Scientists can now predict how the distance marine larvae travel varies with ocean temperature – a key component in conservation and management of fish, shellfish and other marine species.

Most marine life reproduces via larvae that drift far along ocean currents before returning to join adult populations. The distance traveled before maturing, "dispersal", is directly linked to ocean temperature, researchers have found. Larvae from the same species travel less distance in warmer waters than in colder waters.

Temperature can alter the number and diversity of adult species in a certain area by changing where larvae end up.

Using data from 72 marine species, a mathmatical model has been developed that predicts how far larvae travel at a certain temperature. The predictions appear to hold for virtually all marine animals with a larval life cycle.

While a one degree increase in temperature at the ocean surface means larvae will travel a shorter distance in warm seas, the effect is more severe when temperatures are below about 59 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).

Shorter dispersal distance can mean greater survival because the larvae spend less time in the water, where they are at a high risk of death due to predators, or encountering harsh environments or never reaching their destination and starving. Conversely, it could mean they won't travel as far and may not make it to their juvenile habitat.

Larvae in cold waters develop more slowly and drift further before beginning their next development stage because colder temperatures cause sluggish metabolisms.