WAMSI Node 4.3.2 - Ecosystem Modelling - Qualitative modelling of the Swan River Estuary ecosystem

Brief description

The qualitative model that is being developed for the estuarine ecosystem of the Swan River Estuary will be used to explore how environmental change due to both anthropogenic and non-anthropogenic factors is likely to affect the ecosystem and to assess the potential for management action to ameliorate adverse impacts. The study is part of a broader qualitative modelling study, initiated by WAMSI, that encompasses the Swan River Estuary, the Peel-Harvey Estuary and the Leschenault Estuary.

Lineage

Statement: The estuarine ecosystem is represented in a qualitative model using a set of variables that depict the more important biological, social and economic components of the aspect of the system that is being explored. The interactions between these variables are represented as a set of bidirectional links. The variables and interactions are identified by undertaking an extensive review of the scientific literature and reports of studies relating to the estuary and its catchment, and by conducting workshops with stakeholders, managers, community representatives and scientists. The information is used to define one (or more) digraphs representing the major interactions and variables. Through use of loop analysis, the stability of the system can be assessed, feedback loops identified, and the way in which other variables are affected when a press perturbation is applied to a selected variable may be assessed. The resulting model is a valuable tool for exploring the response of the ecosystem to management intervention.