Abstract
During the second phase (2003?2006) of the Mediterranean ocean Forecasting System Project (MFS) named Toward Environmental Predictions (MFSTEP) one of the three major aims was the development of numerical forecasting systems. In this context a generic Biochemical Flux Model (BFM) was developed and coupled with hydrodynamic models already operating at basin scale as well as at regional areas. In the Eastern Mediterranean basin the BFM was coupled with the Aegean Levantine Eddy Resolving MOdel (ALERMO). The BFM is a generic highly complex model based on ERSEM and although a detailed description of the model and its sub models is beyond the scope of this work a short presentation of the main processes, paying emphasis on the parameter values used is presented. Additionally the performance of the model is evaluated with some preliminary results being qualitatively compared against field observations. The model at its present form is rather promising reproducing all major important features even though there are inefficiencies mostly related to primary and bacterial productivity rates.