From particles to individuals: modelling the early stages of anchovy (Engraulis capensis/encrasicolus) in the southern Benguela
Authored by P Freon, C Mullon, C Parada, Der Lingen C Van, J Huggett
Date Published: 2003
DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2419.2003.00240.x
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Model Documentation:
Other Narrative
Mathematical description
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Abstract
Several individual-based models (IBMs) have recently been developed to
improve understanding of factors impacting on recruitment variability of
anchovy (Engraulis capensis/encrasicolus) in the southern Benguela.
These IBMs have focused on early life history stages ( eggs through to
post-larvae) as it is thought that variations in anchovy recruitment
strength are primarily driven by biological and/or physical factors
impacting on these stages. The pelagic zone of the Benguela system
constitutes an ideal system for studying the coupling between biological
and physical processes; in the IBMs this coupling is obtained by
releasing particles endowed with biological properties in the virtual
currents resulting from the output of a hydrodynamic model of the
southwestern coast of South Africa. The particles are tracked through
virtual time and space and their final locations are assessed in terms
of previously defined criteria deemed to promote successful recruitment.
The aim of this paper is to provide a synthesis of the results of IBMs
of the early stages of anchovy in the southern Benguela constructed to
date. Emphasis is placed on the methodological aspects of these studies
and on the sequential link of several simulation experiments of
increasing complexity. In addition to improving understanding, such an
approach allows for effective interplay between modelling experiments
and surveys or laboratory experiments. Details of individual IBM
experiments and their results have been published elsewhere.
Tags
Spatially explicit
ecology
population
patterns
Recruitment
System
Transport
Nursery areas
Fish early-life
Capensis