MULTI-TEMPORAL BEHAVIOR OF THE TROPHIC COMPOSITION OF COMMERCIAL FISH IN THE COLOMBIAN CARIBBEAN COAST
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26640/22159045.2026.660Keywords:
Trophic composition, artisanal fishing, food webs, sustainable fishery managementAbstract
The Colombian Caribbean is a region of high ecological and fishing importance, where extractive activities face challenges such as overexploitation and environmental degradation. For this reason, the multi-temporal variation in the trophic composition of commercially caught fish between 2009 and 2020 was analyzed to identify trends and propose strategies for the sustainable management of fishery resources. To achieve this, data from the Colombian Fisheries Statistical Service (SEPEC) from 17 ports along the Caribbean coast were used, applying descriptive statistical analyses and the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test to evaluate changes in the trophic level of catches. Of the total recorded fish, the families Carangidae, Sciaenidae, Haemulidae, Serranidae, Lutjanidae, and Scombridae accounted for 40% of the total catch. It was found that 64% of the species were mesopredator carnivores (trophic levels 3.1–4.0), 25% were top predators (4.1–4.6), and 11% were herbivores and zooplanktivores (2.0–3.0). An 8% reduction in the average trophic level of catches was observed, indicating a process of "fishing down the food web." Furthermore, since 2012, 7% of the families were classified as vulnerable, and since 2015, 1% were listed as critically endangered. The fishery resources of the Colombian Caribbean coast have undergone alterations in the ecosystem's trophic structure, likely due to the intensive extraction of higher-level predators and environmental pressure. Therefore, it is recommended to implement sustainable fishery management strategies, including biological bans, continuous monitoring of catches, and the promotion of selective practices to preserve biodiversity and ensure the stability of fisheries in the region.
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