Understanding our oceans and managing them well involves looking at the big picture of marine ecosystems, not just individual parts. Scientists in Europe are using marine ecosystem models to combine knowledge and data, understand how ecosystems work, and predict future changes. These models help us make decisions that benefit both society and the environment. Europe has strong abilities in this area, but there's still room to improve how these models connect with what policymakers really need. By better linking models with observations and societal needs, we can enhance our ability to manage marine ecosystems effectively for everyone's benefit.