A dynamic energy budget model of the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas

A dynamic energy budget model has been developed to simulate the growth of Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas in response to varying environmental conditions. The model is designed to incorporate the effects of endogenous (core weight and storage) and exogenous (temperature, quantity and quality of food) factors and to be applicable to a variety of ecosystems. Two state variables (core weight and storage) are used in order to avoid confusion between functional roles of structural and reserve tissues. Assimilation and metabolic rates are modelled as functions of core weight, while reproduction is entirely dependent of storage. In addition to reproduction, a variable in terms of energy requirements for gametogenesis is introduced in this model. Calibration of the model was done through sensitivity analysis and comparison of simulation outputs and observed data. The model is capable of simulating growth and condition of oysters in the ecosystem of Marennes-Oleron Bay. The simulations indicate that growth of oysters is strongly regulated by the phytoplankton concentration, while detritus has little contribution. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.