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Local retention of production in marine populations: evidence, mechanisms and consequences

RR Warner and RK Cowen (eds).

Bulletin of Marine Science 70(1B).

This special issue is derived from the efforts of a Working Group set up under the auspices of the US National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis and convened by Bob Warner. It examines the important question of the degree of connectedness between local marine populations: that is, how demographically open or closed are marine populations? The publication consists of three sections, each of which examines different aspects of the question.

1) The Evidence section contains four papers:

• Swearer et al. review and evaluate the sources of information brought to bear on the problem, providing a broad overview.
• Hellberg et al. organise the existing information on population genetics of marine organisms to evaluate connectivity.
• Ruiz et al. use data on rate of spread of invading species to estimate actual dispersal distances.
• Thorrold et al. review the attempts to use natural or artificial markers as evidence for local retention and provide a guide for future work.

2) The Mechanisms section of two papers explores the physical and biological bases for larval retention:

• Kingsford et al. review the evidence on the sensory and locomotory capabilities of marine larvae.
• Sponaugle et al. evaluate the biological and physical features that may be associated with larval retention.

3) The Consequences section consists of a single paper with two major themes:

• Strathmann et al. re-examine the evolutionary basis of the pelagic larval phase, and then discuss the implications of local retention in marine populations on evolution (eg, speciation, local adaptation) and on ecology (eg, population dynamics and management).

This issue, scheduled for April/May 2002 publication, will be of interest to marine biologists and those attempting to manage marine living resources.

For further information, contact the Editor of Bulletin of Marine Science,
Professor Samuel C. Snedaker
Division of Marine Biology and Fisheries
Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science
4600 Rickenbacker Causeway
Miami, Florida 33149-1098
Ph: 305-361-4624; Fax: 305-361-4600
E-mail: ssnedaker@rsmas.miami.edu

The above is derived from the Editors’ introduction to the special issue.
Contributed by Jeff Leis, Australian Museum.

Now available:
Leis, J.M. and B.M. Carson-Ewart (2000) Larvae of Indo-Pacific Coastal Fishes. Brill, Leiden, 850pp.

See reviews in Cybium 25(1):66 and Copeia 2001(4):1172-74.

This book can be ordered from Brill (www.Brill.nl), Amazon (www.Amazon.com) or Barnes and Noble (www.barnesandnoble.com).

Brill has the best non-US price, but compare to be sure.