Document Type

Article

Department/Program

Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Publication Date

3-2003

Journal

Bulletin of Marine Science

Volume

72

Issue

2

First Page

491

Last Page

504

Abstract

To understand better the ecology and growth dynamics of the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus). we developed a bioenergetic model based upon the Fish Bioenergetics 3.0 computer program. We summarized and analyzed existing data from published studies on the ecology and physiology of both blue crab and closely related species to parameterize the model. The respiration and excretion components were estimated directly from published studies. Parts of the consumption component were estimated indirectly. The resulting model was evaluated for applicability against known growth trajectories from field and laboratory studies. The model predicted observed growth and consumption to a first approximation. Inspection of model results suggest that improvements in our knowledge of temperature- and size-dependant consumption are required before a more predictive model can be developed. However, at this point the model is sufficiently accurate to explore some fishery-related questions.

Keywords

Largemouth Bass; Lake Trout; Growth; Consumption; Temperature; Population

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