(e.g., spatial movement of larvae, juveniles, and adults; lifespan; reproductive potential)
Many marine organisms have multiple life stages (i.e., larvae, juvenile, adult) within a single lifetime. Each life stage is potentially vulnerable to different types of impacts and/or may contribute disproportionately to the next generation. Larval dispersal is determined mainly by oceanographic currents and coastal topography; impacts to larval retention areas should be avoided. Larger, older females tend to contribute disproportionately to the next generation for fish, mammals, and invertebrates; impacts to this demographic should also be avoided.