Answer: 16079
Step-by-step explanation:
The exponential decay function for population after x years is given by :-
[tex]f(x)=A(1-r)^x[/tex], where 'A' is the initial population , 'r' is the rate of decay per year and 'x' is the number of years.
Given: The initial population of fish = 30,000
The rate of decrease in the population of fish per year = 7.5%=0.075
Now, the population of fish after 8 years is given by :-
[tex]f(8)=30000(1-0.075)^8=30000(0.925)^8=16078.8549221\approx\ 16079[/tex]
Hence, the best prediction for the fish population in 8 years =16079
