Potential rates of increase of a harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) population subjected to incidental mortality in commercial fisheries

Estimated the potential intrinsic rate of increase (r) of the harbour porpoise population in the Bay of Fundy and Gulf of Maine using empirical data on reproductive rates and several hypothetical survival schedules. The most realistic model indicates that harbour porpoises have a limited capacity for population increase, and populations are unlikely to sustain even moderate levels of incidental mortality (4% of the population per year). -from Authors

Duke Scholars

Author Andrew J Read Marine Science and Conservation