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Progress towards a next-generation fisheries ecosystem model for the northern Gulf of Mexico

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  • Sagarese, Skyler R.
  • Lauretta, Matthew V.
  • Walter, John F.

Abstract

Catastrophic disturbances to marine environments, such as the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the northern Gulf of Mexico (GoM), emphasize the need to approach fisheries management and restoration from an ecosystem perspective. To evaluate the ecosystem dynamics within the GoM, we developed a mass-balanced Ecopath model (“nGoM Ecopath”) which integrated ecosystem stressors, indirect effects of fishing (e.g. bycatch), and predator-prey dynamics. A meta-analysis of diet composition filled critical gaps in higher trophic level predator-prey linkages, such as predation on economically important groupers (Serranidae). Compared to previous Ecopath models of the GoM, nGoM Ecopath displayed higher ecosystem complexity including higher connectivity amongst trophic groups and increased omnivory. Mixed trophic impact analysis revealed species including snappers, groupers, pelagic coastal piscivores, oceanic piscivores, cephalopods, and dolphins as critical top-down predators. Bottom-up effects were identified for juvenile groupers and mackerels, which benefited from high production of invertebrates and small fishes. Network analysis revealed detrimental effects of red tides on sharks, skates and rays, and demersal coastal invertebrate feeders such as black drum, as well as adult red and gag grouper. Pelagic coastal piscivores (e.g. jacks (Carangidae)), snappers (Lutjanidae), and mobile epifauna (e.g. lobsters) imposed the largest influence on ecosystem structure as keystone predators. The nGoM Ecopath model using the dynamic module Ecosim can help guide restoration efforts through the evaluation of multispecies responses to management actions and identification of ecosystem trade-offs.

Suggested Citation

  • Sagarese, Skyler R. & Lauretta, Matthew V. & Walter, John F., 2017. "Progress towards a next-generation fisheries ecosystem model for the northern Gulf of Mexico," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 345(C), pages 75-98.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecomod:v:345:y:2017:i:c:p:75-98
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2016.11.001
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Woodstock, Matthew S. & Sutton, Tracey T. & Frank, Tamara & Zhang, Yuying, 2021. "An early warning sign: trophic structure changes in the oceanic Gulf of Mexico from 2011—2018," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 445(C).
    2. Gray DiLeone, A.M. & Ainsworth, C.H., 2019. "Effects of Karenia brevis harmful algal blooms on fish community structure on the West Florida Shelf," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 392(C), pages 250-267.
    3. Perryman, Holly A. & Tarnecki, Joseph H. & Grüss, Arnaud & Babcock, Elizabeth A. & Sagarese, Skyler R. & Ainsworth, Cameron H. & Gray DiLeone, Alisha M., 2020. "A revised diet matrix to improve the parameterization of a West Florida Shelf Ecopath model for understanding harmful algal bloom impacts," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 416(C).

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