Résumé
Unprecedented quantities of the brown floating macroalgae Sargassum have been recorded in the tropical North Atlantic Ocean; however, the factors affecting their growth and survival remain poorly understood. To study how environmental conditions influence Sargassum physiology, we use a multi reserves DEB model to quantitatively assess their growth and survival to current temperature, nutrient and light conditions. In the context of DEB theory, estimating a multi-reserves model parameters can be particularly challenging as the accurate calibration in a complex model heavily relies on the quantity and quality of datasets. In the case of holopelagic Sargassum, experimental data is scarce, which hinders our understanding of the effect of temperature, irradiance and nutrient concentrations on the growth and survival of the species. To address these challenges first we evaluate the sensitivity of the parameter values to the available data on holopelagic Sargassum. Then, we explore how different types of experimental data can reduce the incertitude on parameter estimates, thus increasing their identifiability and the prediction power of the algae multi-reserves model. This analysis allows us to identify which types of datasets contain the most information to guide the design of experiences, ultimately improving our understanding of Sargassum spp. physiology. As a part of the BIOMAS project (BIOenergetic Modeling Approach for Sargassum dynamics), experimental data from the different Sargassum varieties will be integrated to compare model predictions with experimental observations.