A Conceptual Framework and Methods for Studying the Connectivity of Fishes

ABSTRACT Connectivity is a multifaceted concept that has important implications for the management and conservation of marine and freshwater fishes. We developed a conceptual framework that encompasses multiple, interrelated categories of connectedness, including landscape (e.g., structural, functional) connectivity and ecological (e.g., trophic, genetic, demographic) connectivity, that together shape the flow of organisms, energy and information across ecosystems. We also synthesised six key methods that can be used to study connectivity of fishes: (1) telemetry, including satellite, acoustic, radio and passive integrated transponders (PIT), (2) mark‐recapture, (3) environmental tracers, including stable isotopes and otolith‐microchemistry, (4) genetics, (5) community structure analysis and (6) emerging technologies and tools (e.g., remote sensing and artificial intelligence). For each method, we describe the categories of connectivity it can assess and provide real‐world examples where they have been effectively used. We also identify limitations of each method. This article highlights the diverse and evolving toolbox of methods used to assess fish connectivity, underscoring the need for continued collaboration, innovation and integration of new approaches to refine our understanding and address remaining challenges in this critical area of aquatic ecology and fisheries management.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Fish and Fisheries
Published
2026-01-23
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1111/faf.70058
Primary Topic
Ichthyology and Marine Biology
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

A Conceptual Framework and Methods for Studying the Connectivity of Fishes

Lucas P. Griffin, Daniel P. Zielinski, Brendan Campbell, Simon D. Stewart et al.
Fish and Fisheries
Ichthyology and Marine Biology
article

A Conceptual Framework and Methods for Studying the Connectivity of Fishes

Lucas P. Griffin, Daniel P. Zielinski, Brendan Campbell, Simon D. Stewart, Luc LaRochelle, Mary M. Peacock, Morgan L. Piczak, Jordanna N. Bergman, Michael T. Booth, Grace A. Casselberry, Reid G. Swanson, Ryan J. Woodland, Bronwyn May Gillanders, Edward Hale, Jasper McCutcheon, Karen J. Murchie, Cienna R. Cooper, Jessica A. Robichaud, Steven J. Cooke
article en

Abstract

ABSTRACT Connectivity is a multifaceted concept that has important implications for the management and conservation of marine and freshwater fishes. We developed a conceptual framework that encompasses multiple, interrelated categories of connectedness, including landscape (e.g., structural, functional) connectivity and ecological (e.g., trophic, genetic, demographic) connectivity, that together shape the flow of organisms, energy and information across ecosystems. We also synthesised six key methods that can be used to study connectivity of fishes: (1) telemetry, including satellite, acoustic, radio and passive integrated transponders (PIT), (2) mark‐recapture, (3) environmental tracers, including stable isotopes and otolith‐microchemistry, (4) genetics, (5) community structure analysis and (6) emerging technologies and tools (e.g., remote sensing and artificial intelligence). For each method, we describe the categories of connectivity it can assess and provide real‐world examples where they have been effectively used. We also identify limitations of each method. This article highlights the diverse and evolving toolbox of methods used to assess fish connectivity, underscoring the need for continued collaboration, innovation and integration of new approaches to refine our understanding and address remaining challenges in this critical area of aquatic ecology and fisheries management.

Fish and FisheriesVol. 27(2)
Texas Tech University (US), United States Geological Survey (US), Dalhousie University (CA), University of Nevada, Reno (US), University of British Columbia (CA), University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (US), Great Lakes Fishery Commission (US), University of Massachusetts Amherst (US), University of South Florida (US), Shedd Aquarium (US), Central Washington University (US), Auckland University of Technology (NZ), Delaware Sea Grant (US), The University of Adelaide (AU), Cawthron Institute (NZ), Carleton University (CA), University of Delaware (US), Michigan State University (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 86%
Ichthyology and Marine Biology
DOISourceOpenAlex
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.