The modelling system is comprised of three sections; the pre-processor to establish the scenario to model, the processor to co-ordinate the execution of the sub-modules that simulate a range of biophysical processes, and a post-processor to display the results. These three sections are linked by ancillary software; specifically a Windows based Graphical User Interface (Visual Basic) to facilitate the exchange of information between the operator and the model, an (ArcView 2) Graphical Information System to display the model output and incorporate existing environmental databases, and a Netscape hypertext mark-up language (HTML) support document to allow the operator to point and click for on-line reference material.
An assessment of the modelling system has been carried out for a region of important aquaculture activity in British Columbia, the Broughton Archipelago. The tidally driven, two dimensional, depth integrated hydrodynamics of the area have been modelled using a 1 km resolution over the entire domain and at a 100 m scale over a subsection of particular interest. Spatial variations of dissolved oxygen concentration and the benthic footprint of carbon due to several fish farm operations are the presented. Simulations are also made of the release of water borne toxins to determine the contours of concentration surrounding the release site.
The advantages of the modelling system are shown to be the accessibility it provides to an operator having a limited background in computer systems but a requirement to use complex computer models, and the integration of several process models to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the chemical, physical and biological processes that govern the interactions between the fish farms and the environment.