Fishing effects on spatial distribution and trophic guild structure of the fish community in the Georges Bank region

Abstract

We examined the changes in the spatial distribution and trophic guild structure of the Georges Bank fish community associated with intense exploitation over the last 30 years. As heavily exploited species declined in abundance, their spatial ranges and degree of overlap with other species declined. The converse was true for weakly exploited species whose populations have increased. Despite dramatic alterations in species composition, the trophic guild structure was consistent over time. There are five major trophic guilds on Georges Bank across gradients from benthic to pelagic feeders and fish to invertebrate prey. Exploitation has strongly impacted the piscivores in this system and has modified species interactions through alterations in species composition.