Applications of marine microbial community models in the nature-based economy

Abstract

Marine microorganisms are central to global ecological and biogeochemical systems, with their intricate interactions shaping community dynamics. While meta-omics datasets have revolutionized marine microbial ecology, they often provide fragmented insights, underscoring the need for advanced integrative modeling frameworks. In this perspective, we highlight the potential that metabolic models of microbial communities, in combination with meta-omics and environmental datasets, offer in advancing marine microbial ecology from identifying keystone species to predicting harmful algal blooms. Furthermore, we explore how these integrative methods can address challenges with significant economic impact such as the design of engineered microbial consortia and the assessment of ecosystem services in the context of the nature-based economy. As the marine domain transitions to a nature-based economic paradigm, the fusion of different modeling tools will be crucial in aligning economic frameworks with the invaluable services provided by marine ecosystems.