Sample interview questions: How do you assess the impact of overfishing on freshwater ecosystems?
Sample answer:
Assessing the Impact of Overfishing on Freshwater Ecosystems
1. Population Dynamics and Community Structure:
- Monitor population trends of target and non-target species using catch records, surveys, and modeling to detect declines or imbalances.
- Analyze changes in species composition, diversity, and trophic interactions to identify overfishing-induced shifts in ecosystem structure.
2. Habitat Alteration:
- Evaluate the impact of fishing gear on riparian vegetation, spawning grounds, and other critical habitats.
- Assess changes in water quality, dissolved oxygen levels, and sedimentation as a result of overfishing and associated practices.
3. Food Web Interactions:
- Analyze the trophic roles of overfished species and identify key predator-prey relationships.
- Determine the cascading effects of overfishing on the abundance and distribution of prey and predator species.
4. Nutrient Dynamics:
- Measure nutrient cycling rates and identify potential nutrient imbalances caused by overfishing.
- Examine the effects of reduced fish populations on nutrient uptake… Read full answer