Gaining Insight into Complex Systems

Conceptual and quantitative models are valuable tools for organizing what we know about complex systems. Our fish population models provide our clients unparalleled opportunities to test their ideas and solve their management problems. Cramer Fish Sciences has extensive experience building fish population models, especially those that simulate relationships between fish, their habitats, and human activities. Our models help our clients evaluate:

• Population viability and extinction risk
• Salmon migration and habitat use
• Juvenile salmon habitat carrying capacity
• Growth, survival, and bioenergetics
• Salmon stock-recruitment modeling
• Predator-prey/multi-species relationships

Our models have also been used to help our clients analyze management activities, potential influences on fish habitat, and the effects on fish populations. Our models have been successfully used to evaluate:

• Effects of forest and land-use practices
• Effects of fishery and hatchery management
• Hydro operations and water development
• Watershed, riparian, and stream management