Abstract
A one-dimensional ecosystem box model is presented forcarrying capacity assessment. The model includesphysical and biological processes. The physicalprocesses are the transport of nutrients, suspendedmatter and phytoplankton through the system boundariesand between model boxes. The biological processes areprimary production and oyster (Crassostreagigas) population dynamics and physiology. The modelwas implemented using an object-oriented approach. Themodel was employed to estimate the carrying capacityof Carlingford Lough (Ireland) for oyster culture. Inthe Lough, low water temperatures prevent the oystersfrom reproducing. Therefore, recruitment ishuman-dependent. Small oyster spat is seeded everyyear during spring and harvested after the summer ofthe next year. During this period oysters reachcommercially harvestable weight. The results obtainedindicate that the carrying capacity of this system isapproximately 0.45 g oysters (AFDW) m-3,determined more by the availability of particulatematter than by phytoplankton. It is suggested that afive-fold increase in oyster seeding may optimiseharvest yield.
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Ferreira, J., Duarte, P. & Ball, B. Trophic capacity of Carlingford Lough for oyster culture – analysis by ecological modelling. Aquatic Ecology 31, 361–378 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009952729216
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009952729216