What is Simsys 5?

Simsys 5 is a fisheries simulation program compiled in Microsoft Visual Basic 6 for use in Windows 95/98. This program allows the user to describe a fishery with its biological and human elements and perform spatial simulations and management optimisations. Included within Simsys is the simple GIS package SimMap which allows mapping and spatial definations of management zones, statistical areas and migration. The program uses simulated annealing to optimise a user-supplied management function through changes in access to fishing grounds. Relationships and results from simulations are presented as a range of explorable graphics which include 3D graphics which can be rotated, animations and compatible GIS shapefiles.

Simsys 5 replaces previous versions of Simsys which were not compatible with Windows 95 and later.

What's the catch?

Simsys 5 is a program that has been developed over several years and has been recently completely rewritten to take advantage of new windows controls such as ESRI's Map Objects control. At this stage the complied html help supplied with the program is rudimentary. Initial users are assumed to agree to download and use this software at their own risk. Successful users are likely to be those that are familiar with installing windows programs and controls. Contact me via email if after looking at the program you want to have a working example.

What does this mean? It means that users downloading this software will be participating in its Beta Testing and development. The use of this software by less experienced Windows users, especially until a complete on line manual is completed,  may prove frustrating. This software's development is dependent on feedback from users and potential users.

Who has used Simsys?

Several fisheries scientists have successfully used earlier versions of the Simsys program and many have contributed to its development. Simsys has facilitated the publication of scientific papers.

Improvements from earlier versions:

Enhanced Fishery Data:

• define multiple fleets/methods/areas/species/cohorts
• datatree display for query and restructuring (drop and drag)
• versatility for a range of fishery types
  

True Spatial Model:

• define map areas and migration parameters
• create/use recruitment and movement probability matrices
• map and animate movements
• fleet dynamics include spatial parameters (modified gravity model)
  

Mapping (uses MapObjects Lite from ESRI):

•  true GIS (arcview compatible) mapping and result display
•  create arcview shape files from data sets
•  draw on maps and add results to shapefiles or datasets
•  animation of shapefile data (demonstrate migrations etc)
•  uses widely available basemaps
  

Improved Graphics (uses First Impression by Visual Components):

•  wide range of 3D and 2D high quality editable graphics
•  rotate and elevate in real time
•  charts linked to spreadsheet
•  copy/paste/file data and quality metafile images
•  plot parameter relationships and simulation results
•  quality effects like graded backgrounds
  

Optimisation:

• uses simulated annealing to optimise catch value or a wide range of objective functions
• works with or without fleet dynamics
• fits weekly fishing effort vector or fishing season
  

Future Plans for Simsys?

With continued support there are a range of enhancements to Simsys planned including:

• variable growth
• structured to allow multiple fisheries and interactions
• seasonal effects
• risk assessment
• dynamic optimisation of management boundaries
  

Download Files:

Downloading suspended until further notice - contact author