SEASIM-NEAM: A Spatially-Explicit Agent-based SIMulator of North East Atlantic Mackerel population dynamics

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Population Dynamics
• Fisheries Science

Background:

• A spatially-explicit individual-based model (IBM) for Northeast Atlantic mackerel (NEAM) was published in 2018.
• The model has since been extended with additional ecological processes and data.
• Previous documentation was fragmented across supplementary materials, hindering user accessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a unified and comprehensive technical specification for the latest version of the SEASIM-NEAM model.
• To supersede all previous documentation and facilitate model understanding and use.
• To encourage the development of similar ecological models.

Main Methods:

• The model specification follows the ODD (Overview, Design concepts and Details) format.
• A TRACE (TRAnsparent and Comprehensive model Evaludation) document supplements the ODD.
• The model integrates satellite-derived data on food availability and temperature.

Main Results:

• This article presents the complete technical details of the current SEASIM-NEAM model.
• It consolidates all improvements and updates made to the model since its initial release.
• The model is now fully documented in a standardized format for broader accessibility.

Conclusions:

• SEASIM-NEAM provides a robust and transparent tool for simulating Northeast Atlantic mackerel population dynamics.
• This consolidated technical specification will aid researchers in utilizing and adapting the model.
• The standardized documentation approach aims to foster advancements in ecological modeling practices.