Environmental Issue

All Fisheries - Predator to prey unbalances within an ecosystem

Issue

Removing many prey species or predator species from an ecosystem may damage the integrity of the ecosystem.

Risk

unknown

Extent of the issue

This is more likely to be an issue in fisheries where fish stocks have been substantially reduced.

Trends

Unknown

Current management

The government considers possible ecosystem effects when managing fisheries. However, we currently understand little about the relationships and linkages between different species in our marine ecosystems. Towards improving this knowledge, the government is currently investigating predator/prey relationships on the Chatham Rise - New Zealand's largest and most productive fishing ground.

Future management

none currently highlighted.

Documents / links

Chatham / Challenger project
[http://www.fish.govt.nz/en-nz/Environmental/Seabed+Protection+and+Research/Chatham+Challenger+Project/default.htm]
stomach analysis-trophic linkages, Stock Assessment Plenary report