Implementing socio-ecological models into the European Digital Twin Ocean to guide real-world problem-solving and policy creation
Duration: 2024-2027
Funding: Horizon Europe (HORIZON) – HORIZON-MISS-2023-OCEAN-01-08
The SURIMI project aims to strengthen the European Digital Twin of the Ocean (EU DTO) by integrating nine socio-ecological models that simulate the interactions between fisheries and marine ecosystems. Using ecological and fisheries data, SURIMI explores how fishing activities impact sensitive species, seabed habitats, and biodiversity hotspots. The project also promotes broader participation in ocean science by developing a user-friendly toolkit and graphical interface, making the EU DTO more accessible to diverse stakeholders. Through the co-creation of tools and automated data flows, SURIMI enhances the EU DTO’s capacity to support informed decision-making in marine management. By enabling “what-if” scenario testing at multiple scales, the project contributes to more effective and sustainable marine resource management across Europe.
iMARES contact: Dr. Jeroen Steenbeek