Enrichment Paradox Induced by Spatial Heterogeneity in a Phytoplankton - Zooplankton System

Abstract

This paper is devoted to the study of a predator-prey model in a patchy environment. The model represents the interactions between phytoplankton and zooplankton in the water column. Two patches are considered with respect to light availability: one patch is associated to the surface layer, the second patch describes the bottom layer. We show that this spatial heterogeneity may destabilize the predator-prey system, even in oligotrophic system where the nutrient is low enough to avoid ”paradox-enrichment” phenomenon. Indeed, in this case, an heterogeneity index can be used as a bifurcation parameter, leading to a Hopf bifurcation. Moreover, we assume that individuals can be dispersed in both patches via hydrodynamism processes, like in a mixed layer. The effect of mixing intensity is analysed as well as interactions between dispersion and enrichment. We also show that, in some cases, spatial heterogeneity has a stabilizing effect. These contrasted results are examined by considering the non linear interaction between heterogeneity, dispersal and enrichment and some mechanisms leading to stabilization/destabilization are exhibited.