Abstract
The Humboldt Current ecosystem off western South America is a typical eastern boundary current upwelling system which is characterized by high levels of organic production. It is dominated by four pelagic schooling fish species: anchovy (Engraulis ringens), sardine (Sardinops sagax sagax), horse mackerel (Trachurus murphyi) and mackerel (Scomber japonicus peruanus). The Peruvian anchovy fishery has been analysed from an ecosystem perspective in two books (Pauly and Tsukayama, 1987; Pauly et ah, 1989). Effects of physical and biological changes on the biomass yield of pelagic fish in the Humboldt Current were described by Alheit and Bernal (1993). A characteristic feature of the Humboldt Current ecosystem is the drastic short-term perturbations caused by the ‘El Nino-Southern Oscillation’ (ENSO). The nature and consequences of ENSO events have been described in numerous articles (for key references see Arntz and Tarazona, 1989).
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
