Variation in the trophic position of common stream fishes and its relationship to the presence of a rare fish,northern leatherside chub (Lepidomeda copei)

Variation in trophic position can be caused by structural changes in food webs that may affect the presence of, or be affected by the presence of, individual species. We examined variation in the trophic position of fishes across 14 stream sites in the Bear River drainage, WY, USA. This drainage is the focus of ongoing conservation of northern leatherside chub (Lepidomeda copei). Our goals were (i) to describe variation in trophic position of individual species and (ii) to determine whether these measures differed between sites with and without northern leatherside chub. Mean trophic position of individual fish species varied between 0 and 3 trophic positions across sites. For two of these species, trophic position declined at sites without northern leatherside chub. Importantly, habitat surveys from a previous study at 10 of these sites revealed no differences in habitat suitability for northern leatherside chub. This suggests that trophic position revealed systematic differences among sites that were not apparent based on traditional species‐habitat modelling. We outline possible mechanisms behind these patterns and argue that monitoring variation in trophic position can complement traditional, habitat‐based methods for understanding species distributions.     

基于鱼类食性的白洋淀食物网研究

2009年6月至2010年5月,对白洋淀8个典型采样点进行了调查,分析了白洋淀鱼类的食性、营养级和食物网特征,绘制了鱼类食物网及能量流动途径。结果显示,白洋淀现有鱼类25种,其食性类型分为草食性、浮游生物食性、底栖生物食性、游泳动物食性、浮游生物＋底栖生物、底栖生物和游泳动物食性共6种;白洋淀的鱼类营养级可分为草食性、...     

基于鱼类食性的白洋淀食物网研究

2009年6月至2010年5月,对白洋淀8个典型采样点进行了调查,分析了白洋淀鱼类的食性、营养级和食物网特征,绘制了鱼类食物网及能量流动途径。结果显示,白洋淀现有鱼类25种,其食性类型分为草食性、浮游生物食性、底栖生物食性、游泳动物食性、浮游生物+底栖生物、底栖生物和游泳动物食性共6种;白洋淀的鱼类营养级可分为草食性、杂食性、低级肉食性、中级肉食性和高级肉食性共5种。与历史资料相比,白洋淀鱼类食物网趋于简单,中级肉食性鱼类匮乏,能量流动出现越级现象,食物网结构不完整,说明其渔业资源遭受严重破坏。     

胶州湾5种虾虎鱼类的营养和空间生态位

应用Shannon-Wiener指数和Pianka重叠指数分析了胶州湾5种虾虎鱼类的食物组成、营养生态位宽度、空间生态位宽度及其重叠,通过计算营养空间二维生态位重叠指数探讨了5种虾虎鱼类种间食物竞争与空间分布的关系。结果表明,胶州湾的5种虾虎鱼均属底栖动物食性,其中斑尾刺虾虎鱼(Synechogobius ommaturus)主要以虾类、多毛类和鱼类为食,而六丝钝尾虾虎鱼(Amblychaeturichthys hexanema)、红狼牙虾虎鱼(Odontamblyopus lace-pedii)、纹缟虾虎鱼(Tridentiger trigonocephalus)和钟馗虾虎鱼(Tridentiger barbatus)则主要摄食桡足类、钩虾、涟虫等小型底栖甲壳动物。在5种虾虎鱼中,六丝钝尾虾虎鱼的营养生态位宽度最高(2.65),纹缟虾虎鱼的空间生态位宽度最高(2.01),而红狼牙虾虎鱼的营养生态位宽度和空间生态位宽度均最低(分别为1.26和0.97)。5种虾虎鱼之间的营养生态位重叠指数在0.03~0.64之间,其中六丝钝尾虾虎鱼与钟馗虾虎鱼的营养生态位重叠指数最高(0.64);空间生态位重叠指数在0.08~0.91之间,最高值出现在红狼牙虾虎鱼与钟馗虾虎鱼之间(0.91);营养空间二维生态位重叠指数在0.0032~0.3648之间,其中钟馗虾虎鱼与六丝钝尾虾虎鱼的营养空间二维生态位重叠指数最高(0.3648),因此最有可能出现激烈的食物竞争,其他鱼种之间则通过营养或空间生态位的分化而降低了种间竞争的程度。     

Diversity and functional importance of coral-feeding fishes on tropical coral reefs

