Many coral reef organisms have a larval development phase in pelagic environments. These larvae may be returned to
their natal islands or dispersed downstream in ocean currents. Understanding the strength and geographic patterns of
this larval connectivity is an important part of managing marine ecosystems through ecosystem based-fisheries
management plans, marine protected area (MPA) network design, recovery strategies for endangered species, and
promoting reefs that are resilient to disturbance. Sufficient sources of larvae must be maintained to sustain future
generations.
The overall goal of the assessment was to evaluate ocean currents as a mechanism of transport and to compare
connectivity among larvae with different life-history characteristics using computer simulations. Cumulative connectivity
over a recent 9 year span was investigated for the entire region. Island roles as larval sources and destinations, as well as
self-seeding versus larval import, were evaluated for each of the Marianas. For Guam and Saipan, the two most
populous islands, the seasonal and inter-annual variation in larval supply was examined.
