The EcoWin2000 Model
EcoWin2000 is an ecological model for aquatic systems, developed using an object-oriented approach. It resolves hydrodynamics, biogeochemistry and can incorporate population dynamics for target species. The various components consist of a series of self-contained objects, rather than multiple sub-models.
The EcoWin2000 model consists of two basic parts: a shell module and “ecological” objects. The shell is responsible for communication with the various objects, for interfacing with the user, supplying model outputs and general maintenance tasks.
| Object | Sample attributes | Typical active methods | Typical passive methods |
| Transport | Salt | Advection-diffusion | - |
| Dissolved substances | Forms of DIN, PO43-, SiO2, D.O. |
Nitrification, formation of particulates |
Mineralization of detritus, exsudation |
| Phytoplankton | Phytoplankton, toxic algae | Production, respiration, senescense, exsudation, production of toxins |
Grazing by zooplankton, fish, benthic filter feeders |
| Phytobenthos | Microalgae, macroalgae, salt marsh flora |
Production, respiration, senescence |
Grazing by zooplankton, fish, harvesting of seaweeds |
| Zooplankton | Zooplankton, copepods |
Eat, grow reproduce, excrete, natural mortality, swim, settle (for benthic larvae) |
Predation by other objects and within the object |
| Zoobenthos | Filter-feeders, deposit-feeders |
Filter, grow, reproduce, excrete, natural mortality, swim, settle (for benthic larvae) |
Fisheries, predation by several other objects |
| Nekton | Fish, large-invertebrates (e.g. Sepia) |
Hunt (including select), grow, reproduce, excrete, natural mortality, swim, migrate |
Fisheries, hunting by birds |
| Man | Various socio-economic attributes |
Seed and harvest shellfish | - |
Each object groups together related state variables, and may at any time be extended to contain a new state variable without affecting the code of any other part of EcoWin2000. Similarly, the methods which control interactions among state variables within objects may be easily changed, due to inheritance (which is a property of object-oriented programming languages).
EcoWin2000 uses a range of equations depending on the application requirements, and may be used as a research model to examine nutrient loading and aquaculture development scenarios. It has been extensively tested, and is a potentially useful tool for supporting an ecosystem approach to sustainable aquaculture development.
In the SMILE project, the EcoWin2000 modelling platform was used to implement an ecological model for each northern Irish lough to estimate carrying capacity using appropriate biogeochemistry and population dynamics. The main features modelled for these systems were the hydrodynamics, suspended matter transport, nitrogen cycle, phytoplankton and detrital dynamics, shellfish growth and human interaction.
Technical Information
For further technical information, the peer-reviewed publication listed below is available for download:
J.G. Ferreira, A.J.S. Hawkins, P. Monteiro, H. Moore, M. Service, P.L. Pascoe, L. Ramos, A. Sequeira, 2008. Integrated Assessment of Ecosystem-Scale Carrying Capacity in Shellfish Growing Areas. Aquaculture, 275, 138-151.
A.M.Nobre, J.G.Ferreira, A.Newton, T.Simas, J.D.Icely, R.Neves, 2005. Management of coastal eutrophication: Integration of field data, ecosystem-scale simulations and screening models. Journal of Marine Systems, 56 (3/4), 375-390.
Ferreira, J.G., 1995. EcoWin - An object-oriented ecological model for aquatic ecosystems. Ecol. Modelling, 79, 21-34.
EcoWin2000 has been used in several projects, such as: SMILE (Sustainable Mariculture in northern Irish Lough Ecosystems) and SPEAR (Sustainable options for people, catchment and aquatic resources), and has also been applied in several other projects including a carrying capacity study for the Ria Formosa in Portugal.
Contact
For information regarding the EcoWin2000 model or any other related question, please contact webmaster@ecowin.org