Systems modelling and bioeconomic modelling in aquaculture

Abstract

This paper reviews current and potential applications of systems models and bioeconomic models in aquaculture. Basic information on alternative types of models and the process of model design and implementation is presented. A simple optimal control model, applied to harvesting and feeding decisions, is used to illustrate the numerical solution of dynamic optimization problems. The dynamic programming version of the problem is also presented and the advantages of each approach are discussed. The paper concludes with a discussion of future prospects. An overly mathematical language is avoided and emphasis is placed on practical solution techniques.