Year: 2008
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Animal movement was quantitatively investigated with computer simulation modelling \nand the analysis of animal-borne tagging data. Larval transport was simulated using \nadvection-diffusion models driven by a variety of current fields. Seasonal, interannual, \nand spatial correlates of larval transport and retention were explored, as well as the \neffect of pelagic larval duration (PLD), using generalized additive modeling (GAM) \nanalyses. Diel vertical migration (DVM) was simulated using layered current fields, \nand the effect on horizontal transport was examined over a range of PLDs, spawning \nlocations, and spawning times. DVM was found to robustly facilitate natal retention in \nthe simulations, using GAM analyses. Biogeographic transport routes linking Johnston \nAtoll and the Hawaiian Archipelago were elucidated using high-resolution current data \nand advection-diffusion models. The hypothesized transport routes were consistent with \nexisting field survey data and genetic analyses. This connectivity has implications for \nboth population maintenance and biogeographic affinities. Archipelagic connectivity \nwas determined for all pairs of geographic strata in the region, and a simple \nmetapopulation model was developed which was driven by the modeled linkages. \nAdditionally, the flow fields used for the Johnston Atoll analysis and the archipelagic \nconnectivity analysis were ground truthed with a drifter buoy database and found to be \nin good agreement. Conventional tags deployed on a deepwater snapper were examined \nto determine adult movement dynamics. Comparison to a simple model of swimming \nbehavior suggested that biphasic swimming may be the characteristic swimming pattern \nfor this species. Electronic tags deployed on sea turtles were used to characterize \npelagic habitat in the North Pacific, using a suite of oceanographic and environmental \ndata merged to the satellite tracks. Most of the analyses involved examination of a \nvariety of remotely-sensed, modeled, or surveyed environmental data.
Author: Kobayashi
Language: English
Subfield: Ecology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Life below water
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2537333232