Modelling Tropical Fish Larvae Transport in the Leeuwin Current

An individual-based particle tracking model with a 10 km grid spacing simulates the potential southwards advection of tropical fish larvae along the Western Australian continental shelf. The model results show a seasonal pulse of particles arriving at Rottnest Island in autumn, matching observed recruitment peaks for two damselfish species. This dataset record is provided by Parks Australia and was originally published via the Australian Marine Parks Science Atlas.

Use Cases

• Validate particle transport models based on comparison with ADCP measurements mentioned in the description.
• Analyze seasonal recruitment patterns based on modelled particle arrival pulses in autumn.
• Study the influence of wind fields on surface current flow and larval advection as described.
• Assess the role of spawning seasonality and shelf position on larval transport and survival for commercial species.

Strengths

• Model has a 10 km grid spacing, resolving some current gradients across the continental shelf.
• Modelled alongshore net transport is reported to be reasonably well reproduced compared to measurements.
• Results are applied to a discussion of transport for commercial fish and invertebrate species.

Limitations

• The model's agreement with cross-shelf flow is noted as not as good, attributed partly to a paucity of high-quality near-surface current measurements.
• The swimming capacity of late-stage larval fish is not specifically included due to knowledge limitations and model resolution constraints.
• Observed inter-annual variability in recruitment is not well matched by the model, likely due to uncertainties in biological factors.

Provenance

Source

Parks Australia, referencing a source publication.

Collection Method

Individual-based particle tracking model applied to larval migration.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-07-16 23:17:55.762331; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Continental shelf between the Houtman Abrolhos Islands and Rottnest Island, Western Australia.