Simulating winter flounder population dynamics using coupled individual-based young-of-the-year and age-structured adult models

Authored by Kenneth A Rose, JA Tyler, RC Chambers, G KleinMacPhee, DJ Danila

Date Published: 1996

DOI: 10.1139/cjfas-53-5-1071

Sponsors: United States Department of Energy (DOE) Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)

Platforms: No platforms listed

Model Documentation: Other Narrative Mathematical description

Model Code URLs: Model code not found

Abstract

Population dynamics of winter flounder (Pleuronectes americanus) are simulated using a detailed individual-based model for young-of-the-year coupled to an age-structured matrix model for adults. When run alone, the young-of-the-year model is initiated with user-specified female spawners. When coupled to the adult model, multiple-year simulations are performed with young-of-the-year survivors inputted to the adult model and the adult model is used to generate the female spawners each year. Model predictions of young-of-the-year densities, growth rates, and mortality rates were within the range observed for the Niantic River population. Model predictions and Niantic River data both showed recruitment (survivors to age 1) to level off at high numbers of spawners. Predicted recruitment at high numbers of spawners was two to three times that for the same conditions under density independence. Analysis of a 200-year simulation indicated that recruitment was largely set by metamorphosis, with density-dependent growth and survival rates operating during the larval and juvenile life stages. The relationship of our modelling approach to previous approaches, the implications of our results to understanding winter flounder population dynamics, and possible further elaborations of the model are discussed.

Tags

Early-life stages Marine fishes Larval fish Narragansett bay Reproductive success Pseudopleuronectes-americanus Striped bass Western wadden sea Pleuronectes-platessa population Bluegill lepomis-macrochirus