The FILAMO workshop on “Movement Ecology of Marine Organisms: linking observations, data analysis tools and models” was held from the 10th to the 13th September at the University of Cape Town, South Africa.
21 participants and 10 lecturers from 13 countries (Canada, Denmark, France, India, Italy, Norway, Philippines, Portugal, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, USA, Wales) participated.
The workshop program (incl. abstracts) can be found here.
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The Program
This workshop will bring together experts in observing and tracking marine organisms, statisticians skilled at analyzing spatial data and modelers with experience in developing and using models to project likely responses of organisms to varying environments. The workshop will comprise a mixture of lectures and hands-on practical sessions, including introductions to (stochastic) agent-based models using Netlogo and the Ichthyops software; tutorials in data analysis for modeling animal movement; and actual field observations (field trip). Participants are expected to participate in a group exercise to develop and apply an Individual-Based-Model and to prepare a poster presenting their own work. Upon completion, participants receive a course diploma with a recommended 2 ECTS.
A preliminary program can be here.
Learning outcomes
- Knowledge of several different kinds of data used to study movements and distribution of marine organisms.
- Ability to apply selected statistical methods to analyse spatial data of marine organisms
- Understanding of how individual-based models are used to construct and test hypotheses of movements and behaviour of marine organisms
- Enhanced skills in teamwork in analysing data and applying an IBM to address a scientific research question or hypothesis
Lecturers
- Paul Cowley (South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, South Africa)
- Professor Øyvind Fiksen (University of Bergen, Norway)
- Dr Christophe Lett (IRD and UCT, France)
- Dr Christian Lindeman (University of Bergen, Norway)
- Professor Coleen Moloney (University of Cape Town, workshop organiser)
- Dr Theoni Photopoulou (St Andrews University, Scotland)
- Dr Pierre Pistorius (Nelson Mandela University, South Africa)
- Professor Steven Railsback (Humboldt State University, USA)
- Dr Josefin Titleman (University of Oslo, Norway)
- Professor Rory Wilson (University of Swansea, Wales)
Costs: The course itself is free of charge including lunch, however all other costs, i.e. accommodation and travel, will have to be paid by the participants. Financial support (travel and accommodation) to attend the workshop will be provided on a competitive basis to a limited number of participants.
To apply to the workshop and for financial support, please complete the online application by 30 June 2018.
For any further questions please contact either Coleen Moloney (coleen.moloney at gmail.com) or Chris Lindemann (chris.lindemann at uib.no).