Modeling of Ecosystems

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Objectives

1. Introduction of practical concepts in ecological modelling.

2. Understanding of the main types of theoretical models: parameterization, basic assumptions and approximations, needed data and parameter estimation methodologies (case study of population models).

3. Operational sectoral design of the ecosystem approach (fisheries as a case study).

4. The multi-sectoral approach to ecosystem management to the oceans: a holistic view (marine strategy as a case study).

Program

1. POPULATION DYNAMIC MODELS (Single species models)

1.1. Virtual Population Analysis (VPA)

1.1.1. Theoretical concept and historical evolution

1.1.2. The method of Pope

1.1.3. Property of convergence

1.1.4. Calibrations and improvements

1.2. Production models

1.2.1. Surplus production models: Basic concept

1.2.2. Types of models (historical evolution): Equilibrium (LP) and non-equilibrium (short term)

1.2.3. Biological reference points

1.2.4. Parameter estimation

1.2.5. Interpretation of results and advice

2. MULTISPECIFIC MODELS

2.1. Biological and technological interactions.

2.2. Structured multispecific models

2.3. Multispecific global models

2.4. Multispecies stock recruitment model

2.5. Other types of ecological models.

3. CONCEPTS OF ECOSYSTEM APPROACH IN THE OCEANS

3.1. Functions and services, sectors, activities, pressures and impact

3.2. Impact measurement metrics

3.3. Concept of Good Environmental Status of ecosystems

3.4. The case study of the EC marine Strategy

Teaching Methodologies

The course is organized in modules. Theory complemented with solving practical exercises. The theoretical content will be transmitted to students based on classroom lessons, expository nature using visual presentations. Practical exercises are mainly designed for Excel but the use of other software is stimulated. Whenever possible, students should solve worksheets at home. Practical work (grouped students) of analysis and interpretation of results of case studies with poster presentations type.

Classes will be theoretical and practical. For each module there is a set of practical worksheets to solve in class and at home. For a student group is agreed a practical work resulting from a case (which may include the interpretation of papers) to be presented and defended.

Bibliography

Hall, Charles A.S. & Day, John W. (1990). Ecosytem Modeling in Theory and Practice: An Introduction with Case Histories. University Press of Colorado. pp. 7–8.

Lassen, H. and Medlay, P. (2001). Virtual Population Analysis - A Practical Manual for Stock Assessment. FAO Fisheries Technical Paper, Nº 400, Rome, FAO, 129p.

Quin, T. J. II and Deriso, R. B. (1999). Quantitative Fish Dynamics. New York, Oxford University Press, 542p.

Jackson, L.J., Trebitz, A.T.S., & Cottingham, K.L. 2000. An Introduction to the Practice of Ecological Modeling. BioSience.

Lundmark, C. (2004). Ecological modeling in the news. BioScience, 54(9): 880

A Practical Guide To Ecological Modelling EBook Download http://www.free-pdf-ebooks.com/ebook/a-practicalguide- to-ecological-modelling.html

Introduction to Ecological Modeling: Concepts, Methods, and Applications http://www.fish.washington.edu/classes/fish497/

Code

0200897

ECTS Credits

4

Classes

  • Orientação Tutorial - 20 hours
  • Teóricas - 10 hours
  • Teórico-Práticas - 10 hours

Evaluation Methodology

  • Frequency: 70%
  • Poster presentations and/or assessment of worksheets performed at home: 30%