Analysis of species changes in Lake Victoria using ECOPATH, a multispecies trophic model

Abstract

A multispecies trophic model called ECOPATH II can be used to describe the trophic relationships in an aquatic ecosystem on a quantitative basis and to explain the changes in fish stocks after a severe modification of environment such as the introduction of a new species or a significant increase of fishing effort. An example is provided for Lake Victoria. This chapter also demonstrates the importance of cooperation among specialists.