CCIP-RT-08: Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Connectivity Matrices for ReefMod-GBR

This dataset documents the evaluation and selection of crown-of-thorns starfish (CoTS) larval connectivity matrices for use in the ReefMod-GBR model, along with the calibration of CoTS population parameters. The project evaluated three pre-existing connectivity matrix sets (GBR1, GBRL, and SLIM) against a default set to determine which produced the most accurate CoTS density predictions. The Australian Ocean Data Network published this metadata record for discovery on 2026-06-04.

Use Cases

• Calibrating Beverton-Holt recruitment parameters for CoTS population models based on the described GBR-wide and region-specific coefficients.
• Validating larval connectivity matrices for marine population models based on the described hindcast validation methodology.
• Integrating shallow-water connectivity data into reef ecosystem models based on the selected GBRLUP matrix set.
• Documenting methodology for selecting hydrodynamic model outputs for ecological forecasting based on the included scripts and reports.

Strengths

• Includes calibrated CoTS Beverton-Holt recruitment parameters (alpha, beta) and mortality coefficients, both GBR-wide and region-specific.
• Compares three candidate connectivity matrix sets (GBR1, GBRL, SLIM) against a default set derived from seven summer periods between 2008 and 2017.
• Documents a specific selection outcome: the GBRLUP connectivity matrix set, a shallow-water subset of GBRL, was chosen for integration.

Limitations

• Metadata completeness is limited; actual data quality requires manual inspection after download.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• The dataset is not a standalone reproducible workflow, as the core ReefMod Engine (RME) software is not publicly available.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network

Collection Method

The project evaluated pre-existing connectivity matrix sets and calibrated parameters through repeated hindcast runs in the ReefMod Engine (RME), comparing predicted and observed CoTS density categories.

Time Range

Connectivity matrices correspond to summer periods from 2008-2009 to 2016-2017.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-06-04 05:27:05.406978; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Great Barrier Reef