Modelling Baltic Cod behavioural responses to hypoxia: towards an agent-based model

Pierce, Maria E. (2015) Modelling Baltic Cod behavioural responses to hypoxia: towards an agent-based model. Masters thesis, Institute of Computer Science, University of Rostock.

Text Masterarbeit_Modelling Baltic_Cod.pdf - Published Version Restricted to Registered users only Download (4MB)

Abstract

Regarding some ecological questions agent-based models have turned out to be advantageous compared to classical models. Prompted by the current state of the Eastern Baltic cod an agent-based model of cod behaviour, metabolism and the relevant aspects of the Bornholm basin was developed in this thesis. An elementary module of this model is the cod metabolism capable of temperature and oxygen dependent growth, starvation and death. This module has a scope of applicability for temperatures from 0◦ C to 20◦C, oxygen saturations from 0% to 100% and cod weights from 100g to 4500g. It was validated for weight-dependent temperature-sensitivity in a range from 100g to 2000g and 1◦ C to 16◦ C as well as oxygen-dependent growth in a range from 45% to 65% oxygen saturation. It was cross-validated for asphyxiation in a range from 13% to 65% oxygen saturation. Proof of concept experimentation with an overall model depicting the hydrography of the Bornholm Basin as well as the behavioural aspect of vertical movement yielded the desired results.