Fishery and physical modulation of ecosystem dynamics

A recent ~50 year time series study using averaged North Sea fish catch, recruitment and spawning stock biomass and zoo- and phytoplankton from the Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) survey provides strong evidence for interaction between fish species and plankton. Clear physical forcing of long-term changes in some zooplankton was also shown. The aim is to extend this work to include additional data and to make comparisons with the Irish/Malin Sea. Multivariate analyses and the degree of time lag present between cause and effect, will be used to identify relationships. Work will also attempt to identify those plankton groups that are responding similarly and any regional response to fishery modulation of the plankton in the North Sea.