Predict your future catches! We have developed software for simulation population dynamics of fish.
Scientists from the Institute of Hydrobiology at the Biology Centre CAS have developed a new simulation software, FiDySim (Fish Dynamics Simulation). With this tool, users can model the dynamics of fish populations and test different scenarios for the development of fish populations. The software was developed for researchers, fisheries managers and the general professional community. It is freely available in both Czech and English and offers simulation possibilities for different fish species in any aquatic environment.
Predicting the future development of fish populations is no easy task. It requires knowledge of a variety of key parameters: the number of fish in a given water body, their age structure, growth and maturation rates, reproduction, natural recruitment and the effects of fishing pressure. In addition, fishing regulations and management practises, such as fish stocking, must also be taken into account. This task is further complicated by the fact that most of these parameters are constantly changing over time. However, with modern tools we can tackle this challenge effectively.
As part of the project IQK22020134: Innovative Fisheries Management of Large Reservoirs (National Agency for Agricultural Research), we have developed the simulation software FIsh DYamics SIMulation (FiDySim). With this tool, users can model the dynamics of fish populations and follow the development of specific fish cohorts over decades in the past or future. Users can test different scenarios, e.g. variations in fish growth rates (influenced by food availability and temperature), natural recruitment, stocking strategies or fishing pressure, including the possibility to adjust legal size limits.
The model was originally developed for the population of zander in the Lipno Reservoir, but it can be easily adapted to simulate the dynamics of any fish species in any aquatic environment. The software is freely available in both Czech and English at: https://lipnosimulation.shinyapps.io/fish_dynamics_simulation/
Due to the limitations of the free version of the platform, the software can be used for up to 25 hours per month.
The software is protected by copyright owned by the Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences and its authors, but it is provided as freeware to anyone interested. If you encounter any technical or professional issues while using the software, do not hesitate to contact us.
Authors of the application:
Ing. Josef Bydžovský (josef.bydzovsky@hbu.cas.cz) – IT support, software operation
Prof. RNDr. Jan Kubečka, CSc. (kubecka@hbu.cas.cz) – theoretical basis of the algorithms and parameters used
Photo above: BC CAS
