Understanding marine ecosystem structure, function and stability from a network perspective

SALINAS, VANESA; SARAVIA, LEONARDO A.; MARINA, TOMÁS I.; RODRÍGUEZ, IARA DIAMELA; MOMO, FERNANDO R.; CORDONE, GEORGINA; DOYLE, SANTIAGO R.

Londres

Workshop; West Antarctic Peninsula and Scotia Arc (WAPSA) working group of SOOS; 2020

Network-based approaches are gaining momentum as one of the most helpful tools for the analysis of ecosystems. We studied the structure, function and stability of Potter Cove ecosystem (South Shetland Islands) using a network approach. We considered trophic and non-trophic interactions. Non-trophic interactions double in number trophic relationships, where competitive interactions prevail (60%). Potter Cove presents a marked bottom spatial heterogeneity, resulting in fundamental differences in the function of the system. Our study emphasizes the complexity of this coastal ecosystem. By applying a network analysis we were able to gain insight about the structure, function and stability of the ecosystem.