Interactive ecosystem modelling workshop

The workshop, titled ‘Introduction to new capabilities in marine biogeochemical and ecosystem modelling,’ aimed to equip scientists of all levels with advanced models and tools. NECCTON’s involvement was crucial in providing insights into innovative ecosystem models, supporting both theoretical and practical sessions. The workshop was co organised as a collaboration between NECCTON and OceanICU https://ocean-icu.eu/. Participants, including Early Career Researchers and established scientists, explored models such as MOPS, ERGOM, ECOSMO, PISCES, iHAMOCC, and ERSEM within water column and global 3D simulations. Unique to this workshop was the introduction and guidance by the models' developers or main users, enriching the learning experience with expert knowledge. The workshop, organized in collaboration with Horizon Europe projects NECCTON and OceanICU, was a testament to NECCTON’s commitment to enhancing European capabilities in predicting and protecting marine biodiversity. Dr. Gennadi Lessin and Dr. Jorn Bruggeman highlighted the workshop's success and the high level of interest, which led to accommodating more than 40 participants. This event underscored the importance of marine ecosystem modelling in understanding and projecting future environmental states, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, and advancing the field in response to new scientific knowledge and societal needs. The Advances in Marine Ecosystem Modelling Research (AMEMR) Symposium https://www.amemr.com/ has been organized by PML since 2008, and supported by the University of Plymouth and the International Science Council’s Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research. Earlier this year, AMEMR was also endorsed by the UN Ocean Decade. Modelling is a fundamental tool for understanding marine ecosystems’ functioning and providing projections of potential future states of the environment.  Marine ecosystem modelling is continuously evolving in response to new scientific knowledge, advances in techniques and societal needs.