AMEMR Workshop

"Bridging the gap between lower and higher trophic levels"

Jurys Inn, Plymouth
10-12th February 2009

The purpose of the workshop is to: 'Examine current approaches towards coupling plankton (cellular) ecosystem models with those of higher trophic levels (e.g. zooplankton and fish)'.

This is probably the biggest challenge in marine ecosystem modelling. There is considerable evidence that environmental variability plays a significant part in controlling both the distribution and abundance of marine populations and fisheries can alter ecosystem function and state. Key questions include, does the removal of top predators result in fundamental changes in the plankton (top down control)? Alternatively are marine ecosystems characterised by environmental (or bottom up control) such that removal of top predators does not influence community structure and function? Or does the heavy exploitation of key species such as anchovies and sardines in up-welling systems cause changes in ecosystem function (wasp waste control)? All of these controls are observed in different marine ecosystems, and consequently currently no general theory can be derived for their function. Models have a significant role to play in developing such a general theory. Additionally there is a pressing need for models of this type for sustainable ecosystem management.

Coupling numerical models is a central issue in the climate research community and in other research fields such as electromagnetism, computational fluid dynamics. Ideally, the coupler, i.e. the software interface between the different models, should allow the realization of coupled simulations on different types of platforms at a minimal cost, the testing of different coupling algorithms (e.g. time strategy or interpolation methods), and an objective inter-comparison of coupled models by changing some or all component models. Success in ecosystem analyses depends on the ability to integrate and adapt numerous model components in a timely fashion. Linking ocean physics and biological models is always problematic; for example, the time and space scales of physical and biological processes are different, and efficient solution of the models will reflect this with different space time grids for various components. Besides the scientific work involved in model design, testing, and analysis, this work will require careful design of component models, in particular agreement on a modular applications interface to serve as the "glue" that holds the component models together, as well as technologies to support communications among researchers.

The workshop aims to build upon the lessons learnt from previous experiences and make recommendations for future activities. .

The UK Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) as a part of the international opportunities fund has provided funding for a series of modelling workshops, covering travel and subsistence costs for up to 25 national and international scientists per workshop.

In a generic sense the purpose of these workshops will be to:-

Review the status of current models and modelling systems with respect to current knowledge.
Assess the availability datasets from for model testing and development.
Consider emerging scientific issues and relevant policy drivers.
Identify gaps in current model capability.
Produce recommendations for future modelling (and observational) activities designed to address the identified gaps in understanding and capacity. These will be fed to the relevant UK and International program offices with a view to influencing the scope of funding programs.
Identify synergies between research groups that may form the basis of subsequent funding bids.

Registration forms can be obtained online and should be returned to Chris Wing.

The closing date for registration is 31 December 2008.