A model domain represents the geographical area covered by the model. The borders of the domain thus discriminate between what spatial features are ‘internal’ or ‘external’ to the model. The choice of the model domain thus reflects what we treat as internal and external to the Kimberly system. This choice is problem-specific. It depends on type of questions we need to answer and what processes are relevant to those questions. It also depends on technical issues related to the characteristics of the models we use, the computational effort they require and the level of model complexity we are willing to accept.
In addition, workflow constraints are critical. While ideally we would like to be able to change the model domain according to how the project develops and what questions become relevant when more information is made available, in practise this is rarely possible, since all model implementation steps depend on the model domain. As a result this choice has to be finalised early in a modelling project.
Here we describe the domains of both EwE ad Alces models and the reasons why these domain shave been chosen.

Ecopath with Ecosim

Figure 1. The EwE Model Domain

Figure 1 shows the EwE model domain. The rationale for this choice is more easily understood by analysing both the bathymetry and main ocean currents as in Figure 2 below.

Figure 2. Bathymetry and main ocean currents over the Kimberley region

Model Boundary	Rationale
North. It roughly follows the 200m depth contour	It contains surface currents (Indonesian Throughflow; ITS) and seasonal currents (Holloway current) relevant for a better understanding of annual and inter-annual variability (ENSO/La Niña years) of primary production in the region. The ITF and Holloway currents are related to the productivity of the Kimberley. For example, when the ITF is weak (El Niño events), the thermocline (60-100m depth on most areas) lifts bringing nutrient-rich waters into the photic zone and hence resulting in conditions favourable to increase primary productivity. Seasonal variability of primary production due to wind and tidal actions occurring between 20-60m depth waters is considered. Some internal waves (which raise generally more nutrient rich water) occur at 80-100m depths in the Kimberley region.
West. 119°E, southern end of the Eighty-Mile Beach)	This area contains more than 200 km2 of mudflats that are recognised as some of the most productive in the world, supporting an extraordinary rich benthic invertebrate community and one of the largest aggregations of shorebirds in the southern hemisphere. This section of the model domain includes not only migratory birds, but also dugongs, turtles and sawfish. Humpback whales are sometimes seen in this area during their northern migration to calving grounds further along the Kimberley coast. The Australian endemic snubfin dolphin (Orcaella heinsohni) inhabits this region. The extensive mangrove communities (north of Eighty-Mile Beach and Roebuck Bay) support important nursery areas for prawns, mudcrabs and fish. Tourism and recreational fishing activities may increase in this area.
East. Joseph Bonaparte Gulf, border with the Northern Territory.	This region is characterised by its smooth bottom floor covered by soft, muddy sediments, which is significantly different from the rest of the Kimberley system. Important influence of the ITF (warm and oligotrophic waters). The Holloway Current has a presence here at the end of the Northwest Monsoon and also comprises surface waters at other times of the year. Internal tides occur in this region, they are associated with upwellings. Commercial prawn fishing occurs here. Dugongs are known to be present and associated with seagrass communities in the inshore waters of the Gulf (i.e. waters <10m deep))

Alces

Coming soon..

Other Maps

Figure 3. Main geographical features of the Kimberley region

Figure 4.Marine Parks and Multi-use Areas