|
Topic: Modelling benthic population distributions using a multi-agent modelling platform Supervision: C. Bacher [email protected] http://annuaire.ifremer.fr/cv/15747/en/ Location: Brest (France) Duration: 18 months, starting in 2015, November, 1st Abstract: Modelling benthic population distributions using multi-agent modelling platform: Assessing and modelling the spatial distribution of species and communities in ecosystems is a necessary step to understand ecological processes, predict future changes in species distributions and address management issues. Following Martin et al. (2013), we propose to simulate the responses of benthic species to environmental stressors at the population level by using a multi-agent modelling platform (NetLogo) combined with Dynamic Energy Budget (DEB) theory. The model will account for individual life traits, habitat availability and dispersion capacity of a single species for 2 case studies. Both cases rely upon existing information, data and models developed in other projects and will be part of collaborative works. They differ by the spatial scale and type of environmental stressors which drive the population change. In the English Channel study, habitat definition and species biological traits have been previously used to evaluate and compare the potential distribution of Mytilus edulis and Crassostrea gigas in the Bay of Biscaye and English Channel. In the project, scenarios of temperature changes will be based on IPCC scenarios to assess the species’ responses to long term changes. In the Barataria Bay (USA) case study, the population model will be used to test scenarios of salinity changes on American oyster populations. --
Cédric
Bacher |
Title:
