Preliminary trophic structure model for Tampamachoco lagoon, Veracruz, Mexico

Abstract

A preliminary quantitative model of the trophic structure in Tampamachoco lagoon was obtained using Ecopath II and data from relevant studies to date in the area. This is a detritus-based ecosystem. The most important first-level consumers are meiofauna, with an energy flow of 57.8 g m −2 year −1 of dry weight (dw), followed by zooplankton with a flow of 15.7, white mullet with 9.5, and oysters with 7.5 g m −2 year −1 dw. Meiofauna acts as the principal link to higher trophic levels. White mullet and oyster represent most of the biomass (92%) that is subject to commercial fishery. Crustaceans are the most important secondary consumer group with a biomass flow of 12.8 g m −2 year −1 dw. Shrimp, anchovy, and goby are frequent prey of the principal predators in the system. Catfish, snook, croaker, and portunid crabs are the most important third and fourth level consumers. Commercial fishery plays a secondary consumer role with a mean trophic level of 3.08 and with efficiency relative to the primary productivity of 0.0087, which is high compared to other tropical fisheries based on top predators.