WMG SMI Dynamic Ecosystem Model for the Oosterschelde (DEMO)

The Dynamic Ecosystem Model Oosterschelde (DEMO) is a dynamic simulation model that has been developed by Wageningen Marine Research to get a better insight in the functioning of the trophic interactions within the lower trophic food web. The model is based on a standard NPZ (Nutrients, Phytoplankton, Zooplankton) model and describes the cycling of nutrients, algae and grazers in the Oosterschelde as a function of the boundary conditions and the water temperature. The model can be used to study the effect of various management options on the functioning of the Oosterschelde ecosystem.

The model consists of 4 state variables (Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen, Phytoplankton, Zooplankton and Detritus) in the water column and 5 state variables (Mussels, Cockles, Oysters, Microphytobenthos and Bottom detritus) in the bottom, all in terms of Nitrogen. The model is spatially explicit (up to 28 compartments in the Oosterschelde) and the exchange between the compartments is based on a peer-reviewed hydrodynamic model

Within this project, the DEMO model will be upgraded by incorporating several improvements. The performance of model will be improved by including new (alternative) processes in the model and by improvement of the present functions and to estimate model parameters. The data will be updated with the field observations that are available for 2020. The user interface will be extended by additional tabs to show yearly-averaged data and evaluate the model performance by goodness of fit quantifications. Finally, the model will be communicated to (internal and external) clients, so that the DEMO model can be applied in commercial projects.