I question the applicable validity of the referenced Wisconsin DNR study to fisheries with other species compositions and densities of predators and different habitat conditions. I have worked with northern pike and their behavior and productive habits are definately different than largemouth bass. Thus I question how much there is comparison of the referenced WI DNR study with Joe Pondmeister's very commonly occurring bass - BG pond.
Bill, this is another strawman. I didn't say that. I noted that very small populations of forage brood can produce very large quantities of consumable forage for predators. I noted that after a minimum density is exceeded that there is an inverse relationship between brood biomass and consumable forage production. I explained why. There is limited weight of forage that can be supported/produced. If the water is supporting a larger weight of brood ... then it is producing a lower weight of consumed/consumable forage. One borrows from Peter to the benefit of Paul. In the end, the sum of the two is limited to the water's productivity ... it just cannot exceed that. So one cannot harm the production of YOY by removing a reasonable amount of brood fish and in principle ... it will increase the production of YOY. Likewise, one cannot increase forage production just by adding adult forage fish in waters where the resources are being utilized to their full extent. Not to say it may work if one expands the carry (like fertilization or feeding) ... it's just that it isn't necessary to increase forage production. If one expands the carry by fertilization or feeding, the production of YOY will increase for that reason alone. A bump in the forage brood isn't required but may be desired if needed for balance in support of growth of the panfish (eg when one doesn't want excessive YOY and over recruitment of the forage species).
All this is independent of what the species are. It just doesn't matter. The principle I have laid out is true for any sustainable combination of predator and prey. This is why people should take heed and learn this principle.
