Ecosystem models and observing systems
As our global environment changes, due to natural variation and
human activities, it is important to try to understand what these
changes are, why they are happening and what effect they will have
on the ecosystems and, therefore, the subsequent impact upon
society.
Modelling is an important tool in this respect as mathematical
simulations of key biological and chemical processes are developed
in order to predict a range of scenarios, from the workings of a
food web to how a spill event may progress. These informed
predictions can then be used to assist environmental managers and
policy makers in developing sustainable management strategies. By
comparing model results with real observations, we can assess our
current understanding and help us to target future research effort
at the gaps in our knowledge.
Ecosystem models are only as good as the knowledge base and data
that lies behind them. PML maintains the Western Channel
Observatory (WCO) to study, in the context of global climate
change, the regional effects of ecosystem variability in the
western English Channel. There is a long history of in
situ observation at several stations in the area; these
include hydrography, nutrients, phytoplankton, zooplankton,
demersal and pelagic fish, and benthic measurements. This range of
observations makes it an exceptional area for investigating
long-term change and validating ecosystem models.
Key research areas