Fishes that feed from live corals (corallivores) are a conspicuous component of healthy coral reef environments. However, knowledge of the occurrence and ecological significance of this feeding mode is fragmentary. Historically, very few fish were considered capable of feeding from live coral, and those few that did were considered ecologically insignificant. More recently, the role of corallivores has been re-evaluated; published records document 128 corallivorous fish species from 11 different families, with 69 of these belonging to the family Chaetodontidae. Other families, including the Labridae, Tetraodontidae, Balistidae, Monacanthidae, Pomacentridae and Scaridae, all have between seven and ten coral-feeding species. One-third of coral-feeding fishes feed almost exclusively on corals, with more than 80% of their diet based on coral. Corallivorous fish show distinct prey preferences and consume only a small subset of available corals, usually the genera Acropora , Pocillopora and Porites . This selective predation by corallivores can limit abundance and distribution of preferred corals. Chronic predation by corallivores may also exacerbate effects of coral disturbance (e.g. climate-induced coral bleaching), impeding reef recovery and causing further coral loss. Conversely, the cover of preferred corals can be a primary determinant of corallivore abundance and physiological condition. Owing to this close association, obligate corallivores invariably decline in response to loss of coral cover. Increased knowledge of the number of corallivores and their diets suggest that this feeding mode is more important to coral reef food webs than traditionally thought.     

The dry-season diet of freshwater fishes in monsoonal tropical rivers of Cape York Peninsula, Australia

Abstract – Fish assemblages in three rivers of eastern Cape York Peninsula, northern Australia, were sampled during the early part of the monsoonal dry season, and the diet of 23 species was quantified. Spatial variation (between-river) in diet was, in general, not pronounced. Sufficient specimens were collected to enable examination of ontogenetic changes in the diet of four species. Interspecific and ontogenetic variation in diet were most strongly related to differences in body size and mouth gape, with larger species or age classes feeding on fish and large aquatic invertebrates. Other gradients upon which dietary differences were arranged included gradients in detritivory and reliance on terrestrial invertebrates. Significant trophic separation was evident in the fauna despite aquatic invertebrates being the most important food item in most species. Seven, and possibly eight, trophic groups were recognized. Notable features of the trophic organization were the prevalence of omnivory and piscivory and relatively small representation by detritivores. Planktivores were essentially absent. Much of the observed trophic structure within the fishes of Cape York Peninsula could be ascribed to the effects of phylogenetic determinants of body size, morphology and foraging mode. The trophic structure within rivers of eastern Cape York Peninsula is compared to other aquatic systems in tropical northern Australia. ^Note     

Diet of introduced largemouth bass in Korean rivers and potential interactions with native fishes

Abstract –  A dietary analysis of largemouth bass ( Micropterus salmoides ), an exotic, piscivorous species, was conducted in large South Korean river systems (>third order streams, 31 sites). Micropterus salmoides larger than 100 mm exhibited intense piscivory on native Korean juvenile fishes, with levels of piscivory amongst the highest recorded globally, for native and introduced populations. Largemouth bass exhibited an ontogenetic shift in diet, showing a progressive increase in piscivory with size, typical of this species within its native range but unlike several studies on introduced largemouth bass in Europe and Africa. Sampling of fish communities at the same sites used for diet studies showed that native piscivores and the main food fish species of largemouth bass were significantly less abundant ( P  = 0.049 and 0.045, respectively) at sites where bass were present than at sites where no bass were recorded. Largemouth bass may pose a threat to the structure of fish assemblages in Korean river systems and further study of their population interactions and how to minimise their spread is needed.     

南沙岛礁周围水域主要鱼类食物网

在南沙岛礁周围水域收集了43种主要鱼类,共940个胃含物,根据对它们的食性分析,并依其食料生物的生态类群以及消化器官特点,一般可划分为浮游生物食性、底栖动物食性、游泳动物食性、浮游生物兼底栖动物食性、底栖动物兼游泳动物食性等5种食性类型。根据食物网中各营养级的相互关系,初步划分为4个营养级,即初级生产者(海洋植物)、草食性动物和杂食性动物、低级肉食性动物和中级肉食性动物、高级肉食性动物。并根据这些营养级的划分,南沙岛礁周围水域43种主要鱼类可分低级肉食性鱼类,中级肉性鱼类和高级肉食性鱼类,它们的比为28105。灰裸顶鲷是南沙岛礁周围水域三重剌网举足轻重的捕捞对象,从食物网的观点出发,应加强灰裸顶鲷幼鱼期敌害鱼和其竞食者的捕捞,为低级肉食性经济鱼类除害,灰裸顶鲷就有可能增加资源量。     

