Coupling planktonic ecosystem and fisheries food web models for a pelagic ecosystem: Description and validation for the subarctic Pacific

Authors

Kelly A. Kearney, Princeton UniversityFollow
Charles Stock, Geophysical Fluid Dynamics LaboratoryFollow
Kerim Aydin, Alaska Fisheries Science CenterFollow
Jorge L. Sarmiento, Princeton UniversityFollow

Date of this Version

2012

Citation

Ecological Modelling 237– 238 (2012) 43– 62; http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2012.04.006

Abstract

We provide a modeling framework that fully couples a one-dimensional physical mixed layer model, a biogeochemical model, and an upper trophic level fisheries model. For validation purposes, the model has been parameterized for the pelagic Eastern Pacific Subarctic Gyre ecosystem. This paper presents a thorough description of the model itself, as well as an ensemble-based parameterization process that allows the model to incorporate the high level of uncertainty associated with many upper trophic level predator-prey processes. Through a series of model architecture experiments, we demonstrate that the use of a consistent functional response for all predator-prey interactions, as well as the use of densitydependent mortality rates for planktonic functional groups, are important factors in reproducing annual and seasonal observations. We present the results of a 50-year climatological simulation, which demonstrates that under contemporary physical forcing, the model is capable of reproducing long-term seasonal dynamics in primary production and biogeochemical cycling, while maintaining steady-state coexistence of upper trophic level functional groups at levels consistent with observations.