3 Introductory material: Ecosim

Ecosim provides a dynamic simulation capability at the ecosystem level, with key initial parameters inherited from the base Ecopath model.

This chapter contains details of the theory underpinning the function of Ecosim: An overview of Ecosim?; Ecosim basic?; Vulnerabilities in Ecosim?; Dealing with dynamic instability in Ecosim/Ecospace?; Predicting consumption?; Foraging time and predation risk?; Time series fitting in Ecosim?; Hints for fitting models to time series?; Effect of P/B (Z) and vulnerability for time series fitting?; Predator satiation and handling time effects?; Modelling switching behaviour in Ecosim?; Compensatory mechanisms?; Using Ecosim to study compensation in recruitment relationships?; Compensatory growth (overall P/B)?; Compensatory natural mortality?; Linking mediation and time forcing functions to trophic interaction rates?; Primary production?; Nutrient cycling and nutrient limitation in Ecosim?; Density-dependent changes in catchability?; Modelling effort dynamics?; Using Ecosim for Stock Reduction Analysis?; Hatchery populations in Ecosim?; and Parameter sensitivity?.

See Ecosim inputs? and Ecosim outputs? for links to instructions for using Ecosim.