Abstract
Aspects of the potential application of multispecies/ecosystem modelling to advise the management of South African fisheries are discussed. In general, reliable predictive ability from such models is likely to be achieved sooner for top predators, because relatively fewer links need to be modelled. Accordingly, discussion concentrates on the deliberations of scientific workshops on modelling marine mammal – fisheries interactions held by two international marine mammal commissions during 2002. Five questions are posed, and some responses suggested, relating to the development of a framework for multispecies/ecosystem modelling to contribute to South African fisheries management: (1) should such models be used for testing or making decisions; (2) do they appreciably reduce uncertainties associated with single-species models; (3) are whole ecosystem or minimum realistic models more appropriate; (4) what computer software is best suited to implement such approaches; (5) what are the overall cost implications? Caution is expressed that general scientific acceptance of predictive reliability for such models (as required for their use for management) is unlikely in the short term, and will probably require considerable data collection and complex analysis at not insubstantial cost.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.