@article{fdi:010064915,
  title = {{M}odelling the {M}editerranean marine ecosystem as a whole : addressing the challenge of complexity},
  author = {{P}iroddi, {C}. and {C}oll, {M}arta and {S}teenbeek, {J}. and {M}oy, {D}. {M}. and {C}hristensen, {V}.},
  editor = {},
  language = {{ENG}},
  abstract = {{A}n ecosystem modelling approach was used to understand and assess the {M}editerranean marine ecosystem structure and function as a whole. {I}n particular, 2 food web models for the 1950s and 2000s were built to investigate: (1) the main structural and functional characteristics of the {M}editerranean food web during these 2 time periods; (2) the key species/functional groups and interactions; (3) the role of fisheries and their impact; and (4) the ecosystem properties of the {M}editerranean {S}ea in comparison with other {E}uropean regional seas. {O}ur results show that small pelagic fishes, mainly {E}uropean pilchards and anchovies, prevailed in terms of biomasses and catches during both periods. {L}arge pelagic fishes, sharks and medium pelagic fishes played a key role in the 1950s ecosystem, and have been replaced in more recent years by benthopelagic and benthic cephalopods. {F}isheries showed large effects on most living groups of the ecosystem in both time periods. {W}hen comparing the {M}editerranean results to those of other {E}uropean regional seas modelling initiatives, the {M}editerranean stood alone in relation to the type of flows (e.g. {M}editerranean {S}ea, flow to detritus: 42%; other {EU} seas, consumption: 43-48%) driving the system and the cycling indices. {T}his suggested higher levels of community stress induced by intensive fishing activities in the {M}editerranean basin. {T}his study constitutes the first attempt to build an historical and current food web model for the whole {M}editerranean {S}ea.},
  keywords = {{E}copath model ; {F}ood web ; {E}cosystem modelling ; {N}etwork analysis ; {F}ishing impact ; {M}editerranean {S}ea ; {MEDITERRANEE}},
  booktitle = {},
  journal = {{M}arine {E}cology {P}rogress {S}eries},
  volume = {533},
  numero = {},
  pages = {47--65},
  ISSN = {0171-8630},
  year = {2015},
  DOI = {10.3354/meps11387},
  URL = {https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010064915},
}