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Spatial distribution of limited resources and local density regulation in juvenile Atlantic salmon
Author(s) -
Finstad Anders G.,
Einum Sigurd,
Ugedal Ola,
Forseth Torbjørn
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of animal ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.134
H-Index - 157
eISSN - 1365-2656
pISSN - 0021-8790
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2656.2008.01476.x
Subject(s) - salmo , population , carrying capacity , spatial distribution , population density , juvenile , spatial variability , ecology , spatial ecology , density dependence , population size , juvenile fish , fishery , geography , biology , fish <actinopterygii> , statistics , demography , remote sensing , mathematics , sociology
Summary1 Spatial heterogeneity of resources may influence competition among individuals and thus have a fundamental role in shaping population dynamics and carrying capacity. In the present study, we identify shelter opportunities as a limiting resource for juvenile Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar L.). Experimental and field studies are combined in order to demonstrate how the spatial distribution of shelters may influence population dynamics on both within and among population scales. 2 In closed experimental streams, fish performance scaled negatively with decreasing shelter availability and increasing densities. In contrast, the fish in open stream channels dispersed according to shelter availability and performance of fish remaining in the streams did not depend on initial density or shelters. 3 The field study confirmed that spatial variation in densities of 1‐year‐old juveniles was governed both by initial recruit density and shelter availability. Strength of density‐dependent population regulation, measured as carrying capacity, increased with decreasing number of shelters. 4 Nine rivers were surveyed for spatial variation in shelter availability and increased shelter heterogeneity tended to decrease maximum observed population size (measured using catch statistics of adult salmon as a proxy). 5 Our studies highlight the importance of small‐scale within‐population spatial structure in population dynamics and demonstrate that not only the absolute amount of limiting resources but also their spatial arrangement can be an important factor influencing population carrying capacity.