EwE (Ecopath with Ecosim) and Product Flow Value-Chain Model
The Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) model and its integrated Value Chain model lay a crucial role in SURIMI, aimed at promoting sustainable management of marine resources and ensuring a balance between ecological health and human needs. EwE is a well-known tool used worldwide to understand marine ecosystems by analysing the flow of energy and interactions between species, their environment, and human activities such as fishing. It works through three interconnected components:
- Ecopath provides a snapshot of the ecosystem, showing how energy flows between different species and their environment through feeding relationships and resource consumption, flowing from primary producers to top predators.
- Ecosim builds on this by modelling how these interactions change over time, taking into account factors like fishing practices and environmental shifts.
- Ecospace adds another layer, predicting how species and fisheries will respond to spatial and environmental changes.
The integrated Value Chain model then works with the three connected models to represent in detail the fish-food supply chain.
Real World Applications of EwE
The Value Chain model connects ecological data with real-world impacts by tracking the journey of fish from landing to processing and distribution. This model bridges the ecological insights from the EwE model with economic and societal outcomes, helping to balance conservation efforts with the livelihoods of local communities. It ensures that both ecological sustainability and economic well-being are considered in decision-making.
Connecting EwE and POSEIDON within SURIMI
In SURIMI, the EwE and POSEIDON models will be interconnected, where EwE will handle ecological dynamics, and POSEIDON will handle fisheries dynamics. This combined modelling ensemble will leverage the respective strengths of both approaches, with the intention to better help policymakers, scientists, and the public make informed, sustainable decisions, supporting better management of marine resources.
The SURIMI Toolbox
All SURIMI models, such as the Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) model, will seamlessly integrate into the EU DTO, forming a comprehensive framework that combines social, ecological, and economic perspectives. These models will support data-driven decision-making for sustainable ocean management and resilient marine communities. While aligned with the EU DTO, they can also operate independently, extending their benefits beyond the framework.
Get involved with the co-creation of SURIMI tools