Ecological models supporting environmental decision making: A strategy for the future

Trends in Ecology and Evolution
By: , and 

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Abstract

Ecological models are important for environmental decision support because they allow the consequences of alternative policies and management scenarios to be explored. However, current modeling practice is unsatisfactory. A literature review shows that the elements of good modeling practice have long been identified but are widely ignored. The reasons for this might include lack of involvement of decision makers, lack of incentives for modelers to follow good practice, and the use of inconsistent terminologies. As a strategy for the future, we propose a standard format for documenting models and their analyses: transparent and comprehensive ecological modeling (TRACE) documentation. This standard format will disclose all parts of the modeling process to scrutiny and make modeling itself more efficient and coherent.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Ecological models supporting environmental decision making: A strategy for the future
Series title Trends in Ecology and Evolution
DOI 10.1016/j.tree.2010.05.001
Volume 25
Issue 8
Year Published 2010
Language English
Publisher Elsevier
Contributing office(s) Southeast Ecological Science Center
Description 8 p.
First page 479
Last page 486
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