LARGE-SCALE DISTURBANCE AND THE STRUCTURE OF MARINE SYSTEMS: FISHERY IMPACTS ON GEORGES BANK

• DOI: 10.1890/1051-0761(1998)8[s6:ldatso]2.0.co;2
• Publication Date: 2008-05-20T16:17:19Z
• Authors: Michael J. Fogarty; Steven A. Murawski
• Keywords: Groundfish; Guild; Forage fish; Dominance (genetics)

Georges Bank, a shallow submarine plateau located off the New England coast, has supported valuable commercial fisheries for several centuries. The region is characterized by high levels of primary productivity and, historically, fish production. Within last four decades Bank been subjected to major perturbations that have profoundly altered catch, abundance, and species composition. arrival distant water fleets during early 1960s resulted in dramatic increases effective fishing effort subsequent collapse populations. Total biomass estimated declined >50% on period operation fleets. implementation extended jurisdiction (the 200-mile [370.4-km] limit) 1977 was followed modernization increased capacity domestic fleet, resulting second perturbation system further declines groundfish populations historically low levels. A increase abundance value documented, with an apparent replacement gadid flounder small elasmobranchs (including dogfish sharks skates). Examination feeding guild structure suggests this switch dominance may linked competitive release. elasmobranchs, notably sharks, also prey importance (primarily pelagics, including herring mackerel). cumulative impacts as result intense exploitation predation pressure exacerbated effects gear physical habitat. Implications development ecosystem-based management approach are described.