PHENOTYPIC VARIABILITY IN FISH POPULATIONS AND ITS REPRESENTATION IN INDIVIDUAL-BASED MODELS

Authored by RC Chambers

Date Published: 1993

DOI: 10.1577/1548-8659(1993)122<0404:pvifpa>2.3.co;2

Sponsors: National Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)

Platforms: No platforms listed

Model Documentation: Other Narrative Mathematical description

Model Code URLs: Model code not found

Abstract

The representation of individual variation in fish populations by individual-based simulation models is examined. A framework is provided for assessing the fundamental features of phenotypic variability and examples are given of variation in early life history traits of fishes. The genetic components of phenotypic variability and the pattern of covariation between life history traits are features that have yet to be satisfactorily represented in these models. This limits analysis of long-term effects of trait-biased mortality such as might be caused by a size-selective fishery. Consequences of neglecting these features will become increasingly evident as these models extend from young of the year to transgenerational configurations. The use of estimates of traits and processes derived from population- and species-level data in individual-based models is also considered. It is concluded that estimates from aggregated data cannot be assumed to represent individual-level processes. From these considerations, a perspective that acknowledges variability, history, timing, location, and cooccurring events is emphasized and the value of typological thinking is diminished.

Tags

growth Recruitment Marine fish Size-selective mortality Larval fish Natural mortality The-year walleye Egg size Life-history parameters Flounder pseudopleuronectes-americanus