ECO-PTM is an individual-based ecological particle tracking model based on random walk theory that simulates individual particle travel time, routing, and survival within flow fields generated by the Delta Simulation Model 2 hydrodynamic module (DSM2 HYDRO). The model tracks three particle types: two passive particles and one active swimming particle. For active swimming particles, the model incorporates fish-like swimming behaviors, including upstream and downstream movement, probabilistic holding behavior, and stochastic swimming velocities. Particle routing probabilities at key junctions are calculated using established statistical models, while route-specific survival is estimated using the XT mean free-path length model. Behavioral parameters were derived by fitting multiple competing models to a multi-year dataset of travel times from acoustic-tagged juvenile salmon. The two passive particle types are commonly used to evaluate effects on Delta Smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus) and Longfin Smelt (Spirinchus thaleichthys) larvae, whereas the active swimming particles represent juvenile Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). Overall, the model provides a quantitative framework for exploring and evaluating management actions that support species recovery efforts while balancing California’s water supply needs.
The ECO-PTM online documentation is available at the following link: https://data.cnra.ca.gov/dataset/eco-ptm-0-0-0-beta
The main model can be run using the ECO-PTM executable JAR file. Preprocessing and post-processing scripts should be run from an Anaconda PowerShell Prompt with the ECO-PTM environment activated. Both the environment and JAR files are provided. The hydrodynamic input file (tide file) must be generated using DSM2 HYDRO v8.5.1 or later and then preprocessed to convert to GZIP compression. DSM2 HYDRO v8.5.1 is available at the following link: https://github.com/CADWRDeltaModeling/dsm2/releases/tag/v8.5.1.
If you find any issues, please report them on the GitHub Issues page.