A continuous model of biomass size spectra governed by predation and the effects of fishing on them

A new time-dependent continuous model of biomass size spectra is developed. In this model, predation is the single process governing the energy flow in the ecosystem, as it causes both growth and mortality. The ratio of predator to prey is assumed to be distributed: predators may feed on a range of prey sizes. Under these assumptions, it is shown that linear size spectra are stationary solutions of the model. Exploited fish communities are simulated by adding fishing mortality to the model: it is found that realistic fishing should affect the curvature and stability of the size spectrum rather than its slope. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.