SHELLSIM: A TOOL TO HELP PREDICT GROWTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS IN BIVALVE SHELLFISH

摘要

ShellSIM is a dynamic mathematical model using equations that describe established physiological interrelations to simulate real-time effects of temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen and food availability on growth and condition in suspension-feeding bivalve shellfish, with associated outputs that quantify coincident environmental impacts as result from particle clearance, nitrogen excretion and faecal deposition. Notably, growth predictions have been validated following calibration of a single shared set of equations in each of 13 species, including when applying the same calibration for each ofMytilus edulis, Crassostrea gigas and C. virginica across contrasting locations (Table 1). This collective capability has been brought together in software with user-friendly interface that is saving significant time and resources upon integration within applications addressing aquaculture management, shellfish restoration, nitrogen and carbon credits for nutrient trading, water quality remediation, ecological status and climate change (https://www.shellsim.com).