Relating habitat characteristics to brown shrimp production in the northern Gulf of Mexico

Although estuarine nurseries along the norther GoM are dominated by Spartina vegetation, production from these estuaries can vary greatly. Studies in Texas and Louisiana marshes have demonstrated that production is related to temperature, salinity, and access to emergent marsh vegetation. We are currently developing a systems model that will simulate recruitment, growth, and emigration of brown shrimp.

In 2010, NOAA Fisheries introduced the Habitat Assessment Improvement Plan (HAIP). The HAIP aims to improve fisheries management through an understanding of how habitats effect production of target species. We are developing a compartment-based systems model that simulates the effects of habitat on brown shrimp production. This model capable of producing long term time series data amenable to the latest brown shrimp stock assessment, thus reducing habitat related uncertainty in the assessment.

no access contraints

no use constraints

Stella modeling software

Stella 9.1.4

In validation phase

The model accuracy is currently being assessed.

The model output is being compared to field data to assess the need for further model refinement.