Genetic mapping gives clues to reef life
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Marine researchers are using genetic mapping to trace the movement of fish populations around the Great Barrier Reef.
By studying the DNA of spiny damselfish, scientists have discovered the fish go through cycles of local extinction and resettlement that have nothing to do with human activity.
Australian Institute of Marine Science researcher Dr Line Bay says the work gives reef managers new clues on the how to manage the recovery of reefs where fish stocks are badly depleted.
"We found that reef populations are dynamic, that they do come and go in time and we found that this dynamic was a lot more pronounced in the southern region of the Great Barrier Reef," Dr Bay said.
