Defining Larval Dispersal and It's Link to Reproduction

The outcome of planktonic dispersal is a function of a number of factors including spawning, planktonic transport, planktonic survival, planktonic duration, and settlement. Planktonic transport itself is a function of advection, dispersion, and biology/behavior. Spawning time and location initiates the dispersal process and the importance of spawning to the outcome of dispersal will be reviewed. Several numerical circulation studies examining the dispersal process have concluded that the initial location of propagules is a critical factor. Field evidence suggest that many species of fish spawn in specific locations and times again indicating the importance of spawning to the outcome of the dispersal process. Additionally, numerous studies have shown the importance of paternal effects on planktonic survival. These lines of evidence indicate that spawning time and location is a critical factor in the success of plankton dispersal. Much research has been done of plankton processes affecting dispersal, but relatively little work has been done to understand the importance of spawning time and place.