Using Conceptual Models and Qualitative Network Models to Advance Integrative Assessments of Marine Ecosystems

Harvey, Chris J.; Reum, Jonathan C. P.; Poe, Melissa R.; Williams, Gregory D.; Kim, Su J.

doi:10.1080/08920753.2016.1208881

Cited by 43 publications

(41 citation statements)

References 41 publications

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“…This simplicity also offers model interpretability across stakeholders from any background, which facilitates the use of these models as a research tool. Nevertheless, trade-offs of model simplicity have to be considered (Reum et al 2015, Harvey et al 2016. For example, (1) aggregating several species in one node reduces functional diversity, (2) decreasing the number of links between nodes by focusing only on direct effects on the abundance of focal species oversimplifies ecosystem dynamics, (3) assuming linear dynamics between model components minimizes ecosystem complexity, and (4) constraining fishing dynamics only to the abundance of the focal species limits the research scope.…”

Section: Ecological Model Componentsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Conceptual models are representations of systems that allow the integration of intrinsically linked social, environmental, and biological components (Levin et al 2016a, Zador et al 2017. By incorporating and synthesizing information across a wide array of disciplines and sources, conceptual models have become an essential tool for identifying knowledge gaps, informing research needs, and developing EBM objectives and strategies (Harvey et al 2016, Zador et al 2017). These models serve to address many questions in fisheries management and aim to ensure that management strategies translate into community well-being (Levin et al 2009, Levin et al 2016a.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These models serve to address many questions in fisheries management and aim to ensure that management strategies translate into community well-being (Levin et al 2009, Levin et al 2016a. Conceptual models facilitate https://www.ecologyandsociety.org/vol24/iss3/art30/ the selection of ecological and socio-economic ecosystem indicators, and they emerge as the basis for risk assessments and quantitative ecosystem models (Harvey et al 2016, Ingram et al 2018. The importance of properly developed conceptual models not only relies on their effectiveness in capturing the scientific understanding of an ecosystem, but also on their ability to promote engagement by stakeholders and scientists from different backgrounds, allowing the incorporation of diverse types of knowledge into these models (Levin et al 2016b).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Development of social-ecological conceptual models as the basis for an integrated ecosystem assessment framework in Southeast Alaska

Rosellon-Druker¹,

Szymkowiak²,

Cunningham³

et al. 2019

E&S

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2019.Development of social-ecological conceptual models as the basis for an integrated ecosystem assessment framework in Southeast Alaska. Ecology and Society 24(3):30. https://doi.ABSTRACT. Integrated ecosystem assessment (IEA) is a framework that organizes and summarizes science to aid in the transition from a traditional single sector toward a holistic management approach known as ecosystem-based management (EBM). An essential step of the IEA framework is the development of conceptual models. These models allow the integration of intrinsically linked social, environmental, and biological components of marine ecosystems that is pivotal to address unsolved questions in fisheries management. We constructed social-ecological conceptual models of relevant commercial and subsistence fisheries for Sitka, a fisheries-based community in Southeast Alaska, by collecting and synthesizing available scientific information, local ecological knowledge (LEK), and qualitative information. We conducted focus groups with key informants in Sitka who had in-depth knowledge of their community's interactions with local fisheries and the structure and function of the surrounding ecosystem. The resulting conceptual models coproduced by scientists and Sitka stakeholders, illustrate the main biological and environmental factors driving the abundance of Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) and Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii) in Southeast Alaska. Furthermore, these coproduced models elucidate how the interaction between Sitka residents and these fisheries affect community well-being. Our models will serve as the basis to assess EBM objectives for Sitka as part of an IEA place-based framework. This study also highlights the importance of integrating LEK into science and potentially into the broader Alaska fisheries management structure.

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Section: Ecological Model Componentsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Development of social-ecological conceptual models as the basis for an integrated ecosystem assessment framework in Southeast Alaska

Rosellon-Druker¹,

Szymkowiak²,

Cunningham³

et al. 2019

E&S

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Ecosystem models allow testing hypotheses regarding the dynamics of interaction networks and the potential impacts of external drivers on ecosystem components. They have been fundamental for the management and assessment of extractive industries (Dambacher et al 2015, Marzloff et al 2015, Harvey et al 2016, in cumulative impact assessments (Melbourne-Thomas et al 2011a, b, Anthony et al 2013, Gurney et al 2013, in evaluating food-webs (Gillies et al 2013, Heymans et al 2016, and in predicting changes in ecosystem attributes under scenarios for human use and environmental change (Fulton 2010, Melbourne-Thomas et al 2011a, b, Blanchard et al 2017). These kinds of fully quantitative models usually require detailed information about the rates of physical and biological processes in the ecosystem.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Integrated assessment of the spatial distribution and structural dynamics of deep benthic marine communities

Jansen

Dunstan

Hill

et al. 2020

Ecological Applications

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Characterizing the spatial distribution and variation of species communities and validating these characteristics with data from the field are key elements for an ecosystem‐based approach to management. However, models of species distributions that yield community structure are usually not linked to models of community dynamics, constraining understanding and management of the ecosystem, particularly in data‐poor regions. Here we use a qualitative network model to predict changes in Antarctic benthic community structure between major marine habitats characterized largely by seafloor depth and slope, and use multivariate mixture models of species distributions to validate the community dynamics. We then assess how future increases in primary production associated with anticipated loss of sea‐ice may affect the ecosystem. Our study shows how both spatial and structural features of ecosystems in data‐poor regions can be analyzed and possible futures assessed, with direct relevance for ecosystem‐based management.

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“…Consequently, it makes a useful contribution to development of numerical modeling. It is also noted that dynamic simulations of this kind of conceptual model may use qualitative network models (Melbourne-Thomas et al 2012), which is useful especially when there are insufficient data to validate the model (Harvey et al 2016). …”

Section: Possible Applications: Case Studies In This Special Issuementioning

confidence: 99%

Modeling the coastal ecosystem complex: present situation and challenges

et al. 2018

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To enhance numerical modeling of the coastal ecosystem complex (CEC), we reviewed the CEC and related concepts along with the current coastal ecosystem model framework in this study. We identified two model implementation paths from the initial objectives to numerical models: specific model building, and the use of existing model frameworks. As the CEC is still at the conceptual stage, both paths are possible. Four important ecological features of CEC modeling (population connectivity, habitat heterogeneity, ontogeny of organisms, and trophic interactions) were also identified. Models for population connectivity, species distributions, life histories, and food webs were categorized using these features. We found that some previously established concepts (between-habitat interactions, coastal ecosystem mosaic, and seascape nursery) overlap with the CEC concept. Several existing integrated model frameworks were reviewed, focusing on their potential to simulate CEC processes. Building specific models for the CEC at the current conceptual stage will be challenging, and modification of existing models will be needed if they are to be used for CEC modeling. Habitat function, ontogenetic development in early life stages, and recruitment variability are important factors when modifying existing models for the development of CEC models. Although model complexity should become high to reproduce observed ecoclogical processes, an intermediate level of model ccomplexity is feasible to decrease parameter uncertainty in models for fisheries management.

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Using Conceptual Models and Qualitative Network Models to Advance Integrative Assessments of Marine Ecosystems

Cited by 43 publications

References 41 publications

Development of social-ecological conceptual models as the basis for an integrated ecosystem assessment framework in Southeast Alaska

Development of social-ecological conceptual models as the basis for an integrated ecosystem assessment framework in Southeast Alaska

Integrated assessment of the spatial distribution and structural dynamics of deep benthic marine communities

Modeling the coastal ecosystem complex: present situation and challenges

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