Tracing trophic pathways through the marine ecosystem of Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

1. The structure of food webs provides important insight into biodiversity, organic matter (OM) pathways, and ecosystem functioning.
2. Stable isotope analysis (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N) was used to characterize the trophic structure and the main OM pathways supporting food webs in the Rapa Nui coastal marine ecosystem.
3. The trophic position of consumers and isotopic niche metrics were estimated for different assemblages (i.e. mesozooplankton, emergent zooplankton, reef invertebrates, reef fishes, pelagic fishes, and seabirds). Furthermore, the relative importance of different OM sources (i.e. macroalgae, zooxanthellate corals, and particulate OM [POM]) was assessed for heterotrophic consumers using Bayesian mixing model (MixSIAR).
4. Results show a clear pattern of ¹³C and ¹⁵N enrichment from small-sized pelagic and benthic invertebrates, to reef and pelagic fishes, and seabirds. Most invertebrates were classified as primary consumers, reef fishes as secondary consumers and pelagic predators and seabirds as tertiary and quaternary consumers.
5. Isotopic niche metrics indicate a low trophic diversity for pelagic assemblages (mesozooplankton and pelagic fishes), in contrast to reef fauna (invertebrates and fishes), whose higher trophic diversity suggest the exploitation of a wider range of trophic resources. Overlapping of standard ellipses areas between reef invertebrates and reef fishes indicates that both assemblages could be sharing trophic resources.
6. Mixing models results indicate that POM is the main trophic pathway for mesozooplankton, macroalgae (Rhodophyta) for emergent zooplankton, and a mix of coral-derived OM and Rhodophyta for coral reef assemblages such as macrobenthos and reef invertebrates. In contrast, POM contribution was notably more important for some pelagic fishes and seabirds from upper trophic levels.
7. This study provides key elements for conservation efforts on coral reefs, management planning and full-implementation of the recently created Rapa Nui Multiple Use Marine Protected Area.

     

Assessing the food web impacts of an anadromous Arctic charr introduction to a sub‐Arctic watershed using stable isotopes

Anadromous Arctic charr, Salvelinus alpinus (L.), was introduced to a sub‐Arctic river–lake system near the village of Kujjuuaq, Nunavik, and the stable isotope values and diets of key resident fish species were used to assess changes in feeding patterns. Stable isotope values for most species did not differ significantly between the pre‐ and post‐introduction periods, with observed shifts being within the bounds of expected natural variation. Lake chub, Couesius plumbeus (Agassiz), were the single species to show a difference between study periods, with a small but significant increase in δ¹⁵N. No significant post‐introduction changes were seen in lake trout, Salvelinus namaycush (Walbaum), omnivory or in any of the assessed quantitative food web metrics. Gut contents of major fish species similarly showed significant temporal overlap between the pre‐ and post‐introduction periods, and there was no significant change in species' weight–length relationships. The minor ecological impact was interpreted in relation to the availability of open niches exploitable by ecological generalists such as Arctic charr. The explanation accords with the known habitat and feeding flexibility of Arctic charr and the ecological immaturity of sub‐Arctic lakes known to have driven adaptive variation among Arctic charr. Findings suggest that anadromous Arctic charr may be introduced at moderate densities to other sub‐Arctic watersheds without major negative food web consequences for other resident fish species.     

