Modelling the behaviour of organisms in response to the environment

ABM Lab – now a new feature in our ecological modelling tool MIKE ECO Lab – offers a unique integration of agent-based modelling with classical water quality and hydrodynamic modelling.
Dynamics and functions of many aquatic ecosystems arise from traits of individual organisms and particles and their interactions with the environment.

Individual organisms in the model comprise both small organisms (such as planktonic species and larvae) as well as larger organisms (including macro-algae, seabirds, fishes and whales). The impact of anthropogenic disturbances on these organisms can be successfully evaluated by analysing the pattern of individual responses.

Agent-based Modelling (ABM) is used for advanced simulations of behaviour and states of individuals or particles (which act as the agents driving aquatic ecosystem dynamics).

ABM Lab (among others) allows for:

• discrete representations of unique individuals
• local interactions
• use of adaptive, fitness-seeking behaviour
• explicit representation of how individuals and their environment affect each other
• representation of full life cycles

ABM Lab offers advanced solutions to Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for aquatic organisms.
It can be also used in the planning phase for projects aiming to restore natural habitats and enhance abundance & survival of organisms (for instance, fish).