Evidence of ecosystem overfishing in U.S. large marine ecosystems

Abstract Marine capture fisheries in the U.S. are important from a societal, cultural, economic, and ecological perspective. Although generally well-managed, they still face some challenges as do most around world. To address these challenges, broader, more systematic approach is useful. There global need to develop measures of ecosystem overfishing (EOF) that detect an entire using readily available data based on widely repeatable patterns. These EOF indicators extend thinking beyond single stock largely well-established trophic theory. Moreover, be germane for both rich especially limited situations, easily interpretable, relatively simple calculate. Here, I present results several indicators—the Ryther, Fogarty, Friedland indices—as well indices cumulative biomass-Trophic Level curve parameters eight Large Ecosystems (LMEs). Significantly, all also have thresholds which indicated, particularly when coupled with other evidence. Evidence suggested two LMEs. Even apart thresholds, detecting whether occurring, or how debatable proposed are, there multiple benefits monitoring ecosystem-level indicators. Detecting patterns trends overall fishing changes chief among them. Additionally, detected LMEs at least 2–3 years, even up 5 years prior major impacts might not identified by piecing together stock-by-stock basis; thus, could serve early warning signal. propose instead starting history stocks been assessed what we deem valuable, look system LME if detected, explore means excess pressure systematically before delving into details specific stocks. conclude monitored, refined, then mitigate total should explored.