Ecological modelling for the multispecies artisanal fishery of Gran Canaria

Abstract

An ecosystem model for the Gran Canaria island is presented with the goal of providing a tool for the understanding of ecosystem dynamics in a multi-species context. We used an Ecopath with Ecosim model to integrate known aspects of the ecosystem and its inhabitants into a single framework, with the aim to gain a better insight into the structure and functioning of the ecosystem and to assess the impacts of fishing in these data-limited fisheries. A total of 34 ecological groups were included in the model, focusing on the exploited part of ecosystem. Marine mammals, seabirds, turtles, fish groups, invertebrates groups, primary producers and detritus are included in the model. The structure of the model is discussed and mixed trophic impact analysis was undertaken to determine the direct and indirect effects of biomass changes within and between groups in the system, including the effects of fishing.