Faculty of Technical Sciences

Ecosystem models are used to support the management and implementation of European directives (e.g. the Water Framework Directive (WFD)). Some of these models are based on sophisticated 3–D mechanistic marine ecosystem models, while others have a more simplistic setup. However, few attempts have been made to understand limitations, commonalities and differences between these models. In this report the main strengths and weaknesses of the models will be outlined and an evaluation given of how this influences the use of these model types.