@article{PAR00000214,
  title = {{T}he trophic spectrum: theory and application as an ecosystem indicator},
  author = {{G}ascuel, {D}. and {B}ozec, {Y}. {M}. and {C}hassot, {E}. and {C}olomb, {A}. and {L}aurans, {M}.},
  editor = {},
  language = {{ENG}},
  abstract = {{T}rophic spectra represent the distribution of biomass, abundance, or catch by trophic level, and may be used as indicators of the trophic structure and functioning of aquatic ecosystems in a fisheries context. {A}s a theoretical background, we present a simple ecosystem model of biomass flow reflecting predation and ontogenetic processes. {B}iomass trophic spectrum of total biomass can be modelled as the result of three major factors and processes: trophic efficiency, transfer kinetics, and extent of top-down control. {I}n the simulations, changes in the spectrum highlight fishing impacts on trophic structure and reveal some functional characteristics of the underlying ecosystem. {A}s examples of potential applications, three case studies of trophic spectra are presented. {C}atch trophic spectra allow description of structural differences among {E}uropean fishing areas and periods. {A}bundance trophic spectra of coral-reef fish assemblages display different trophic signatures, characterizing different reef habitats in {N}ew {C}aledonia and highlighting fishing effects in a marine protected area context. {B}iomass trophic spectra of demersal resources off {N}orthwest {A}frica show a shift in ecosystem structure that can be attributed to the rapid increase in fishing pressure during the past few decades. {O}ff {S}enegal, total biomass remained fairly constant, suggesting a strong top-down control linked to fisheries targeting high trophic level species. {O}ff {G}uinea, exploitation rates are spread over a wider range of trophic levels, and the total biomass of demersal resources tended to decrease. {T}he trophic spectrum is concluded to be a useful indicator describing and comparing systems in time and space, detecting phase shifts linked to natural or anthropogenic perturbations, and revealing differences in ecosystem functioning. (c) 2004 {I}nternational {C}ouncil for the {E}xploration of the {S}ea. {P}ublished by {E}lsevier {L}td. {A}ll rights reserved.},
  keywords = {bottom up and top down controls ; ecosystem model ; fishing impact ; flow kinetics ; transfer efficiency ; trophic level ; trophic structure},
  booktitle = {},
  journal = {{I}ces {J}ournal of {M}arine {S}cience},
  volume = {62},
  numero = {3},
  pages = {443--452},
  ISSN = {1054-3139},
  year = {2005},
  DOI = {10.1016/j.icesjms.2004.12.013},
  URL = {https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/{PAR}00000214},
}