Dispersal and connectivity of subsistence fisheries of Hawai'i.
Much of my research has investigated connectivity and movement of fishes targeted by recreational fisheries in Hawaii. Connectivity was assessed at different spatial scale from across the 2600 km of the Hawaiian Archipelago (including the islands in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument), between islands in the main Hawaiian islands, fine scale connectivity around the island of O'ahu and connectivity and movement of juveniles inside and outside of Kāne'ohe Bay located on the windward side of O'ahu.
Five species that are targeted by recreational fisheries were identified by local Hawaiian community leaders as desiring information regarding their movement and dispersal. The results of this study aim to help inform community based efforts to manage the natural resources in addition to informing state-wide management and conservation efforts.
The research was accomplished by isolating informative DNA regions, also known as SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms), by sequencing across the entire genome using restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (RADseq). Undertaking a reduce genome scan approach provides much more data therefore increasing our ability to discover fine-scale patterns of genetic differentiation that cannot be resolved by looking at a single or handful of genetic markers.
Targeted fish species: a) Mulloidichthys flavolineatus (wekeʻa), b) Acanthurus triosteges sandvicensis (manini), c) Ctenocheatus strigosus (kole), d) Mugil cephalus (ʻamaʻama), e) Caranx melampygus (ʻomilu). Photos: Keoki Stender
As part of my current research program, I am combining my interest on the spatial scales of populations and the role of ecological and organismal traits to discover which traits influence dispersal potential. Population structure and dispersal kernels for eight ecologically and evolutionary diverse fishes will be characterized, after which a model will be developed to determine which traits are most predictive of dispersal potential. Understanding which traits influence dispersal potential will provide managers with a novel set of tools to inform conservation strategies. I anticipate this work will change our understanding of what drives genetic differentiation in marine fishes.
Photo: School of goatfish (Weke 'a; Mulloidichthys vanicolensis) at Pioneer Banks, Hawaii. M. vanicolensis has an Indo-Pacific distribution from Hawaii to the Red Sea and can often be seen forming large schools. Photo credit: Mark Royer