Restoration and recovery of damaged eco-epidemiological systems: Application to the Salton Sea, California, USA

In this paper, we have proposed and analysed a mathematical model to figure out possible ways to rescue a damaged eco-epidemiological system. Our strategy of rescue is based on the realization of the fact that chaotic dynamics often associated with excursions of system dynamics to extinction–sized densities. Chaotic dynamics of the model is depicted by 2D scans, bifurcation analysis, largest Lyapunov exponent and basin boundary calculations. 2D scan results show that μ, the total death rate of infected prey should be brought down in order to avoid chaotic dynamics. We have carried out linear and nonlinear stability analysis and obtained Hopf-bifurcation and persistence criteria of the proposed model system.The other outcome of this study is a suggestion which involves removal of infected fishes at regular interval of time. The estimation of timing and periodicity of the removal exercises would be decided by the nature of infection more than anything else. If this suggestion is carefully worked out and implemented, it would be most effective in restoring the health of the ecosystem which has immense ecological, economic and aesthetic potential. We discuss the implications of this result to Salton Sea, California, USA. The restoration of the Salton Sea provides a perspective for conservation and management strategy.

► Manuscript focuses on the major challenges in restoring the sea to good health.
► It contains suggestions to figure out possible ways to rescue a damaged ecological system.
► It provides a perspective for conservation and management strategy.
► The estimation of timing and periodicity of removal exercises would be decided by the nature of infection.
► Suggestions are practical. Modalities to implement them are to be worked out.