上海青草沙水库食物网结构特征分析

为了给青草沙水库生态系统能量流动和物质循环分析提供基础数据,并为生物操纵等生态修复实践提供科学依据,在青草沙水库采集了鱼类、底栖动物、浮游植物、浮游动物和悬浮物样品,结合碳氮稳定同位素(δ~(13)C和δ~(15)N)技术和胃肠内含物分析法,利用IsoSource软件计算了不同食物对消费者的贡献率,并应用"简化食物网"原则,构建青草沙水库生态系统食物网,分析其结构特征。结果显示,青草沙水库食物网的δ~(13)C值为-28.15‰～-21.53‰,δ~(15)N值为6.81‰～14.94‰。在青草沙水库中,刀鲚Coilia nasus和红鳍原鲌Culter erythropterus属于顶级肉食者,其营养级分别3.595和3.589,其他鱼类的营养级在2.482～3.264。青草沙水库食物网结构显示,浮游动物对杂食性鱼类贝氏歺又鱼Hemiculter bleekeri(34%)和寡鳞飘鱼Pseudolaubuca engraulis(32%)的碳源贡献率较高,浮游植物对似鱎Toxabramis swinhonis的贡献率(31%)高于浮游动物(11%),大型无脊椎动物对黄颡鱼Pelteobagrus fulvidraco(60%)和光泽黄颡鱼Pseudobagrus nitidus(64%)的贡献率远高于其他食物成分,处在食物网顶端的刀鲚和红鳍原鲌的食物主要来源于饵料鱼类。青草沙水库食物链长度为3.60个营养级。     

Freshwater mussels increase survival of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) in drying pools

Between global climate change and anthropogenic water needs, freshwater systems are becoming more intermittent, stressing organisms adapted to perennial waters. Drought-induced intermittency concentrates aquatic organisms into drying pools. These pools represent refugia from desiccation but apply other stressors, such as extreme temperatures and increased competition for dwindling resources. In the Southern United States, fishes and freshwater mussels are often concentrated together in drying pools during seasonal, summer droughts. This can result in increased competition for food among invertivorous fish, but also increased food abundance for these fish because mussels increase macroinvertebrate abundance. Further, since mussels require fish as hosts for their ectoparasitic larval phase, glochidia, competition with their host during this biologically active time is detrimental to mussels. We conducted an experiment to examine the effects of freshwater mussels on trophic resources and fish survival in drying pools. We stocked mesocosms with juvenile largemouth bass that were infected or uninfected with glochidia and tracked abiotic conditions, trophic resources and fish survival for 10 days. We found that fish survived longer in the presence of adult mussels, regardless of their infection status. We suspect that prey items supplemented by adult freshwater mussels increased the survival of fish. Thus, the presence of adult mussels and the resources that increase in their presence potentially mitigate stress to fish in “ecological crunch times.” By conserving mussels, fish populations might withstand droughts more easily.     

多棘海盘车对四种贝类摄食率和选择性的初步研究

在水温为22～24℃,盐度29.6,溶解氧6.9 mg/L,pH 8.01的条件下,研究了多棘海盘车(Asterias amurensis)对4种贝类栉孔扇贝(Chlamys farreri)、贻贝(Mytilus edulis)、东方缝栖蛤(Hiatella orientalis)、菲律宾蛤仔(Ruditapes philippinarum)的摄食与食物选择性,以期了解多棘海盘车摄食生理生态学特性。结果表明:当只有一种贝类作为饵料时,多棘海盘车对不同贝类的摄食率差异极显著(P<0.01)。其中,对东方缝栖蛤的摄食率最大,为0.005 7～0.008 0 g干重/(h.只)(壳长为7～20 mm),其次是贻贝为0.003 5～0.004 9 g干重/(h.只)(壳长为10～21 mm),对栉孔扇贝的摄食率最小,为0.001 4～0.002 8 g干重/(h.只)(壳长为14～31 mm)。同时,多棘海盘车的摄食率还表现出一定的昼夜差异,夜间的摄食率大于白天,但差异并不显著(P>0.05)。当4种贝类同时作为饵料存在时,多棘海盘车对东方缝栖蛤的摄食率最大,为0.003 0 g干重/(h.只),其次是贻贝为0.001 7 g干重/(h.只),以摄食率评价摄食选择,多棘海盘车对于该4种贝类具有明显的选择性(P<0.05),其摄食选择性的顺序为:东方缝栖蛤,贻贝,菲律宾蛤仔,栉孔扇贝。     

Trophic fingerprint of fish communities in subtropical floodplain lakes

Stable nitrogen isotope ratios (δ¹⁵N) and gut content analysis are commonly used to detect trophic relationships in aquatic systems. Nonetheless, the use of δ¹⁵N in determining the suitability of quantitative and qualitative dietary data as representations of trophic relationships in lake ecosystems remains unverified. Quantitative and qualitative dietary data on 46 fish species were obtained from field surveys in the floodplain lakes of the Yangtze Plain to calculate trophic position and benthivory. Dietary measures using the stable isotope approach were validated. The dietary approach yields comparable results in detecting trophic relationships in lake ecosystems. Our estimation of the benthivory of the 46 fish species ranged from 1.5% to 100%, with an average of 60.3%. These figures support the assumption that benthic energy pathways account for more than half of total fish consumption. Our feeding guild data confirm that more than 50% (including 25 species) of the studied fish species in the floodplain lakes of the Yangtze Plain are omnivorous, suggesting that omnivory is prevalent among subtropical floodplain lakes.     

