This is a brief description of studies that exemplify the methods and approaches that have been developed and used by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) researchers in conducting integrated assessments. See the complete list of Integrated Assessment Briefs to find out more about ORNL's efforts in integrated assessment. Contact Mike Farrell (farrellmp@ornl.gov) for more information.

Compensatory Fish Mechanisms in Fish Populations

Relative positions of nine North American fish within three-dimensional, life-history space illustrate substantial differences between species in length at maturation, fecundity, and parental investment per progeny.

How can the self-regulating capabilities of fish populations be more effectively incorporated in assessments of the impacts of energy technologies on aquatic ecosystems?

Individual-based simulation modeling is a powerful tool for mechanistically exploring the potential for a fish population to compensate for environmental disturbances that increase mortality risk, decrease growth, and/or decrease reproduction.

As an example, life-history theory and results from individual-based models support the hypothesis that Age 0 smallmouth bass are likely to demonstrate a greater compensatory change in growth and mortality than Age 0 striped bass in response to environmental disturbances.

Some of the models from these studies have been used in regulatory proceedings to demonstrate that additional fish-protection measures may not be needed at specific power plants.

Van Winkle, W., K. A. Rose, and R. C. Chambers. 1993. Individual-based approach to fish population dynamics: An overview. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 122:397-403.

Where To?

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Integrated Assessment Briefs. 1995. ORNL/M-4227. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN.