Programming the simulator requires the integration of multiple high-quality datasets and the development of ad hoc numerical, theoretical and computational methods. For this reason, we propose a phased approach, in three actions or proof-of-concept exercises, which provides a realistic pathway and lays the foundations for the future multiscale and transdisciplinary marine simulator.

Action 1 focuses on developing a simulator for extreme events and their effects. AI techniques will be used to establish predictive models to detect meteorological and hydrodynamic patterns and estimate the evolution of the atmosphere-ocean system at high resolution. The effects of extreme environmental weather events on marine ecosystems will also be modelled. By coupling different numerical simulation models with AI techniques, the capacity to reproduce coastal hydrodynamics will be improved, making it possible to forecast low-salinity events with a major impact on marine crops or flooding in inhabited areas. The mobilisation of pollutants into the marine environment, including those from fires, urban areas and emerging contaminants, will also be simulated. The Ría de Arousa will be considered as an applied case.

Action 2 focuses on developing an end-to-end fisheries model. Existing biophysical models in Galicia will be complemented with higher trophic-level models and socioeconomic modules to develop end-to-end models applicable to Galician fisheries. The model will focus on three species of particular ecological, economic and cultural importance for Galicia: sardine, hake and octopus. The resulting models will improve knowledge of Galicia’s marine ecosystem and its interactions with fisheries, and will allow scenario simulations to assess the impacts of climate-scale changes, including impacts on commercial species abundance and socioeconomic effects.

Action 3 focuses on developing two digital twins for integrated multitrophic aquaculture. This action will formulate simulators for two types of multitrophic culture: off-shore systems and IMTA-RAS, a recirculating aquaculture system. Macroalgae will be present in both types of culture. Physiological models for the species of interest will be defined and integrated, first into a long-line model that considers hydrodynamic and environmental conditions, and second into a RAS system. A digital mussel raft will integrate mussel physiological models with oceanographic models. The long-line and raft simulators will be integrated into an off-shore IMTA digital twin to predict the effects of changes in environmental variables on crop quality and productivity in the Ría de Ares, and to simulate scenarios for crop optimisation. The IMTA-RAS digital twin will address fish-macroalgae-probiotic interactions and enable the rational design of precision IMTA-RAS cultures.

The models and software developments from each proof of concept will be made publicly available as far as possible in accordance with FAIR data-management guidelines.