A multidimensional continuum model of fish behavior

Abstract

A numerical model for the simulation and study of fish behavior is presented. The model, based on continuous representations in both biological and spatial dimensions, has been developed as part of a large Norwegian arctic ecosystems modeling project directed by Professor Jens G. Balchen of the University of Trondheim, Norway. The model describes the migratory behavior of fish, and is capable of incorporating a variety of hypothesized driving forces, such as food density, temperature, light, direction and magnitude of ocean currents, and local fish density. The model relies on standard finite difference numerical methods for solution of the continuum transport equations, and a gradient search conceptualization to determine fish taxis. Two driving forces, food and temperature fields, are used to provide a demonstration of the potentials of the proposed modeling methodology.