The EU-funded ODYSSEA project, through partner Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh), held an ecosystem modelling workshop on July 3-5, 2018, to train and coordinate with ODYSSEA partners who will implement Ecopath with Ecosim, ecological and ecosystem modeling software suite.
The workshop was attended by those responsible for operational modelling and setting up and running Ecopath models at ODYSSEA observatories, from AUTh, Istanbul University )IU(, the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), and the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH). Training focused on setting up Ecopath models and addressing potential data issues.
“The Ecopath models to be developed will be unique, as they will be the first ones developed in the selected areas,” organisers noted.
Participants decided on the areas and observatories where Ecopath models will be used, as well as the timeframe of specific deliverables. They identified and discussed data gaps and potential obstacles and determined that observatory personnel and other relevant ODYSSEA partners would be asked to provide the necessary input data.
Presentations on the first day gave introductory information on ecosystem modelling in the Mediterranean basin, Ecopath data requirements, a case study at Thermaikos, and presentations from both Greek and Turkish partner institutions (AUTh, HCMR and Istanbul University).
After a brief introduction on Ecosim and Ecospace, the second day’s sessions provided more specific detail on setting up Ecopath test models, organising data, modelling inputs and outputs, linking the work to ODYSSEA’s Work Package 8 (ecosystem assessment), and potential challenges and sources of problems.
The last day of the workshop was dedicated entirely to working with the data in practice.
Agenda, participants list, and presentations are available in the Meeting Reports section of the project website.
