Metapopulation Ecology in the Sea: From Levins' Model to Marine Ecology and Fisheries Science

Marine and fisheries scientists are increasingly using metapopulation concepts to better understand and model their focal systems. Consequently, they are considering what defines a metapopulation. The authors contrast metapopulations with other spatially structured populations that differ in the degree of local closure of their component populations. They conclude with consideration of the implications of metapopulation structure for spatially explicit management, particularly the design of marine protected area networks.