Larval Rockfish Dispersal Rates from Oceanography, Genetics and Otolith Markers

Lorenz Hauser, School of Aquatic & Fishery Sciences, University of Washington; Misuhiro Kawase, School of Oceanography, University of Washington; Raymond Buckley and Larry LeClair, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

R/F-161

Currently, scientists are uncertain about the abilities of isolated Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to bolster fish populations beyond their boundaries by export of fish larvae. For this project, the research team will conduct genetic analyses and studies of otoliths ("ear bones") of rockfish from an artificial reef in Puget Sound, combining these data with oceanographic models of local current patterns to further understand and predict dispersal patterns within and beyond the reef.  Insights into the relationship between the physical environment and larval behavior could greatly assist resource managers in improving the effectiveness of future MPA designs.