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We examine the stability of a class of continuous age-structured models. Stability borders are established for the different parameters in the model, including levels required for viability. Two examples are then given, the first is a simple model for which the analysis is straightforward. An example is then shown of the cod population in the North Sea, which involves more complicated life history structures making stability analysis more difficult. The model predicts that the North Sea population will go extinct if fishing levels remain high. We show, however, that if mortality was lowered it would eventually be possible for the population to reach a point where it was stable and within safe biological limits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Standardized time-series sampling was carried out throughout 1997 at seven locations around the Northeast Atlantic to investigate regional variations in the seasonal demography of Calanus finmarchicus. Sites ranged from an inshore location in the North Sea, where C. finmarchicus formed only a small component of the zooplankton (<10 mgC m−2 during spring and early summer), to the shelf south of Iceland, and Weathership M in the Norwegian Sea, where the species dominated the zooplankton (>2000 mgC m−2 during spring and summer). The internal consistency of the demographic time-series from each site was investigated by three partial models of life-cycle processes. In general, the demography of late copepodites could be accounted for by a relatively simple forecast model of stage development and diapause. However, there was a large discrepancy between nowcast estimates of egg production based on female abundance, temperature, and chlorophyll, and hindcast simulations of the egg production required to account for the observed abundance of early copepodite stages. The results point to a gap in our understanding of seasonal variations in rates of egg production and/or survival of nauplii. Overall, the population sampled at Weathership M appeared to be reasonably self-contained, but all other sites were reliant on invasion of overwintered stock in spring. At least two generations were observed at all but one site, but the extent to which these were generated by discrete bursts of egg production varied between sites and seemed to be partly dependent on the proximity to an overwintering location. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The ability of mathematical models to simulate competition for nutrients between three algal species, the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana, a marine raphidophyte Heterosigma carterae and the dinoflagellate Alexandrium minutum, was investigated. Transient growth models were parameterized and tested using a number of closely controlled laboratory data sets including batch monocultures, batch competition experiments and semi-continuous culture competition experiments. The cell quota model of algal growth was found to be adequate to simulate growth of both the raphidophyte and the dinoflagellate. Batch monoculture data for diatom growth obtained under either nitrogen (N) or silicon (Si) limitation could also be simulated with a quota-style model, which in this case included feedback inhibition of nutrient uptake. However, to simulate both batch and semi-continuous culture experiments (and competition between the species), it was necessary to consider diatom Si-N metabolism. A model was derived which contains a representation of both intracellular N ad Si, and of the interaction of these nutrients within the cell. The model used a co-nutrient limitation based on the perceived functional and structural role of N and Si, respectively, within the cell. Simulations indicated that models capable of adequately representing monoculture growth in batch culture may produce erroneous results when incorporated into models of competition. The co-nutrient model is a first step to producing tractable algal growth models which will represent multiple nutrient stress in transient growth conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A previously published model is used to assess the effects of potential disturbances on a sea-loch ecosystem. Nutrient enrichment on its own has little or no effect, and the only major consequence of enhanced or depressed light conditions is a phase shift in the spring bloom. For the fjordic systems modelled, the most important type of disturbance is a reduction in grazing, which can result in high levels of phytoplankton biomass for much of the year. In the absence of grazing control, primary production in these systems becomes nutrient-limited, and it is concluded that the most serious threat would be posed by a reduction in grazing rate combined with an increase in nutrient loading. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]