FITPOP, a heuristic simulation model of population dynamics and genetics with special reference to fisheries

Ecological Modelling
By:

Links

Abstract

Although, perceiving genetic differences and their effects on fish population dynamics is difficult, simulation models offer a means to explore and illustrate these effects. I partitioned the intrinsic rate of increase parameter of a simple logistic-competition model into three components, allowing specification of effects of relative differences in fitness and mortality, as well as finite rate of increase. This model was placed into an interactive, stochastic environment to allow easy manipulation of model parameters (FITPOP). Simulation results illustrated the effects of subtle differences in genetic and population parameters on total population size, overall fitness, and sensitivity of the system to variability. Several consequences of mixing genetically distinct populations were illustrated. For example, behaviors such as depression of population size after initial introgression and extirpation of native stocks due to continuous stocking of genetically inferior fish were reproduced. It also was shown that carrying capacity relative to the amount of stocking had an important influence on population dynamics. Uncertainty associated with parameter estimates reduced confidence in model projections. The FITPOP model provided a simple tool to explore population dynamics, which may assist in formulating management strategies and identifying research needs.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title FITPOP, a heuristic simulation model of population dynamics and genetics with special reference to fisheries
Series title Ecological Modelling
DOI 10.1016/S0304-3800(99)00205-7
Volume 127
Issue 1
Year Published 2000
Language English
Publisher Elsevier
Contributing office(s) Great Lakes Science Center
Description 15 p.
First page 81
Last page 95
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details