Western Indian Ocean marine fish biogeography and phylogeography

This project employs a molecular genetic approach to consider differentiation and connectivity of selected reef fish species within the WIO at two distinct spatial and temporal scales. On the broader scale the research aims to identify biogeographic and phylogeographic provinces, consider patterns of differentiation and relationships among regional faunas, examine historical patterns of establishment and attempt to identify the historical and contemporary processes responsible for current relationships and distributions.  On the finer-scale the research will examine contemporary patterns of genetic diversity, spatial genetic differentiation and genetic connectivity at a smaller regional scale among three fish species of commercial importance to local communities.  The objective of this part is to elucidate contemporary patterns of connectivity and migration, and determine the efficacy of current reserve or Marine Protected Area networks, whether these systems are isolated or whether they receive sufficient extraneous inputs to sustain populations.  The project leader is Gavin Gouws of SAIAB, for more details click here