The theoretical foundations for size spectrum models of fish communities

Size spectrum models have emerged from 40 years of basic research on how body size determines individual physiology and structures marine communities. They are based on commonly accepted assumptions and have a low parameter set, making them easy to deploy for strategic ecosystem-oriented impact asse...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Canadian journal of fisheries and aquatic sciences 2016-04, Vol.73 (4), p.575-588
Main Authors: Andersen, Ken H, Jacobsen, Nis S, Farnsworth, K.D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aquatic ecosystems
Bioenergetics
Body size
Climatic changes
Density dependence
Fish populations
Fisheries
Food
Food chains
Marine productivity
Size
Spectrum analysis
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Summary:Size spectrum models have emerged from 40 years of basic research on how body size determines individual physiology and structures marine communities. They are based on commonly accepted assumptions and have a low parameter set, making them easy to deploy for strategic ecosystem-oriented impact assessment of fisheries. We describe the fundamental vconcepts in size-based models about food encounter and the bioenergetics budget of individuals. Within the general framework, three model types have emerged that differ in their degree of complexity: the food-web, the trait- based, and the community models. We demonstrate the differences between the models through examples of their response to fishing and their dynamic behavior. We review implementations of size spectrum models and describe important variations concerning the functional response, whether growth is food-dependent or fixed, and the density dependence imposed on the system. Finally, we discuss challenges and promising directions.
ISSN:0706-652X
1205-7533
DOI:10.1139/cjfas-2015-0230