Modelling ecosystem helps predict sea threats—Hiroshima expert

Through an agreement between VSU and the Hiroshima University (HU) in Japan, Dr. Tamiji Yamamoto, HU professor, shared one of HU’s best practices in marine remediation or the removal of pollutants in seas, in a lecture at VSU’s PhilRootcrops Training Hall, August 15.

In his experience in environmental remediation of marine pollutants, Dr. Yamamoto introduced the importance of modelling the dynamics of the river and sea ecosystem to predict threats and future restoration measures.

The Japanese professor in the graduate school of biosphere science said a quantitative model will help one understand the processes behind the changes in the ecosystem better. Data from fieldwork is inadequate, Dr. Yamamoto said.

“Our brain cannot predict future variations in the system, so [we need the] aid of a quantitative model,” said Dr. Yamamoto.

The quantitative model will be able to capture better the complex dynamics in an aquatic system than data from fieldwork. Dr. Yamamoto said drawing conclusions from field data are often suited to one’s convenience.

Using Stella, a model-building application, Dr. Yamamoto showed to some 60 faculty, staff, and students, the changes in the ecosystem of the Kojima Lake in Japan after a physical construction in the area.

VSU staff Cyrus Dacera expressed his hope for a future research on this field at VSU. A proclaimed “dark green school”, VSU can benefit from the quantitative ecosystem model in protecting marine resources from future threats.

Dr. Tamiji Yamamoto visited VSU with his colleagues Dr. Teruo Maeda and Dr. Lawrence Liao, and 22 students from HU, to exchange best practices and knowledge with the university. 

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