Solving Diffy-Q: Fish Population Model & Fishing Licenses

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In summary, the conversation discusses a population model for a species of fish in a lake and the decision to allow fishing. It considers the maximum number of fishing licenses that can be issued to ensure the survival of the fish population, the effects on the population when that number of licenses is issued, and the potential impact of unexpected perturbations on the actual fish population.
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tnutty
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Homework Statement



Consider the population model
dP/dt = -P^2/50 + 2P

for a species of fish in a lake. Suppose it is decided that fishing will be allowed, but
it is unclear how many fishing licenses should be issued. Suppose the average catch
of a fisherman with a license is 3 fish per year (these are hard fish to catch).

(a) What is the largest number of licenses that can be issued if the fish are to have
a chance to survive in the lake?

(b) Suppose the number of fishing licenses in part (a) is issued. What will happen
to the fish population-that is, how does the behavior of the population depend
on the initial population?

(c) The simple population model above can be thought of as a model of an ideal
fish population that is not subject to many of the environmental problems of an
actual lake. For the actual fish population, there will be occasional changes in
the population that were not considered when this model was constructed. For
example, if the water level increases due to a heavy rainstorm, a few extra fish
might be able to swim down a usually dry stream bed to reach the lake, or the
extra water might wash toxic waste into the lake, killing a few fish. Given
the possibility of unexpected perturbations of the population not included in
the model, what do you think will happen to the actual fish population if we
allow fishing at the level determined in part (b)?

The Attempt at a Solution



I am not sure how to start part a. Should I model the equation first like so :
dp/dt = -P^2/50 + 2P - 3C

Where C is license?
 
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Figured it out, thanks for looking.
 

1. What is the purpose of the Fish Population Model?

The Fish Population Model is used to predict the population dynamics of a fish species over time, taking into account factors such as reproduction, mortality, and environmental changes. This model can help fisheries managers make informed decisions about sustainable fishing practices.

2. How does the model account for fishing licenses?

The model takes into account the number of fishing licenses issued and the corresponding fishing effort, or amount of time spent fishing, by licensed fishermen. This information is used to calculate the total catch and its impact on the fish population.

3. What are the key assumptions of the model?

The model assumes that fishing effort and catch rates are directly proportional, that the fish population grows exponentially, and that natural mortality is constant over time. It also assumes that there are no external factors affecting the fish population, such as disease or predation.

4. How accurate is the model in predicting fish population dynamics?

The accuracy of the model depends on the quality and accuracy of the data used to build it. If the data accurately reflects the real-world conditions, the model can provide reliable predictions. However, if there are uncertainties or inaccuracies in the data, the model may not accurately reflect the actual fish population dynamics.

5. Can the model be applied to all fish species?

The model can be applied to any fish species as long as there is enough data available to accurately represent the species' population dynamics. However, the model may need to be adjusted or modified to account for specific biological and environmental factors that may differ among different fish species.

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