This paper describes the first application of the end-to-end model Atlantis in the Strait of Sicily (SoS). The model is designed to simulate ecosystem dynamics under the influence of fishing activities. Model performance was evaluated by comparing predicted biomass and catch of target species against observed data, utilizing multiple quantitative metrics. It reproduces accurately trophic dynamics, and biomass and catch of main target species in the SoS. Sensitivity analysis of the key model parameters identified nutrient loading and fishing pressure as the major processes influencing the ecosystem trophic spectrum and generating bottom-up and top-down effects. The results also emphasized the importance of incorporating uncertainty estimation in model predictions and robust selection of key parameters. The SoS Atlantis represents a strategic tool for the application of Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) in the Strait of Sicily and for assessing the effect of alternative management scenarios under a holistic framework.

Atlantis end-to-end modeling to explore ecosystem dynamics in the Strait of Sicily, Central Mediterranean Sea

Sinerchia M.
Primo
;
Fiorentino F.;Colloca F.;Cucco A.;Garofalo G.;Perilli A.;Quattrocchi G.;
2025

Abstract

This paper describes the first application of the end-to-end model Atlantis in the Strait of Sicily (SoS). The model is designed to simulate ecosystem dynamics under the influence of fishing activities. Model performance was evaluated by comparing predicted biomass and catch of target species against observed data, utilizing multiple quantitative metrics. It reproduces accurately trophic dynamics, and biomass and catch of main target species in the SoS. Sensitivity analysis of the key model parameters identified nutrient loading and fishing pressure as the major processes influencing the ecosystem trophic spectrum and generating bottom-up and top-down effects. The results also emphasized the importance of incorporating uncertainty estimation in model predictions and robust selection of key parameters. The SoS Atlantis represents a strategic tool for the application of Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) in the Strait of Sicily and for assessing the effect of alternative management scenarios under a holistic framework.
2025
Istituto per lo studio degli impatti Antropici e Sostenibilità in ambiente marino - IAS - Sede Secondaria Torregrande
stituto per le Risorse Biologiche e le Biotecnologie Marine - IRBIM - Sede Secondaria Mazara del Vallo
Ecosystem approach to fisheries management
Ecosystem modeling
Model skill assessment
Parameter sensitivity
Spatial management
Trophic spectrum
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
Atlantis_EMS2025.pdf

accesso aperto

Tipologia: Versione Editoriale (PDF)
Licenza: Creative commons
Dimensione 5.53 MB
Formato Adobe PDF
5.53 MB Adobe PDF Visualizza/Apri

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14243/528141
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus 0
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 0
social impact