Final answer:
The recursive formula NEXT = NOW^2 - 27, starting at 15, can be used to determine the number of fish that will be in the environment in the future.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the number of fish that will be in the environment in the future, we can use the recursive formula NEXT = NOW^2 - 27, starting at 15. This formula represents Dr. Goldthwait's findings that the population each year will be 27 less than the square of the previous year's population. Starting with a population of 15 fish, we can use this formula to calculate the population for future years.