The Evolution and Prospects of Coastal Ecosystem Models: Approaches to Hypoxia, Oligotrophy, Climate Change, and Biodiversity

Abstract

Coastal ecosystem models have evolved alongside the shifting challenges of coastal environmental issues. Key developments include: (1) modeling of advection and diffusion to address organic pollution, (2) modeling of primary production in relation to eutrophication, (3) modeling of benthic systems to tackle hypoxia, (4) modeling of tidal flats and seaweed beds in response to their degradation, (5) integrating pelagic-benthic systems and shallow-central bay areas with nature-positive approaches, (6) modeling the lifecycle of large diatoms and winter nori discoloration, and (7) modeling the carbonate equilibrium system to address climate change mitigation. Looking ahead, models are expected to further advance by incorporating biodiversity and ecosystem networks connecting water quality, lower trophic organisms, and higher trophic organisms. This paper outlines the progression of mathematical modeling from stages (1) to (7).