Linking Biological Models and Spatial Descriptions of Environmental Complexity with Coupled Models

Abstract : Effective planning and management of water resources require models to predict and evaluate the multiple biological, economic, physical, and social impacts that may result from any proposed hydraulic infrastructure design plan or operating policy. Different stakeholders care about different sets of these impacts. Models allow planners to identify the tradeoffs among the values of various conflicting objectives that are of interest to the stakeholders. Models can also aid in the synthesis of alternative designs, plans, or policies that may help reduce conflicts among the interested stakeholders. Those who develop and use models to assist in the solution of planning and management issues and problems must work with specialists from multiple disciplines. These multiple impact prediction models must be developed and calibrated based on knowledge that comes from these different disciplines.