Particle-Size-Conversion Efficiency and Total Animal Production in Pelagic Ecosystems

Abstract

A method is described for defining conversion efficiency in pelagic ecosystems on the basis of particle size, rather than trophic level, this permits calculation of a size-corrected biomass function which can be used to describe total animal production by taking into account biomass losses resulting from carnivorous feeding in multitrophic level systems. This, in turn, permits the determination of potential fish production, for any given size fish, from experimental data on zooplankton production using simple equations. Little knowledge of trophic interactions is required. The potential fish production resulting from microzooplankton production in the Burlington Canal is calculated. Keywords: conversion efficiency, production, pelagic ecosystem, particle-size spectrum