Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 13.1
Continued
Group
Ecosystem role
Contribution to
global seafood
supply (% of weight)
Signii cance as
food
Current understanding of
vulnerability to ocean
acidii cation
Relevant references
Finfi sh: small pelagic species
(herrings, sardines,
anchovies). Large pelagic
species (tuna, bonitos,
billi shes). Demersal species
(l ounders, halibut, cod,
haddock). Miscellaneous
coastal species.
Majority of i ni sh are carnivorous
and hence close to or at the top
of food webs or connect important
trophic levels. Thus they play a
major role in the balance of
ecosystems.
Fini sh as a group comprise
the majority of the
world's catch (over 80%).
Small pelagics account
for around 26%, large
pelagics for 21%,
demersals 15%, and
miscellaneous coastal
6%.
Fini sh are a
signii cant
proportion of
human food
consumption, i sh
oil manufacture,
and i sh meal
provision.
Dependence varies
geographically
with some
communities
having a high
reliance, for food
and income.
Direct effects on adult i ni sh unlikely
other than possible orientation and
behavioural changes due to variable
otolith growth rates. Altered
behaviour of larvae may affect
replenishment of i sh populations.
Direct effects on reproduction, egg and
larval development largely unknown.
Checkley et al. ( 2009 ); Cooley and
Doney ( 2009 ); Fabry et al. ( 2008 );
Hoegh-Guldberg et al. ( 2008 );
Kleypas et al. ( 2006 ); Melzner et al.
( 2009 ); Munday et al. ( 2009 , 2010 );
Silverman et al. ( 2009 ); see also
Chapters 7-10.
Indirect effects due to changes in prey
and loss of habitats such as corals is
likely.
