[OANNES Foro] Trophic structure of the Peruvian marine ecosystem in 2000–2006

[raul sanchez]

Journal of Marine Systems
Volume 75, Issues 1-2, January 2009, Pages 290-304 

Trophic structure of the Peruvian marine ecosystem in 2000–2006: Insights on the effects of management scenarios for the hake fishery using the IBM trophic model Osmose 


Martin Marzloffa, , , Yunne-Jai Shina, Jorge Tamb, Morgane Traversa and Arnaud Bertranda, b

aInstitut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), CRH, Avenue Jean Monnet, BP 171, 34203 Sète Cedex, France

bInstituto del Mar del Perú (IMARPE), Esquina Gamarra y Gral. Valle s/n, Apartado 22, Callao, Lima, Peru

Abstract
The individual-based trophic model Osmose is applied to the upwelling marine ecosystem off the coast of Peru. The dynamics and life cycle of eight major species of the Peruvian marine ecosystem are explicitly considered in the model. Reference simulations provide an overview of the trophic structure of the Peruvian ecosystem during the period 2000–2006. Results of model calibration and simulations are discussed in the light of current empirical knowledge on the trophic functioning of the Peruvian ecosystem and are compared to outputs obtained recently using the trophic model Ecopath.

The impacts on the ecosystem of restoration plans for the depleted hake (Merluccius gayi peruanus) population are explored through two management scenarios: a) a long term reduction of fishing effort targeting hake and b) a moratorium on the hake fishery. The simulations help better understand the recent failure of a 20 month hake moratorium and provide long-term strategic support to ecosystem-based management. Limits of our approach are discussed and recommendations are detailed for future developments of the Osmose model and ecosystem approach to fishery management in the Peruvian context.

Keywords: Marine ecosystem modelling; Individual-based modelling; Predation; Humboldt Current System; Peru; Anchovy; Hake

Saludos cordiales,

Raúl E. Sánchez Scaglioni