Marine ecosystem models are an important analytical approach to: integrate knowledge, data, and information; to improve understanding on ecosystem functioning; and complement monitoring and observation efforts. However, there is a mismatch between marine ecosystem modelling research and what policy makers need to know. The European Marine Board assessed and recommended Research and Development (R&D) needs for future marine ecosystem modelling for evidence-based policy making.
Future Science Brief 4, Enhancing Europe's Capability in Marine Ecosystem Modelling for Societal Benefit (October 2018). The publication is also available in as a high resolution .pdf.
News article on document publication (October 2018)
Fact Sheet on marine ecosystem modelling document (October 2018)
EMB Science Webinar on Marine Ecosystem Modelling (August 2020)
Impact report on marine ecosystem modelling document (November 2020)
Europe has excellent capability in Marine Ecosystem Modelling. However, there remains a mismatch between scientific research and what policy makers need to know. Therefore, a European Marine Board Future Science Brief highlighted foresight activities at European level and communicate community-driven European research needs and priorities to policy makers and wider stakeholders.
Our Future Science Brief on ‘Enhancing Europe’s capability in end-to-end marine ecosystem modelling for societal benefit’, published in October 2018, assesses the current capability in marine ecosystem modelling and presents case studies of models already used as a tool for marine ecosystem management. It concludes with key recommendations and actions to strengthen marine ecosystem modelling capability:
- Link models to observations and data
- Increase predictability through coordinated experiments and the ensemble approach
- Make marine ecosystem models more relevant to management and policy
- Develop a shared knowledge platform for marine models and support the development of next generation models
- Enhance trans-disciplinary connections and training opportunities
Contact at European Marine Board Secretariat: Sheila Heymans Email