Advancing benthic and SPM modelling in NECCTON

We’re excited to share NECCTON Deliverable 6.2, which details major improvements to the marine biogeochemical models used in NECCTON — focusing on benthic systems, suspended particulate matter (SPM), and habitat suitability for benthic flora and fauna.
The new developments address key oversimplifications in existing ocean models by:
🔹 Refining SPM processes such as sinking, flocculation, deposition, and resuspension, including the effects of waves from Copernicus Marine Service products.
🔹 Incorporating variability in seafloor life and its role in biogeochemical cycles.
🔹 Developing machine learning–based species distribution models (SDMs) to reconstruct the ecological niches of 339 benthic fauna species and 2 seagrass species.
Together, these advances enhance how we represent the seafloor and its connection to the ocean system — a crucial step toward more realistic and integrated marine ecosystem modelling.

Read the full report here