An ecosystem perspective for the management of a tropical reservoir fishery

Abstract

We use two complementary ecosystem approaches (hierarchical food web and biomass size spectrum) to analyse the structure and functioning of the Tissawewa ecosystem. The effects of water level fluctuations, species interactions (predation, competition) and species introductions are discussed. The insights gained are used to discuss and propose different options for improving fisheries management in tropical reservoirs. [KEYWORDS: biomass size spectrum; fish community; tropical reservoir; fisheries management Sri-lankan reservoir; size distribution; consequences; lake; resources]