Seasonal differences in the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in an overexploited shelf sea ecosystem

Abstract Aim Biodiversity loss results in reduced ecosystem functioning. However, the relationship between biodiversity and functioning (the BEF relationship) overexploited ecosystems remains controversial largely because of lack validation nature. Therefore, this study, through four seasonal trawl surveys demersal fish assemblages off shelf sea Shandong Province, China, we explored relationships their variability. Furthermore, assessed relative importance environment on biomass variations. Location Shelf China. Methods At each station, calculated taxonomic functional diversity indices, examined association with based index. Moreover, index's two environmental variables, bottom temperature surface chlorophyll‐ a concentration, to investigate conditions explaining changes Results Two indices (species richness variance) (functional evenness) were significantly associated at least one season. not consistent among seasons, highlighting need consider season‐specific (e.g., evenness). Specifically, despite consistently significant seasons for species richness, variance, noted temporally variable evenness. Both produced strong synergistic effect biomass, although varied seasons. Main conclusions greatly contributes functioning, underscoring assess consequences using integrated trait‐based approaches. Our findings season‐dependent provide evidence considering factors before applying ecosystem‐based management, ecosystems.