RT Journal Article T1 Spatio-temporal connectivity and dispersal seasonal patterns in the Adriatic Sea using a retention clock approach A1 Nadal, Irene A1 Picciulin, Marta A1 Falcieri, Francesco M. A1 García-Lafuente, Jesús A1 Sammartino, Simone A1 Ghezzo, Michol K1 Hidrodinámica AB Hydrodynamic features play a key role in determining the dispersal and connectivity of fish populations, especially in highly energetic areasdetermined by currents, river flow, and meteorologically induced fluctuations. Understanding how species interact with these physical processes is essential for managing vulnerable populations and identifying areas that require effective conservation efforts. This study examines the hydrodynamics that regulate connectivity in the Adriatic Sea, a shallow and semi-enclosed basin that is widely recognized as one of the most important areas in the Mediterranean Sea for protection. A high-resolution hydrodynamic model coupled with a lagrangian tracking module serves as the numerical tool. Lagrangian particles, representing eggs and larvae with typical biological characteristics of generic marine organisms inhabiting the region, are released throughout the basin at different times during a test year to identify the most likely pathways of individual dispersal. The temporal component of connectivity is highlighted using a previously developed retention clock matrix over different larval durations. Seasonality is a critical factor in dispersal, with greater variability and reduced efficiency in winter compared to summer. The potential implications of the results for improved assessment and management of high value marine species in the basin are discussed. PB Frontiers in Marine Science YR 2024 FD 2024-04-02 LK https://hdl.handle.net/10630/35461 UL https://hdl.handle.net/10630/35461 LA eng NO Nadal I, Picciulin M, Falcieri FM, Garcı´a-Lafuente J, Sammartino S and Ghezzo M (2024) Spatio-temporal connectivity and dispersal seasonal patterns in the Adriatic Sea using a retention clock approach. Front. Mar. Sci. 11:1360077. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2024.1360077 DS RIUMA. Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Málaga RD 24 ene 2026