Sustainable Fisheries: Population Growth

by Christopher Drescher

Submitted : Fall 2010

The oceans are currently in an environmental crisis. Overfishing, pollution, and extreme temperatures associated with global climate change are threatening many marine species. Scientists can use exponential growth models to predict threatened species population growth; such as the recent Snook kill which killed off hundreds of thousands in Florida due to extremely cold weather. With the scientist’s data, FWC can determine how long their fishing season should be closed as well used to determine bag limits and size of keeper fish. A very sustainable practice called aquaculture is in progress and growing rapidly. This practice raises fish in a contained controlled environment for human consumption; it can relieve some pressure on the oceans and provide new economic opportunities for many. Raising fish in a captive environment would differ because there would be a better defined carrying capacity, so the Gompertz growth model can be used to show the population growth. Scientists can use this data to determine the proper number of species to introduce to a system, as well as harvesting times for optimal profit.  

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