基于碳氮稳定同位素的太湖鱼类营养生态位研究

为探究太湖鱼类的营养生态位特征，于2019~2020年开展了太湖鱼类的碳氮稳定同位素调查，分析了鱼类营养生态位大小、生态位重叠度及营养级。研究结果表明，鱼类δ13C值范围为-27.67‰~-17.92‰，δ15N值范围为6.02‰~20.31‰。营养生态位大小（SEAc值）范围为0.14‰2~20.43‰2，其中黄颡鱼的生态位最大，光泽黄颡鱼的生态位最小。短颌鲚、陈氏短吻银鱼和鲢的SEAc值均较小，表明他们利用的食物源和生境范围较窄，鳙的SEAc值较大，表明其利用的食物源和生境范围较广。鱼类的营养生态位重叠度为0~70.6%。大银鱼与翘嘴鲌的生态位重叠度最大（70.6%），其次为鲈与翘嘴鲌（39.9%），其余物种间的生态位重叠度范围为0~38.9%。短颌鲚与其他肉食性鱼类的生态位重叠度较小，表明他们之间的食物资源竞争较弱。陈氏短吻银鱼与鲢、鳙在生态位上存在明显的分离，这与陈氏短吻银鱼专食浮游动物有关。鱼类营养级范围为0.73~3.62，鮠一种的营养级最高，泥鳅的营养级最低。分析表明，鱼类营养生态位的大小与其摄食的食物种类以及对不同生境的利用程度有关；大部分鱼类间生态位重叠度较低，表明鱼类在资源利用上存在较大分离。本研究结果也为太湖鱼类食物网分析及渔业资源管理提供了基础数据。     

Spatial patterns in fish biomass and relative trophic level abundance in a wastewater enriched river

Abstract –  It is generally accepted that nutrient enrichment of aquatic systems will lead to increased production at the top trophic level (fish). We found that in the wastewater enriched Bow River, Alberta rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) biomass increased over 25-fold, and brown trout ( Salmo trutta ) biomass increased 5-fold, however total sportfish biomass did not increase below the nutrient input point source. This was due to a dramatic downstream decrease in mountain whitefish ( Prosopium williamsoni ) biomass to 2% of the average biomass upstream of the municipal effluent source. The spatial pattern over a 177-km river section encompassing the city of Calgary, showed that the increase in trout abundance approximately tracked the expected nutrient concentrations in the river, but with a downstream lag of 20–30 km. Mountain whitefish biomass over the 177 km was inversely related to the dominant trout species, rainbow trout. Invertebrate abundance, macrophyte biomass and phytoplankton biomass all increased below the wastewater treatment plant outfalls. However, periphyton data were highly variable and showed no response. We propose several hypotheses as regards the factors that may have led to the decrease in mountain whitefish, based on the data from all trophic levels and the spatial pattern for fish biomass. Proposed factors influencing the mountain whitefish decline were; altered competitive ability because of macrophyte abundance, ammonia toxicity and barriers to movement (weirs).     

海州湾及邻近海域鱼类群落的营养功能群及其动态变化

根据2011年及2013―2016年春季和秋季在海州湾及邻近海域进行的渔业资源底拖网调查,对该海域鱼类群落营养功能群的组成及其季节和年间变化进行了研究。结果表明,海州湾及邻近海域鱼类群落可以划分为5个营养功能群,即虾食性、底栖动物食性、虾/鱼食性、浮游动物食性和鱼食性。整体来说,春季海州湾鱼类群落以底栖动物食性营养功能群为主,其中方氏云鳚(Enedriasfangi)在各年所占比例均较高;而秋季以虾食性营养功能群为主,小眼绿鳍鱼(Chelidonichthys kumu)为主要优势鱼种。从生物量组成角度分析,海州湾鱼类群落各营养功能群所占比例有明显差异,以虾食性和底栖动物食性的功能群为主,其次为虾/鱼食性,而浮游动物食性和鱼食性所占比例较小。方氏云鳚、小眼绿鳍鱼、长蛇鲻(Saurida elongata)、小黄鱼(Larimichthys polyactis)、狮子鱼(Liparis sp.)、玉筋鱼(Ammodytespersonatus)等6种鱼类为各营养功能群的主要优势种类。海州湾及邻近海域鱼类群落的营养功能群和优势种呈现出明显的季节和年间变化,海洋环境变化和鱼类的季节性洄游移动等是主要的影响因素。     

