Using Multiple Ecological Models to Inform Environmental Decision-Making

Coastal ecosystems are experiencing degradation from compound impacts of climate change and multiple anthropogenic disturbances. These pressures often act synergistically complicate designing effective conservation measures; consequently, large-scale coastal restoration actions become a wicked problem. The purpose this study was to use two different food web models in coordinated manner inform resource managers their assessment the ecological effects marsh project. A team formed that included model developers outside scientists, who were asked available results calibrated simulations an Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) Comprehensive Aquatic Systems Model (CASM), both designed describe structure energetics Barataria Bay, Louisiana, United States web. Both offer somewhat depictions predator-prey competitive interactions species within web, how environmental conditions affect biomass pools energetics. Collectively, evaluated strengths each derived common set indicator variables outputs provided information on energy flow simulated Considering modeling structures calibration approaches, indicators interpreted between models. Use enabled robust determination that: (1) Detritus plays vital role system; (2) responds spring high seasons by increasing productivity through specific, dominant pathways; (3) trophic pyramid is truncated; (4) Compared other estuaries, system has redundant pathways for transfer. findings indicate appears be resilient disturbance because detritus reserve, most consumer consists low level, turnover species, exist. This provides context decision-makers assessing possible basin-scale fish shellfish resources proposed but not overly constrained way, as demonstrated here, significant step toward co-production knowledge management decisions.