FISH 501

Ecosystem Modelling with Ecopath with Ecosim

Connect to UBC Calendar
Credit Value: 3 Credits

Schedule: Winter Term 2, 2026

Description: The course is focused on how ecosystem modelling, notably Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) modelling framework, the world’s most widely used software for ecosystem-based management (EBM). EwE is extensively used to address research and policy questions related to EBM, often with emphasis on trade-offs or climate change impacts.

The underlying theory, assumptions and implementation of the software will be introduced, but with focus on practical model implementation.

The course will take place over the semester, with a weekly class on Mondays from 9:00 – 11.50AM. In total, there will be 12 days of classes. The course will be split in three parts,

  • Section 1: Introduction to EwE, including Ecopath mass-balance modelling, Ecosim time-dynamic modelling, Ecospace temporal-spatial dynamic modelling, and value chain modelling – to value social, economic, and ecological trade-offs.
  • Section 2: Evaluating research and policy questions related to fisheries management and EBM.  Practical hands-on where we work pick up policy questions and work our way through how to address those
  • Section 3: Adopt a policy or research question of your own interest, construct or adopt a model to address it and work your way through how to apply ecosystem modelling to address your question.

Prerequisites: There are no specific prerequisites, but students should have a basic understanding of ecology and interest in quantitative methods. “Common ecological sense” is essential. A flair for numbers is an advantage as well.  Prior modelling experience is not required, nor is a math background.

Preparation and assessment: There will be no mid-term or final exam. You will be asked to give a presentation of your model and prepare a write-up for it at the end of the course. You are expected to prepare for classes by reading the materials listed in the course schedule. The 501 class in 2021 had a large number of Zoom guest lectures, the recordings are available on the Ecopath YouTube channel.

Textbook and Materials: We will use the open textbook Ecosystem Modelling with EwE for this course.

Course website: available at this link 

Software: We will be using the latest EwE 6.7 release for the course, please download it here.

EwE is a free, open source program, and it (still) requires Microsoft Windows to operate. On iOS/Linux, it is necessary to use virtualization software and install Windows. On a Mac or Linux it is necessary to install a virtualization software to run Windows. Please see the course website for guidance on this.

Please contact the course instructor with any question you may have.

Course Instructor: Dr. Villy Christensen