Coral connectivity in a changing climate: Biophysical drivers, key knowledge gaps and emerging empirical advances

Résumé fourni par la source

Coral reefs are experiencing widespread decline from climate change and anthropogenic stressors, increasing the need to understand the processes that maintain and replenish coral populations. Connectivity—the exchange of individuals between coral populations—underpins population recovery, yet major uncertainties and natural variability remain in larval biology and behaviour during dispersal and settlement. This review synthesises empirical and theoretical understanding of the physical and biological drivers of coral connectivity from laboratory and field studies. Rather than reviewing connectivity modelling frameworks, we focus on the underlying processes that govern connectivity in nature and that constrain and inform predictive approaches. We highlight well–studied processes such as spawning timing and identify key data gaps, including buoyancy, mortality, and competency during dispersal. High variability across taxa and locations complicates the identification of general connectivity patterns, particularly for processes that are difficult to observe in situ . Emerging techniques—including larval colouring, time–series competency assays, acoustic enrichment, AI–based behavioural tracking and genetic barcoding—offer promising avenues to address these gaps. By synthesising empirical evidence and recent methodological advances, this review highlights the processes that underpin coral connectivity and provides a basis for improving empirical measurements and informing future connectivity model development to support understanding and future applications in conservation and restoration.

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