The Ecological Significance of a Stunted White Perch Population in an Eutrophic Maine Pond

摘要

A study was conducted to evaluate the ecological role of an abundant white perch (Morone americana) population in an eutrophic pond, Hermon Pond, Maine. Data on growth and feeding habits for this population were combined with published literature to construct food web models for the pond community. The responses of these model systems to the manipulation of fish stocks were predicted using loop analysis with special attention being paid to those changes that would affect fishing and water quality. The diet composition of yearling-plus white perch varied markedly with season and size.