Project Information

Title: LTM Program: Conceptual Ecological Modeling 15120114-I

Project Year and Number: 2015: 15120114-I

Other Fiscal Years and Numbers for this Project: 2014: 14120114-I, 2013: 13120114-I, 2012: 12120114-I

Principal Investigator (PI): Tuula Hollmen

Assisting Personnel: None

Project Website: https://gulfwatchalaska.org/monitoring/completed-projects/conceptual-modeling/

Research Location: Prince William Sound, Cook Inlet, Kachemak Bay, Kenai Peninsula

Restoration Category: Research

Injured Resources Addressed: Not Specified

Abstract:

This project is a component of the integrated Gulf Watch Alaska Long-term Monitoring of Marine Conditions and Injured Resources and Services program. Under this research project, we will develop conceptual ecological models to support the synthesis and planning relating to the long term monitoring program in Prince William Sound, outer Kenai coast, and lower Cook Inlet/Kachemak Bay. To develop these models, we will summarize system components, processes, and influences into a synthetic framework. The conceptual models will assist in identification of data needs and development of long term monitoring priorities and, by iterative revision and refinement of models, demonstrate progress in understanding of ecosystem structure and function through the Gulf Watch Alaska program. The conceptual models will also provide guidance for development of numerical and quantitative models of system function and responses to external influences. Finally, the conceptual models will provide a communication tool among scientists, resource managers, policy-makers, and the general public, and will provide visualization and interactive tools to support outreach efforts of the Gulf Watch Alaska program. We have developed a general conceptual ecosystem model based on input from principal investigators of the Gulf Watch Alaska program, representing current understanding of system structure and function by the program PIs. We have developed a semi quantitative linkage rating tool to characterize desired properties of interactions and relationships among system components. The rating tool has been applied to an example sub model, and will be used in explore and rank properties of a suite of musicale and management oriented sub models currently in development. Additionally, our team is developing decision support tools to assist the program with prioritization of monitoring variables and linkages to key management objectives.


Proposal: View (448 KB)

Reports:
Final Report: View (8,424 KB)

Publications from this Project: None Available