Estimating trophic guilds based on isotopic niches of demersal fishes, squids and crustaceans in the East China Sea

Abstract

Context Identifying trophic guilds, i.e. species groups having similar trophic niches, is a first step in effective stock and fisheries management with consideration of multiple species interactions or ecosystems. Aims We evaluated isotopic niches by using stable isotope values (δ13C and δ15N) for 53 species, including commercially important demersal fishes, squids and crustaceans, from the continental shelf to the slope of the East China Sea (ECS), to segregate these species into guilds. Methods We inferred the isotopic niche space of each species and community metrics for guilds using Bayesian statistics. Key results Values of δ13C and δ15N showed different isotopic niches among species, reflecting a range of trophic positions and baseline food sources. The 53 species were segregated into 12 guilds on the basis of isotopic niche overlaps. Niche size and evenness differed among guilds; half of the guilds had smaller and less diverse niches than did the others. Conclusions The guilds identified for ECS demersal biota reflected similarities of taxonomy, behaviour, habitat and feeding type; niche size and evenness within each guild might have been influenced by the degree of species interaction. Implications These results provide important ecological information for considering effective multi-species management.