Overview

This basic course of the Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) modeling approach introduced the current capabilities of the EwE desktop software (www.ecopath.org). Besides an introduction to the foundation of the EwE approach and a discussion of basic parameterizations, we introduced advanced features for parameterization of EwE models through online databases such as FishBase and WoRMS.

Advanced features of Ecosim, such as fitting models to data, and driving models with external drivers, were discussed. The original Ecospace model and the new habitat capacity model were introduced. Finally, an introduction how to program with the EwE source code was demonstrated.

The course was structured between presentations and computer time. Local participants were invited to use their own models for the course. Participants by video conference attended the lectures. Lectures were given mostly during the morning.

The opinion of students gathered during the course will be used to plan future capabilities of the EwE approach, in particular with regards to connecting to online biological resources such as FishBase, SeaLifeBase, GBIF, WoRMS, OBIS, Aquamaps and FAO species distribution maps.