Mathematics, Department of
Document Type
Article
Date of this Version
12-30-2023
Citation
JOURNAL OF DIFFERENCE EQUATIONS AND APPLICATIONS 2024, VOL. 30, NO. 8, 1117–1146 https://doi.org/10.1080/10236198.2024.2302015
Abstract
Zebra mussels have caused significant damage in many lakes and rivers. By using a hybrid population model with discrete-time equations and ordinary differential equations, we represent the zebra mussel’s life cycle, growth, and population movement. The dynamics of the larvae (unsettled and settled larvae) are represented during the summer months in a system of two ordinary differential equations, while the juvenile, small adult, and large adult stages are represented by a discrete model with yearly time steps. The goal is to investigate the effects of zebra mussel movement between three different spatial locations and possible control measures. Zebra mussel data and temperature values from three locations in the Hudson River over several years were used to estimate model parameters. We investigate the stability and net reproductive number for our model. We illustrate numerically the hybrid population model for several scenarios of movement and cleaning boats to remove mussels.
Comments
Open access.