially important species. Larval dispersal was simulated from representative spawning sites under a range of representative hydrodynamic conditions, including wave-induced circulation cells. Larval presence over near-shore reef habitat declined as the energy of the flow field and corresponding larval dispersal and transport increased. Thus, spawning during high-energy conditions will promote dispersal and transport but reduce successful recruitment on near-shore reefs. This indicates that seeding of the adjacent coast is likely to be sporadic, with existing populations necessarily being somewhat self-recruiting. Results suggest that an ideal management system would ensure that adult populations were maintained at intervals of 10–30 km along the coast to maintain larval supply to areas in between. Dispersal characteristics were specific to the release site, and the simulations suggest that marine reserves can be positioned to accordingly achieve desired functions: for example, optimal choices can be made for seeding areas, recruitment or self-maintaining areas.

Extra keywords: connectivity, larval dispersal, numerical modelling, paua.


Acknowledgments

The present study was conducted with support from the Public Good Science Fund (Contract No. C01X0209) of the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology (New Zealand). Concurrent with this project, we undertook simulations of larval dispersal of target species from the Te Tapuwae O Rongokako Marine Reserve on behalf of the Department of Conservation. We thank Clinton Duffy and Eduardo Villouta of the Department of Conservation for their interest, and hope that this study and work planned for the future will be of assistance to them.


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