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Overview
This open-access online application allows the user to explore historical marine connectivity patterns by simulating the dispersal of particles by modelled ocean currents. It can be used to find likely destinations (or probable origins) of materials suspended in or on the ocean such as plankton, larvae, detritus, sediments dissolved chemicals, oil or debris. Interpretation of Connie outputs may require specialist knowledge. However, its operation does not require any specialist training and most users can expect to be reasonably proficient within an hour or two. It is well suited to research, education and management applications.
Map Navigation
The map can be dragged around with the mouse, or using the navigation controls in the top-left. Similarly, you can zoom in and out using the zoom bar on the left-hand side, or with the mouse scroll-wheel. Note that the mouse position is indicated in the bottom-right corner in longitude,latitude.
Ocean Currents
Different ocean current models can be selected from the list in the top left. Currently five regions are available: Australasia/Southeast Asia; the Mediterranean; the Coral Sea; Victoria Coast; and Southeast Tasmania.
Data Overlays
Alternative background maps and options for data overlays can be selected using the toggle switch in the top-right.
Selecting Regions
Single-clicking toggles selection of source (or sink) cells on the map. The bounds of the available current data are indicated on the map by an orange bounding box. No dispersion can occur from cells selected outside the bounding box or over land.
Specifying Dispersion Characteristics
Use the tabs on the left hand side of the map to select from 3 modes of operation:
  1. Substance/organism:
    1. select from the predefined list in the drop-down menu. For documentation on the selected substance or organism click on the adjacent information button.
    2. specify the Release period;
    3. choose whether to track particles forward in time (select Source) or backward in time (select Sink);
    4. choose whether to display the Final distribution of particles or the Cumulative exposure to particles for each cell;
    5. Submit dispersal model run.
  2. Passive dispersal:
    1. specify the Release period;
    2. choose whether to track particles forward in time (select Source) or backward in time (select Sink);
    3. specify the dispersal time and depth of dispersal;
    4. choose whether to display the Final distribution of particles or the Cumulative exposure to particles for each cell;
    5. Submit dispersal model run
  3. Complex behaviour:
    1. specify the Release period;
    2. choose whether to track particles forward in time (select Source) or backward in time (select Sink);
    3. specify the dispersal time, any constant or random horizontal propulsion/swimming, windage for floating material, and daytime and nighttime depths;
    4. add as many additional phases as required (e.g. to model chemical changes or larval development);
    5. choose whether to display the Final distribution of particles or the Cumulative exposure to particles for each cell;
    6. Submit dispersal model run
Downloading Results
Three options are provided for downloading results (lower left) in the form of an image (.png); data (.csv); or Google Earth compatible file (.kml).
Registering & Logging In
Registration is free and only requires an email address. You will not lose any functionality if you do not register. However, you must be logged in to save your simulations (not yet available).
Citing Connie 3.0
If you use the results of Connie simulations in any publications, please cite it as:
"Connie 3.0". CSIRO Connectivity Interface, http:///
Additional references are listed under Publications.