@article {4342, title = {Informing Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) with numerical modelling: A case-study on shellfish aquaculture in Malpeque Bay (Eastern Canada)}, journal = {Marine Pollution Bulletin}, volume = {100}, year = {2015}, month = {11/2015}, pages = {200 - 216}, issn = {0025326X}, doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.08.048}, author = {Ram{\'o}n Filgueira and Guyondet, Thomas and C{\'e}dric Bacher and Comeau, Luc A.} } @article {4264, title = {Implementation of marine spatial planning in shellfish aquaculture management: modeling studies in a Norwegian fjord}, journal = {Ecological Applications}, volume = {24}, year = {2014}, pages = {832{\textendash}843}, abstract = {Shellfish carrying capacity is determined by the interaction of a cultured species with its ecosystem, which is strongly influenced by hydrodynamics. Water circulation controls the exchange of matter between farms and the adjacent areas, which in turn establishes the nutrient supply that supports phytoplankton populations. The complexity of water circulation makes necessary the use of hydrodynamic models with detailed spatial resolution in carrying capacity estimations. This detailed spatial resolution also allows for the study of processes that depend on specific spatial arrangements, e.g., the most suitable location to place farms, which is crucial for marine spatial planning, and consequently for decision support systems. In the present study, a fully spatial physical-biogeochemical model has been combined with scenario building and optimization techniques as a proof of concept of the use of ecosystem modeling as an objective tool to inform marine spatial planning. The object of this exercise was to generate objective knowledge based on an ecosystem approach to establish new mussel aquaculture areas in a Norwegian fjord. Scenario building was used to determine the best location of a pump that can be used to bring nutrient-rich deep waters to the euphotic layer, increasing primary production, and consequently, carrying capacity for mussel cultivation. In addition, an optimization tool, parameter estimation (PEST), was applied to the optimal location and mussel standing stock biomass that maximize production, according to a preestablished carrying capacity criterion. Optimization tools allow us to make rational and transparent decisions to solve a well-defined question, decisions that are essential for policy makers. The outcomes of combining ecosystem models with scenario building and optimization facilitate planning based on an ecosystem approach, highlighting the capabilities of ecosystem modeling as a tool for marine spatial planning.}, doi = {10.1890/13-0479.1}, url = {http://www.esajournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1890/13-0479.1}, author = {Ram{\'o}n Filgueira and Jon Grant and {\O}ivind Strand} } @article {4242, title = {Storm-induced changes in coastal geomorphology control estuarine secondary productivity}, journal = {Earth{\textquoteright}s Future}, year = {2014}, month = {01/2014}, pages = {n/a - n/a}, abstract = {Estuarine ecosystems are highly sensitive not only to projected effects of climate change such as ocean warming, acidification, and sea-level rise but also to the incidence of nor{\textquoteright}easter storms and hurricanes. The effects of storms and hurricanes can be extreme, with immediate impact on coastal geomorphology and water circulation, which is integral to estuarine function and consequently to provision of ecosystem services. In this article, we present the results of a natural estuarine-scale experiment on the effects of changes in coastal geomorphology on hydrodynamics and aquaculture production. A bay in Prince Edward Island, Canada, was altered when a nor{\textquoteright}easter storm eroded a second tidal inlet through a barrier island. Previous field and modeling studies allowed a comparison of prestorm and post-storm circulation, food limitation by cultured mussels, and aquaculture harvest. Dramatic increases in mussel production occurred in the year following the opening of the new inlet. Model studies showed that post-storm circulation reduced food limitation for cultured mussels, allowing greater growth. Climate change is expected to have severe effects on the delivery of marine ecosystem services to human populations by changing the underlying physical-biological coupling inherent to their functioning.}, doi = {10.1002/2013EF000145}, url = {http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/2013EF000145/abstract;jsessionid=DBD0FB7B2443BD9C9D658F85A42F41FD.f04t04}, author = {Ram{\'o}n Filgueira and Guyondet, Thomas and Comeau, Luc A. and Jon Grant} } @article {4213, title = {A physical{\textendash}biogeochemical coupling scheme for modeling marine coastal ecosystems}, journal = {Ecological Informatics}, volume = {7}, year = {2012}, pages = {71-80}, doi = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoinf.2011.11.007}, url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1574954111000975}, author = {Ram{\'o}n Filgueira and Jon Grant and C{\'e}dric Bacher and Michel Carreau} }