Numerical models show coral reefs can be self-seeding

Abstract

Numerical models are used to simulate 3-dimensional circulation and dispersal of material, such as larvae of marine organisms, on Davies Reef in the central section of Australia's Great Barner Reef. Residence times on and around this reef are determined for well-mixed material and for material which resides at the surface, sea bed and at mid-depth. Results i n d c a t e order-of-magnitude differences in the residence times of material at different levels in the water column. They confirm prevlous 2dimensional modelling which indicated that residence times are often comparable to the duration of the planktonic larval life of many coral reef species. Results reveal a potential for the m a ~n t e n a n c e of local populations of vaiious coral reef organisms by self-seeding, and allow reinterpretation of the connectedness of the coral reef ecosystem.