Larval trophodynamics, turbulence, and drift on Georges Bank: A sensitivity analysis of Cod and Haddock ...

• Main Authors: MacKenzie, Brian, Lough, R. Gregory, Werner, Francisco, Naimie, Christopher, Blaton, Brian, Perry, R. Ian, Quinlan, John
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University Libraries 2001
• Subjects: Gadus morhua
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.17615/75th-1932; https://cdr.lib.unc.edu/concern/articles/9k41zp86k

Using an individual-based model approach we consider trophodynamic effects on the growth and survival of larval cod ( Gadus morhua ) and haddock ( Melanogrammus aeglefinus ) on Georges Bank during late winter/early spring. These studies represent an extension of results described in Werner et al. (1996; Deep-Sea Res. II), wherein the effect of turbulence-enhanced larval-prey contact rates increased the effective prey concentration resulting in growth of cod larvae consistent with observed rates in the field. We reformulated the feeding of the larvae to include existing relationships between maximum prey-length and larval-length and we examined: (i) larval search behaviour and its effect on encounter with prey, (ii) the ability of larvae to pursue and capture prey in a turbulent environment, and (iii) the effect of turbulence on the dispersion of larvae in the vertical. We find that search behaviour, the effect of turbulence on pursuit and capture, and vertical dispersion decrease the predicted larval growth ...