This report was commissioned by Natural England to review existing evidence on adult movements and larval dispersal distances of species found in our waters and provide suggestions on how to maximise connectivity between areas and ensure viability of individual sites within the Marine Protected Area (MPA) network. Connectivity and viability are two of the seven network design principles we are using to identify sites to contribute to an ecologically coherent MPA network through the Marine and Coastal Access Act.
The findings are being used by Natural England and the JNCC to produce Ecological Network Guidance for the regional Marine Conservation Zone Project. The Ecological Network Guidance will guide stakeholders in identifying Marine Conservation Zones to contribute to the ecologically coherent MPA network.