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A dynamic landscape model for fish in the Everglades and its application to restoration

Ecological Modelling
By: , , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0304-3800(99)00202-1

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Abstract

A model (ALFISH) for fish functional groups in freshwater marshes of the greater Everglades area of southern Florida has been developed. Its main objective is to assess the spatial pattern of fish densities through time across freshwater marshes. This model has the capability of providing a dynamic measure of the spatially-explicit food resources available to wading birds. ALFISH simulates two functional groups, large and small fish, where the larger ones can prey on the small fish type. Both functional groups are size-structured. The marsh landscape is modeled as 500×500 m spatial cells on a grid across southern Florida. A hydrology model predicts water levels in the spatial cells on 5-day time steps. Fish populations spread across the marsh during flooded conditions and either retreat into refugia (alligator ponds), move to other spatial cells, or die if their cell dries out. ALFISH has been applied to the evaluation of alternative water regulation scenarios under the Central and South Florida Comprehensive Project Review Study. The objective of this Review Study is to compare alternative methods for restoring historical ecological conditions in southern Florida. ALFISH has provided information on which plans are most are likely to increase fish biomass and its availability to wading bird populations.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title A dynamic landscape model for fish in the Everglades and its application to restoration
Series title Ecological Modelling
DOI 10.1016/S0304-3800(99)00202-1
Volume 127
Issue 1
Year Published 2000
Language English
Publisher Elsevier
Description 20 p.
First page 33
Last page 52
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
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