In modelling effects of global warming, invalid assumptions lead to unrealistic projections

Abstract

2017) provide new projections of future maximum fish weight (W∞). Based on criticism by Lefevre et al. (2017) they changed the scaling exponent for anabolism, dG. Here we find that changing both dG and the scaling exponent for catabolism, b, leads to the projection that fish may even become 98% smaller with a 1°C increase in temperature. This unrealistic outcome indicates that the current W∞ is unlikely to be explained by the Gill‐Oxygen Limitation Theory (GOLT) and, therefore, GOLT cannot be used as a mechanistic basis for model projections about fish size in a warmer world.