Estimating ecological carrying capacity for stock enhancement in marine ranching ecosystems of Northern China

Marine ranching has been proposed as a promising solution to manage the depleted coastal fishery ecosystem in recent decades across China. integrates practices of artificial habitat-based with aquaculture-based enhancement. Assessing ecological carrying capacity target species for enhancement is precondition determining optimal numbers release, particularly those whose habitat restrictions have eliminated through construction habitats marine ranch. A responsible approach stock aims not only increase total yield and abundance but also consider any potential effects on structure function. time-dynamic, model was constructed using Ecopath Ecosim Laizhou Bay (Bohai Sea) nearshore waters northern Two sedentary enhancement, i.e., carnivorous red snail Rapana venosa detritivorous sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus , were selected simulate estimate their capacities project overall ecosystem. Ecological defined maximum standing stocks that would cause “unacceptable” impacts function resilience, other group’s biomass fall below 10% its original biomass. The estimated R. A. 623.46 200.57 t·km −2 respectively, corresponding 7.8 5.0 times higher than current stocks. Simulations showed distinct increased functional groups properties. An caused negative most indicators, such Finn’s cycling index, transfer efficiency, Kempton’s Q index. In contrast, simulated had relatively few impacts, biomasses indicators did change or changed very slightly (<5%). framework provides means estimating commercial-scale avoiding risks