Steady states and sensitivities of commonly used pelagic ecosystem model components

► The sensitivities of commonly used pelagic ecosystem model components to probable future changes in light and nutrient supply are illustrated. ► The setup resembles the well-mixed oceanic surface layer in the Baltic proper. ► A suite of commonly used, model approaches is tuned to match a given seasonal cycle. ► Strong differences between the idealized, but realistic experiments appear due to anticipated changes in the external nutrient and light conditions. ► The causes which lead to the different sensitivities are illustrated by the steady state solutions.