Simple predator-prey models make widely divergent predictions about impact on piscivores of harvesting forage fish species, depending on structural assumptions about the fine-scale spatial structure of trophic interactions (presence or absence of foraging arena structure in prey availability) and about limitation in predator or prey recruitment due to foraging and habitat restrictions on early juvenile survival. This sensitivity to structural assumptions warns us about possible mistakes that can arise in much more complex and realistic models, where we have to make equivalent assumptions. Recruitment limitation implies risk of depensatory impact on forage species as fishing rate on these species increases, with attendant risk of development of predator-prey cycles and strong responses to relatively small changes in basic forage fish productivity due to environmental factors.
History
Publication title
Ecological Modelling
Volume
337
Pagination
272-280
ISSN
0304-3800
Department/School
Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies
Publisher
Elsevier Science Bv
Place of publication
Po Box 211, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 1000 Ae
Rights statement
Copyright 2016 Elsevier B.V.
Repository Status
Restricted
Socio-economic Objectives
Assessment and management of terrestrial ecosystems