TÜRKÇE
ENGLISH
Information
| Unit | INSTITUTE OF NATURAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES |
| FISHING AND PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY OF AQUATIC PRODUCTS (MASTER) (WITH THESIS) | |
| Code | SAİ554 |
| Name | Marine Ecosystem Modelling |
| Term | 2026-2027 Academic Year |
| Term | Fall |
| Duration (T+A) | 2-1 (T-A) (17 Week) |
| ECTS | 6 ECTS |
| National Credit | 2.5 National Credit |
| Teaching Language | Türkçe |
| Level | Yüksek Lisans Dersi |
| Type | Normal |
| Mode of study | Yüz Yüze Öğretim |
| Catalog Information Coordinator | Doç. Dr. İSMET SAYGU |
| Course Instructor |
The current term course schedule has not been prepared yet.
|
Course Goal / Objective
Marine ecosystems are complex systems shaped by the interactions among numerous biotic and abiotic components. Ecosystem modelling is an important tool for understanding this complexity, as it enables the holistic evaluation of ecological processes, the comparison of different modelling approaches, and the provision of scientific support for management and conservation efforts. This approach is also important for understanding ecosystem-based fisheries management and evaluating the sustainable management of marine living resources. Within this context, the aim of this course is to teach students the fundamental ecological and thermodynamic principles related to marine ecosystem modelling, the main types of ecosystem models, and basic approaches to model selection. In addition, through Ecopath-based applications, the course aims to provide students with basic knowledge and skills in data preparation, model construction, and the interpretation of model outputs.
Course Content
This course covers the fundamental concepts related to the structure and functioning of marine ecosystems, together with the ecological and thermodynamic principles that form the theoretical basis of ecosystem modelling. Different types of ecosystem models will be comparatively examined with respect to their areas of application, advantages, and limitations. In addition, the role, applications, and main components of Ecopath with Ecosim, one of the most widely used approaches in marine ecosystem modelling, will be introduced. In the practical component of the course, the stages of data provision, model construction, definition of key parameters, evaluation of model outputs, and ecological interpretation of results will be addressed step by step through the Ecopath approach in order to make the theoretical framework more concrete and comprehensible.
Course Precondition
None.
Resources
Christensen, V., Walters, C. J., & Pauly, D. (2005). Ecopath with Ecosim: A User’s Guide. Fisheries Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver. FAO. (2008). Fisheries Management. 2. The Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries. 2.1 Best Practices in Ecosystem Modelling for Informing an Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries. FAO Technical Guidelines for Responsible Fisheries No. 4, Suppl. 2, Add. 1. Rome: FAO. Plagányi, É. E. (2007). Models for an Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries. FAO Fisheries Technical Paper No. 477. Rome: FAO. Jørgensen, S. E. (Ed.). (2009). Ecosystem Ecology. Amsterdam: Elsevier. Odum, E. P. (1971). Fundamentals of Ecology. W. B. Saunders Company.
Notes
Heymans, J. J., Coll, M., Link, J. S., Mackinson, S., Steenbeek, J., Walters, C., & Christensen, V. (2016). Best practice in Ecopath with Ecosim food-web models for ecosystem-based management. Ecological modelling, 331, 173-184. Christensen, V., Walters, C.J., 2004. Ecopath with Ecosim: methods. capabilities and limitations. Ecol. Modell. 172, 109–139. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2003.09.003. Ulanowicz, R.E., 1986. Growth and development ecosystems phenomenology. Springer-Verlag, NY, pp. 203. Saygu İ, Thurstan RH, Roberts C, Heard Z, Akoglu E and Halloran PR (2025) Historical ecosystem models can serve as a baseline for indicator-based assessment: the North Sea. Front. Mar. Sci. 12:1646031. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2025.1646031 Saygu, İ, Heymans, J. J., Fox, C., Özbilgin, H., Bentley, J. W., Eryaşar, A. R., & Gökçe, G. (2020). Community-level impacts of trawl selectivity in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea assessed using an ecosystem modelling approach. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 77(7-8), 2918-2932. Saygu, İ,, Heymans, J. J., Fox, C. J., Özbilgin, H., Eryaşar, A. R., & Gökçe, G. (2020). The importance of alien species to the food web and bottom trawl fisheries of the Northeastern Mediterranean, a modelling approach. Journal of Marine Systems, 202, 103253. Saygu İ, Akoglu E, Gül G, Bedikoğlu D and Demirel N (2023) Fisheries impact on the Sea of Marmara ecosystem structure and functioning during the last three decades. Front. Mar. Sci. 9:1076399. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2022.1076399
Course Learning Outcomes
| Order | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| LO01 | Explains the basic concepts related to the structure and functioning of marine ecosystems. |
| LO02 | Explains the basic principles, purposes, and importance of ecosystem modelling. |
| LO03 | Compares the main types of ecosystem models in terms of their areas of application. |
| LO04 | Explains the main components and applications of the Ecopath with Ecosim approach. |
| LO05 | Defines the basic data requirements and parameters used in the construction of an Ecopath model. |
| LO06 | Performs basic-level applications of Ecopath model construction, evaluation, and interpretation of results. |
Relation with Program Learning Outcome
| Order | Type | Program Learning Outcomes | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLO01 | Bilgi - Kuramsal, Olgusal | Deepens and improves the information based on university education up to expertise level in Fishing and Seafood Processing Technology | 4 |
| PLO02 | Bilgi - Kuramsal, Olgusal | Comprehends interaction of expertise area in relation to interdisciplinary relationships | 5 |
| PLO03 | Bilgi - Kuramsal, Olgusal | Comprehends interdisciplinary relationships between theoretical and applied information of their expertise to synthesize and to produce new information | 4 |
