On the robustness of an eastern boundary upwelling ecosystem exposed to multiple stressors

Abstract The resistance of an east border upwelling system was investigated using relative index marine pelagic biomass estimates under a changing environment spanning 20-years in the strongly exploited southern Canary Current Large Ecosystem (sCCLME). We divided sCCLME two parts (north and south Cap Blanc), based on oceanographic regimes. delineated size-based groups (“plankton” “pelagic fish”) corresponding to lower higher trophic levels, respectively. Over 20-year period, all spatial remote sensing environmental variables increased significantly, except area Blanc where sea surface Chlorophyll-a concentrations declined favorable wind stable. Relative abundance compared north Blanc. No significant latitudinal shift mass center detected, regardless level. did not change, suggesting organisms were able adapt conditions. Despite strong annual variability presence major stressors (overfishing, climate change), ressources, mainly fish plankton remained relatively stable over decades, advancing our understanding this system.