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Rainbow trout: a population simulation based on individual responses to varying environmental and demographic parameters

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An age-structured simulation model of the growth and population dynamics of a migratory rainbow trout population is presented. The model includes all principal life-history intervals and incorporates the food density-temperature relationships of salmonid growth efficiency proposed by Brett et al. (1969) and Shelbourn et al. (1973). Population size, mean weight, and biomass are adjusted and output monthly over time in age, sex, and location categories; a simulation run may continue for as long as 100 years. A variety of environmental and and biological parameters are utilized in the simulation which can be altered as a user option.

Simulation results compare favorably with field data. Sensitivity analyses illustrate the importance of age-sex specific maturation ratios, age-class strength fluctuations, and natural mortality rates in determining population size.

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Author notes

  1. Fredric M. Serchuk

    Present address: National Marine Fisheries Service, Northeast Fisheries Center, Woods Hole, MA, 02543, USA

  2. Christopher J. Schmitt

    Present address: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Columbia National Fisheries Research Laboratory, Columbia, Mo, 65201, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA

    Fredric M. Serchuk

  2. Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA

    Christopher J. Schmitt

  3. Department of Computer Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA

    Barry Floyd

Authors
  1. Fredric M. Serchuk
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  2. Christopher J. Schmitt
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  3. Barry Floyd
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Serchuk, F.M., Schmitt, C.J. & Floyd, B. Rainbow trout: a population simulation based on individual responses to varying environmental and demographic parameters. Environ Biol Fish 5, 15–26 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00000946

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00000946

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