Dynamics of marine ecosystems: target species
Gifford, D.J.; Harris, R.P.; McKinnell, S.M.; Peterson, W.T.; St. John, M.A. (2010). Dynamics of marine ecosystems: target species, in: Barange, M. et al. (Ed.) Marine Ecosystems and Global Change. pp. 75-88 |
| Authors | | Top | - Gifford, D.J.
- Harris, R.P.
- McKinnell, S.M.
| - Peterson, W.T.
- St. John, M.A.
| |
| Abstract | Because of GLOBEC's focus on population dynamics, species-level research is central to the programme, and most field, retrospective and modeling studies were directed at target species defined on the basis of their suitability for use in the comparative approach or their trophic role in the ecosystem. Target species may be economically significant due to their contribution to local, regional, and national economies through subsistence, commercial enterprise, and use by indigenous peoples. Target species of conservation significance may be the subjects of regional, national, or international conservation agreements. Target species of social or cultural significance have value to human communities because of their historical, aesthetic, educational, or recreational value. GLOBEC target species are heavily weighted towards marine pelagic organisms, particularly zooplankton. However, vertebrates with largely (seabirds and seals) or wholly (whales) pelagic life histories have been studied in some ecosystems, as have anadromous fish whose life history is not entirely marine. Here, this chapter reviews major groups of GLOBEC target species: Calanus and other large copepods, salmonids, cod, small pelagic fish, and large apex predators. |
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