Thompson-Saud, G., Robertson, A.L., Choukroun, S., Ospina-Alvarez, A., Logan, M., van der Mheen, M., and Grech, A. (2025) Factors influencing the early growth and dispersal potential of mangrove propagules. Regional Studies in Marine Science, 91. 104528.

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Abstract

Mangrove dispersal, characterised by propagule movement across complex coastal habitats, is essential for maintaining genetic diversity and ecological resilience. A comprehensive understanding of these processes requires information on the influence of mangrove propagule traits on dispersal potential. However, relatively few studies have investigated the behaviour of propagules in the water column, particularly their responses to different salinities and the duration of their buoyancy. The goal of this study is to enhance the understanding of mangrove dispersal potential by using an experimental approach to assess buoyancy and morphological attributes of 13 mangrove species in the central Great Barrier Reef (GBR) region of Queensland, Australia. Over 90 days, we measured the buoyancy of mangrove propagules and recorded changes in root and stem growth under different salinity conditions, tracking the progression of these traits over time. We found evidence for interspecies variation in buoyancy and diverse responses to salinity treatments, with propagule positioning in the water column changing over time. Most of the species showed potential for long-distance dispersal as they stayed afloat for part or most of the experiment. Additionally, we developed species-specific parameters and implemented them in biophysical models to assess mangroves dispersal trajectories. Our findings highlight the importance of integrating mangrove propagule traits in dispersal modelling given the variability in buoyancy behaviours observed among different species and their influence on dispersal and connectivity.

Item ID:	91219
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	2352-4855
Keywords:	Mangrove propagules, Dispersion, Propagules traits, Conservation, Management, Salinity, Buoyancy
Copyright Information:	© 2025 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Date Deposited:	22 Apr 2026 01:15
FoR Codes:	41 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 4104 Environmental management > 410404 Environmental management @ 100%
SEO Codes:	18 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT > 1802 Coastal and estuarine systems and management > 180299 Coastal and estuarine systems and management not elsewhere classified @ 100%
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