1
Introduction
Matthias Ruth and James Lindholm
"If human civilization is going to invade the waters of the earth, then let
it be first of all to carry a message of respect-respect for all life ."
Jacques-Yves Cousteau (1910-1997)
In this chapter you will:
• Encounter some of the reasons why and how computer-based modeling
can make substantial contributions to the understanding and conservation of marine systems;
• Learn about basic concepts in Conservation Biology, Marine Conservation and Dynamic Modeling; and
• Receive an overview of this book.
1.1 . Dynamic Modeling for Marine Conservation
This book is about the application of concepts, methods and tools of dynamic modeling to marine conservation. The first part of the book focuses
on these concepts, methods and tools, and illustrates their use within the
context of marine biology. The second part provides in-depth studies of individual topics in marine conservation, ranging from phytoplankton dynamics in the open ocean to interactions of kelp, urchins and otters in the Pacific
Northwest, to the effectiveness of different fisheries-management regimes.
The third part of the book provides a summary, conclusions, and additional
directions to advance dynamic modeling for marine conservation.
Whether you are a student, scientist or conservation professional trying
to improve your understanding of the dynamics of marine systems, the
book will provide you with the skills to develop computer models of those
systems on your own . If you are already familiar with dynamic modeling
and the STELLA Research software used in this book, you will find a wide
range of applications to real-world marine conservation issues that may be
directly related to your area of interest , or provide you with examples from
which to learn for your own modeling efforts.
If you have already been involved in conservation of the marine environment-perhaps through the study of some small infaunal organism of
the deep-sea benthos, or an entire ecological community or ecosystem, as
a fisherman in a coastal fishery or on the open oceans, as a conservation
3
M. Ruth et al. (Eds.), Dynamic Modeling for Marine Conservation
© Springer-Verlag New York, Inc. 2002
Introduction
Matthias Ruth and James Lindholm
"If human civilization is going to invade the waters of the earth, then let
it be first of all to carry a message of respect-respect for all life ."
Jacques-Yves Cousteau (1910-1997)
In this chapter you will:
• Encounter some of the reasons why and how computer-based modeling
can make substantial contributions to the understanding and conservation of marine systems;
• Learn about basic concepts in Conservation Biology, Marine Conservation and Dynamic Modeling; and
• Receive an overview of this book.
1.1 . Dynamic Modeling for Marine Conservation
This book is about the application of concepts, methods and tools of dynamic modeling to marine conservation. The first part of the book focuses
on these concepts, methods and tools, and illustrates their use within the
context of marine biology. The second part provides in-depth studies of individual topics in marine conservation, ranging from phytoplankton dynamics in the open ocean to interactions of kelp, urchins and otters in the Pacific
Northwest, to the effectiveness of different fisheries-management regimes.
The third part of the book provides a summary, conclusions, and additional
directions to advance dynamic modeling for marine conservation.
Whether you are a student, scientist or conservation professional trying
to improve your understanding of the dynamics of marine systems, the
book will provide you with the skills to develop computer models of those
systems on your own . If you are already familiar with dynamic modeling
and the STELLA Research software used in this book, you will find a wide
range of applications to real-world marine conservation issues that may be
directly related to your area of interest , or provide you with examples from
which to learn for your own modeling efforts.
If you have already been involved in conservation of the marine environment-perhaps through the study of some small infaunal organism of
the deep-sea benthos, or an entire ecological community or ecosystem, as
a fisherman in a coastal fishery or on the open oceans, as a conservation
3
M. Ruth et al. (Eds.), Dynamic Modeling for Marine Conservation
© Springer-Verlag New York, Inc. 2002