| Abstract: | We use a metaphysiological approach, recently proposed by one of us (WMG), for modeling trophic interactions to develop a model of limpet-algae-kelp dynamics using data obtained by the others (RHB and GMB) from studies along the west coast of South Africa. We test whether the model is able to predict limpet population growth reasonably well in both the presence and absence of kelp and over a range of limpet and algal population densities. We then discuss the development of a limpet fishery, suing the model to predict limpet stand growth under various harvesting regimes. We compare our results to those obtained by others using a classical size-structured approach, and we suggest how both approaches can be combined to obtain a more reliable and applicable model than either on its own. |
