Disaggregation of Stocks

Abstract

In the previous chapter we modeled the dynamics of a fish population living in a pond. We implicitly assumed that all fish are born at a reproductive age and leave the pond irrespective of their age. If you were operating a fishery at your pond you might want to selectively remove fish of different age classes to maximize your revenues. This might help you capitalize on differentials in the reproductive rates of younger and older fish and the fact that rates of reproduction are higher at lower densities. A model of the different age cohorts in your pond would require that you disaggregate the stock FISH into the different age classes and introduce age-specific reproduction and extraction rates.

Logic is the muse of thought. When I violate it I am erratic; if I hate it, I am licentious or dissolute; if I love it, I am free—the highest blessing the austere muse can give.

C.J. Keyser, Mathematical Philosophy, 1922