Spatialized ecosystem indicators in the southern Benguela

Based on published distribution maps of 15 key fish species, foraging areas of three top predators during their breeding season, and fishing grounds of the main commercial fleets in the southern Benguela ecosystem, seven spatialized ecosystem indicators are derived: biodiversity, connectivity, mean ratio of fished area and area of distribution by species, exploited fraction of the ecosystem surface area, total catch per fished area by fishery, mean bottom depth of catches, and mean distance of catches from the coast. These indicators are compared and their suitability for an ecosystem approach to fisheries is discussed. The first two indicators characterize the ecosystem; the others are pressure indicators that are also compared with conventional (catch rate) indices of abundance. (c) 2005 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.