Interdecadal stability in ecological indicators suggests no ecosystem downgrading by a long-standing shark fishery

Abstract

Fishing without management constraints considerably alters stocks, habitats, and ecosystems. Assessing fishing impacts at multiple levels is required to inform ecosystem-based management. We applied a range of ecological indicators to assess potential ecosystem effects resulting from the activities of a long-standing shark fishery in Western Australia. Following considerable fishing reductions triggered by the implementation of a range of management measures, the fishery's spatial distribution, catch composition, and taxonomic and functional diversity indicators have fluctuated, even though remaining relatively stable through time, suggesting no systematic impacts on ecosystem structure.