1. An Ecosystem Modeling Workshop
Introduction to
An Ecosystem Modeling Workshop
Co-sponsored by CaRA, GCOOS-RA, GOMA and SECOORA
Ann E. Jochens
GCOOS Regional Coordinator
on behalf of
Worth D. Nowlin, Jr.
Chair, GCOOS-RA Board of Directors
Texas A&M University
College Station, Texas
St. Petersburg, FL
14 October 2009

2. AND http://gulfofmexicoalliance.org/ http://gcoos.org/

4. Topics Workshop Objectives Agenda
Roles of Session Moderators and Reporters
• Workshop Deliverables

5. Workshop Objectives (1)
To discuss issues/problems that ecosystem models are expected to address
To review ecosystem modeling activities underway in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and southeastern U.S. coastal waters, including estuaries and bays
To identify existing weaknesses, theoretical constraints, and needed advances in ecosystem modeling

6. Workshop Objectives (2)
• To identify and prioritize marine observations and products needed for ecosystem modeling
To advance a unified, coordinated program of ecosystem modeling for the region

7. Workshop Agenda
Discussion of six themes—three each on first and second days—each discussion introduced by a speaker
Each discussion session will have a moderator and a reporter
Plenary review on last morning of key points from each discussion session
Reception on the evening of Thursday, October 15

8. Roles of Moderators and Reporters
The functions of the moderators are to:
- Encourage wide participation in the
discussion
- Maintain focus on the topic of discussion
- Maintain order
• The role of the reporter is to set down the key points uncovered in the discussion and to present them in plenary on the morning of the last day.

9. Workshop Deliverables (1)
A list of scientific and environmental issues that ecosystem models are expected to address
An initial list of ecosystem modelers active in this region with brief descriptions of their interest areas.
Each invitee was asked to prepare a one-page information sheet giving contact and biographical information as well as current interests and projects.

10. Template for provision of information
There are six parts to the information sought on the one-pager:
1) Name, affiliation, contact information
2) Picture [right-justified from (1)]
3) One-paragraph biographical sketch
4) Research interests (one paragraph)
5) Image showing area of research
6) Titles of current research projects

11. Workshop Deliverables (2)
Prioritized list of observations and products needed by ecosystem modelers
Suggested pilot projects to advance the development of ecosystem modeling
An approach to a coordinated program of ecosystem modeling for the CaRA, GCOOS, and SECOORA regions

13. GCOOS Memorandum of Agreement

14. Fill out and sign the
last page of the MoA
Fax to Worth Nowlin at or
Scan and to
Susan Martin at

15. Questions?