In July 2025, NOAA scientists released version 1.0 of Rpath as part of a multi-region collaboration sponsored by the NOAA Integrated Ecosystem Assessment program. The package includes an extended range of simulation and sensitivity tools for conducting ecosystem-based fisheries management in large marine ecosystems by examining the effects of predator/prey dynamics on fisheries productivity.
Version 1.0 of Rpath uses Ecopath and its extensions to address ecological questions, evaluate the effects of fishing on ecosystems, explore management policy options, and evaluate the effects of environmental changes. Therefore, Rpath provides tools to support the advancement of ecosystem-based fisheries management.
Rpath is an R implementation (library) of the Ecopath mass balance and Ecosim dynamic food web algorithms geared towards fisheries research, with methods initially developed by NOAA scientists in 1984. Ecopath/Ecosim models have seen worldwide use in the study of fisheries interactions with marine food webs. Rpath is designed to allow for cross-platform use and to aid in the reproducibility of studies using this framework.
Rpath code and additional information can be accessed through the Rpath Github website.