Three data sets that involve intensive mark and recapture of schools of skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) are examined for information about exchange of individuals between schools. A formal exchange model is proposed, and maximum likelihood estimates of the parameters are found. It appears that individuals exchange quite rapidly between schools of skipjack; 16–63% of individuals apparently leave a school each day to join other schools. It is possible, however, that what are operationally defined as schools by fishermen consist of smaller more stable subunits.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Ray Hilborn (1991) studied this question.