Fish assemblages structure and function along environmental gradients in rivers of Gabon (Africa)

Abstract –  We examined patterns in fish species assemblages structure and function along environmental gradients in rivers of Gabon. Species presence–absence data from 52 sites were first analysed by canonical correspondence analysis. Results showed that the position of sites along the upstream–downstream gradient, together with elevation and water conductance were the most important predictors of local fish assemblage composition. Assemblage richness and trophic structure were further investigated using regression tree analysis. Results revealed a general increase in species richness from upstream to downstream areas and a transition from insectivorous to omnivorous, herbivorous and piscivorous species along this longitudinal gradient. There were several similarities between these previous patterns and those observed in other temperate streams suggesting a potential convergence in fish assemblage along environmental gradients in tropical and temperate riverine systems. From a conservation standpoint, these results highlight the need to evaluate all habitat types along rivers longitudinal gradient to integrate the full spectrum of species assemblages within conservation plans.     

长江口中华绒螯蟹雌蟹的食性和摄食强度

2017年10月-2018年4月逐月采集长江口生殖洄游期中华绒螯蟹(Eriocheir sinensis)雌蟹,运用胃含物分析法分析雌蟹抱卵前后饵料组成、摄食强度以及营养级,探讨其在长江口抱卵繁殖期间的摄食规律。结果表明:雌蟹摄食率、食物饱满指数、平均胃饱满度系数等3项指标具有明显的月份变动,抱卵前雌蟹的摄食指标在10-11月份(秋季)最高,12-2月份(冬季)最低;抱卵后雌蟹的摄食指标在12-2月份(冬季)最低,3-4月份(春季)最高。洄游期的雌蟹抱卵前后饵料来源多样,包括水生植物、藻类、甲壳类、多毛类、鱼类、软体动物、棘皮动物、卵、颗粒碎屑等。其中,藻类、颗粒碎屑和甲壳类为抱卵前的主要饵料,出现频率分别为68.13%、54.76%和19.05%;藻类、颗粒碎屑和水生植物为抱卵后的主要饵料,出现频率分别为70.35%、73.91%和25.39%。雌蟹抱卵前后饵料组成存在显著差异(χ^2=21.57,P<0.05),对差异贡献最大的饵料组成是颗粒碎屑(χ^2=8.32)、甲壳类(χ^2=5.49)和水生植物(χ^2=4.02)。雌蟹抱卵前后的营养级分别为3.60和3.10,平均营养级为3.35,属于第三营养级动物。     

Shifting trophic architecture of marine fisheries in New Zealand: Implications for guiding effective ecosystem‐based management

New Zealand has led the world in restoration of marine fisheries since the introduction of the Quota Management System in 1986, but challenges remain in minimizing the ecosystem‐level effects of industrialized fishing. We analysed existing long‐term fisheries data sets from 1931 to 2015 in New Zealand to resolve trends in important ecological properties of major exploited fish communities. Increases in community dissimilarities of catch composition in 1931 and 1972, followed by increasing total landings, highlight major expansions of fishing grounds and exploited species during these periods. Mirroring global patterns, the remarkable rise in fishing power, demand and generation of new markets in New Zealand have all contributed to this expansion. Marine Trophic Indices (MTIs) of landings have decreased together with total catch after the year 2000, reflecting smaller catches with a higher composition of lower trophic‐level species in recent years. Differences in relative abundance of species estimated between fisheries‐dependent and fisheries‐independent data were observed, where high‐value species displayed better agreement in relative abundance between data sets. Despite being under a Quota Management System, temporal development of MTI values relative to the timing of industrial expansion of fisheries was remarkably similar to those observed in the North Sea and Brazil, with a single expansion and decline. MTI values presented better long‐term stability in the US fisheries analysed. Analysis of long‐term data and the development of well‐resolved ecological baselines will be the first step towards applying EBM to New Zealand fisheries, in keeping with global trends in fisheries management.