We present an individual-based model of growth processes (encounter rates,
ingestion, assimilation and metabolism) in herring larvae. The model consol
idates existing models on single processes and new experimental results on
how temperature and food supply influence growth and survival (starvation)
in this species. Environmental forces, such as wind (small-scale turbulence
), Light, turbidity, temperature, prey-density and -size structure, and int
rinsic biological variables, such as larval size, ontogeny (prey-capture an
d visual capabilities) and starvation (point of no return), are all include
d in the model. A period just after yolk absorption is recognised when the
larvae are particularly vulnerable to reduced food concentrations. Lack of
food during this period may limit the development of the visual system and
thereby the ability to detect and catch prey. Both experimental results and
the simulations demonstrate the integrated effects of prey density, larval
development and seasonal progression on growth processes. The growth diffe
rence between spring- and autumn-spawned larvae is suggested to be a result
of seasonal variations in irradiance. Sensitivity analyses of parameters a
nd submodels are performed.