The crucial role of marine ecosystem modelling and CLS expertise, exposed at AMEMR 2024 Conference
- 12 July 2024
- Category: News
At CLS, our dedicated team of marine and fisheries scientists is at the forefront of marine ecosystem modelling, a crucial field for understanding and predicting the future conditions of our oceans. Our expertise and commitment to this discipline were recently highlighted at the Advances in Marine Ecosystem Modelling Research (AMEMR) conference in Plymouth, UK, from July 8-11. This event brings together top experts to foster interdisciplinary discussions among stakeholders, modellers, and scientists committed to advancing marine ecosystem models.
SEAPODYM: A Pillar of Our Research
One of our most significant contributions to marine science is the development of the SEAPODYM (Spatial Ecosystem And Population Dynamics Model). This advanced model plays a pivotal role in our research by computing the spatial evolution of biomass densities. SEAPODYM integrates a system of advection-diffusion-reaction equations, which are influenced by ocean currents, temperature, and net primary productivity. These factors are essential in determining the transport, development, and biomass sources of marine organisms.
Our teams focused their work on zooplankton and micronekton populations, a very unique expertise worldwide, enabling us to understand the population dynamics of large predators such as tuna.
Marine ecosystem modelling allows us to simulate complex interactions within marine ecosystems, providing critical insights into how these systems respond to various environmental changes. This understanding is crucial for devising strategies to manage and conserve marine resources sustainably. By estimating future states of the ocean, we can develop more effective conservation practices and sustainable fishing methods, ensuring the health of marine ecosystems for future generations.
Highlights from AMEMR Conference
At the AMEMR conference, our fisheries scientists Olivier Titaud and Héloïse Magliano presented two significant research projects that demonstrate our ongoing efforts to enhance the understanding of marine ecosystems. One project focused on the dynamics of zooplankton and micronekton populations. Using a spatial ecosystem model based on the innovative Yin-Yang grid, this study provides new insights into the population dynamics of key marine species. The Yin-Yang grid allows for more precise and accurate simulations, which are essential for understanding the marine food web.
The second project explored the 1D coupling of SEAPODYM-LMTL and PISCES models. This research delves into the application of these coupled models within homogeneous biophysical provinces, advancing our ability to simulate and comprehend complex marine ecosystems. The integration of SEAPODYM-LMTL with the PISCES model enhances the predictive accuracy of our simulations, offering deeper insights into ecosystem interactions and their responses to environmental changes.
Our Commitment to Marine Sustainability
The advancements shared at the AMEMR conference energize us to continue our pioneering research in support of sustainable marine ecosystems.
At CLS, we are dedicated to using cutting-edge science and technology to drive sustainable practices and conservation initiatives. Through our innovative research and collaborations, we strive to make a meaningful impact on the health and sustainability of marine ecosystems around the world.
