Connectivity is defined as the movement of individuals or materials (e.g., nutrients) between populations and habitats. Connectivity between habitats and populations increases productivity and resilience, and helps ecosystems recover from natural and human disturbances.
(e.g., see MLPA “Size and Spacing” guidelines)
(e.g., wind, waves, tides, currents, stream flow)
There are physical features in the ocean and along coast lines that act to retain and concentrate larvae, including fronts, eddies, bays, and coastal headlands. Activities sited in these locations could be detrimental to the longevity of marine populations if the impacts of the activity affect survival of larvae in these retention areas.
Evaluate overlap between agency jurisdiction and species ranges and consider any biogeographic boundaries that occur within the project area.
Species distributions are rarely, if ever, aligned with jurisdictional boundaries. Shifts in the composition of species along a latitudinal gradient are called biogeographic breaks. These breaks are relevant to managers because different species are located on either side of the break and may be differentially vulnerable to impacts and be present in different abundances.
Some marine species actively migrate between habitats throughout the year. Maintaining connectivity along migration routes is important for maintaining population persistence. Timing and location of migration routes are therefore an important consideration during project review.