Individual-based modeling of environmental quality effects on early life stages of fish: A case study using striped bass

摘要

We demonstrate an individual-based approach to population modeling to evaluate environmental quality effects on early life stages of fishes. We believe that, regardless of the modeling approach, environmental quality effects ultimately must be evaluated at the population level. Determining population-level consequences of changes in environmental quality is critical because the population is the relevant endpoint of interest with respect to success of the species and its availability for harvest. It offers a common metric upon which to compare among different environmental factors, effects, and life stages.