Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 2.1
Summary of parameters covered in this chapter, their relevance to
the assessment of biological sustainability and the sections in which they are
addressed.
Usual
Relevance to
Parameter
symbol
sustainability assessment
Section
Population size
N
Defines the biological state of the
2.3
system—fundamental parameter
of interest.
Unexploited
K
Can be used to parameterise logistic
2.3
population size
growth model, hence define
(carrying capacity)
sustainability reference points
and predict impacts.
Intrinsic rate of
r
max
r
at very low population size. Can be
2.4.1
increase
used to parameterise logistic growth
model, hence define sustainability
reference points and predict impacts.
Instantaneous rate
r
Can be used to estimate
r
max
and
2.4.1
of population change
define population trends.
e
r
).
Finite rate of
Alternative definition of
r
(
2.4.1
population change
Survival rate
S
Can be used (with
P
) to predict rate
2.4.2
of population change; can be used to
quantify density dependence.
Productivity rate
P
Can be used (with
S
) to predict rate
2.4.3
of population change; can be used to
quantify density dependence.
Harvest mortality
Gives a direct measure of harvest
2.4.2
rate
pressure.
Density dependence
Pattern of change in demographic
2.4.4
parameters with density; a
fundamental determinant of
sustainability.
Rate of body size
Can determine value of offtake;
2.4.5
growth
can be used to parameterise
size-structured models.
Movement rate
Can be used to parameterise spatially
2.5.1
explicit models.
Habitat associations
May be necessary to uncover
2.5.2
impacts of harvest; can be used
to estimate population size over
large areas.