| PLO04 | Bilgi - Kuramsal, Olgusal | Solves problems by using problem-solving and suitable methods, establishes cause and effect relationships in the process in his/her expertise. | 3 |
| PLO05 | Bilgi - Kuramsal, Olgusal | Is able to carry out an independent study related to fishing and seafood processing technology and assesses the results of work. | |
| PLO06 | Bilgi - Kuramsal, Olgusal | Improves skills for independent study in their area of expertise, determinates unpredictable problems and produces methods of solutions | 4 |
| PLO07 | Beceriler - Bilişsel, Uygulamalı | Accesses literature in their area of expertise and assesses knowledge and skill critically and leads to training. | 4 |
| PLO08 | Beceriler - Bilişsel, Uygulamalı | Develops a positive attitude towards life long learning. | 4 |
| PLO09 | Yetkinlikler - Bağımsız Çalışabilme ve Sorumluluk Alabilme Yetkinliği | Prepares written and visual presentations with technological devices in their area of expertise | |
| PLO10 | Yetkinlikler - Bağımsız Çalışabilme ve Sorumluluk Alabilme Yetkinliği | Examines and develops social relations and norms critically and changes all if necessary | |
| PLO11 | Yetkinlikler - Bağımsız Çalışabilme ve Sorumluluk Alabilme Yetkinliği | Communicates both in written and verbal in one foreign language | |
| PLO12 | Yetkinlikler - Bağımsız Çalışabilme ve Sorumluluk Alabilme Yetkinliği | Uses computer and communication technologies effectively for their expertise area. | 4 |
| PLO13 | Yetkinlikler - Öğrenme Yetkinliği | Collects, assesses and publishes data related to their expertise area, cares publical, scientifical, cultural and ethicals values during data collection. | |
| PLO14 | Yetkinlikler - Öğrenme Yetkinliği | Develops strategy, politics and application plan in relation to expertise area and assesses the results obtained within the scope of quality process | |
| PLO15 | Yetkinlikler - Öğrenme Yetkinliği | Applies interdisciplinary studies with assimilated knowledge and skills for solving problem | 4 |
Week Plan
| Week | Topic | Preparation | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The concept of ecosystem and the basic characteristics of marine ecosystems. | Studying from lecture notes and conducting a literature review. | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Grup Çalışması |
| 2 | Basic principles of ecology: trophic structure, energy flow, and matter cycles. | Studying from lecture notes and conducting a literature review. | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Grup Çalışması |
| 3 | Thermodynamics and the systems approach in ecosystem functioning. | Studying from lecture notes and conducting a literature review. | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Grup Çalışması |
| 4 | The concept of modelling: What is a model, why is it used, and why is ecosystem modelling needed? | Studying from lecture notes and conducting a literature review. | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Grup Çalışması |
| 5 | Classification of ecosystem models: conceptual, statistical, process-based, trophic, and dynamic models. | Studying from lecture notes and conducting a literature review. | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Grup Çalışması |
| 6 | Model selection: areas of application, advantages, and limitations of different model types. | Studying from lecture notes and conducting a literature review. | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Grup Çalışması |
| 7 | Modelling applications in marine ecosystems: management, conservation, and ecosystem-based fisheries approaches. | Studying from lecture notes and conducting a literature review. | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Grup Çalışması |
| 8 | Mid-Term Exam | Studying for Exam | Ölçme Yöntemleri: Yazılı Sınav, Performans Değerlendirmesi |
| 9 | Introduction to Ecopath with Ecosim: the rationale of the approach, its applications, and its place among other models. | Studying from lecture notes and conducting a literature review. | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Grup Çalışması |
| 10 | Basic components of the Ecopath model: functional groups, biomass, production, consumption, and the diet matrix. | Studying from lecture notes and conducting a literature review. | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Grup Çalışması |
| 11 | Data requirements and data sources for Ecopath. | Studying from lecture notes and conducting a literature review. | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Grup Çalışması |
| 12 | Ecopath model construction I: defining functional groups and entering parameters. | Studying from lecture notes and examining a sample dataset. | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Grup Çalışması |
| 13 | Ecopath model construction II: balancing, input checking, and evaluation of model consistency. | Studying from lecture notes and examining sample model outputs. | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Grup Çalışması |
| 14 | Evaluation of model outputs: trophic flows, ecological indicators, and interpretation of basic results. | Studying from lecture notes and examining sample model outputs. | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Grup Çalışması |
| 15 | Practical general assessment: ecological interpretation and reporting of results. | Studying from lecture notes and reviewing the previous weeks. | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Grup Çalışması |
| 16 | Term Exams | Studying for Exam | Ölçme Yöntemleri: Proje / Tasarım, Performans Değerlendirmesi |
| 17 | Term Exams | Studying for Exam | Ölçme Yöntemleri: Proje / Tasarım, Performans Değerlendirmesi |
Student Workload - ECTS
| Works | Number | Time (Hour) | Workload (Hour) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course Related Works | |||
| Class Time (Exam weeks are excluded) | 14 | 3 | 42 |
| Out of Class Study (Preliminary Work, Practice) | 14 | 3 | 42 |
| Assesment Related Works | |||
| Homeworks, Projects, Others | 4 | 10 | 40 |
| Mid-term Exams (Written, Oral, etc.) | 1 | 10 | 10 |
| Final Exam | 1 | 10 | 10 |
| Total Workload (Hour) | 144 | ||
| Total Workload / 25 (h) | 5,76 | ||
| ECTS | 6 ECTS | ||