Analysis of the ecosystem structure of Laguna Alvarado, western Gulf of Mexico, by means of a mass balance model

摘要: Abstract Alvarado is one of the most productive estuary-lagoon systems in Mexican Gulf Mexico. It has great economic and ecological importance due to high fisheries productivity because it serves as a nursery, feeding, reproduction area for numerous populations fishes crustaceans. Because this, extensive studies have focused on biology, ecology, (e.g. shrimp, oysters) other biological components system during last few decades. This study presents mass-balanced trophic model Laguna determine it's structure functional form, compare with similar coastal Mexico Pacific coast. The model, based software Ecopath Ecosim, consists eighteen fish groups, seven invertebrate group each sharks rays, marine mammals, phytoplankton, sea grasses detritus. acceptability indicated by pedigree index (0.5) which range from 0 1 quality input data. highest level was 3.6 mammals snappers. Total throughput reached 2680 t km −2  year −1 , total consumption made up 47%, respiratory flows 37% detritus 16%. production higher than consumption, net primary respiration. mean transfer efficiency 13.8%. catch 2.3 required sustain estimated 31 t km  yr . Ecosystem overhead 2.4 times ascendancy. Results suggest balance between consumption. In contrast lagoons, differs strongly relation source energy; here producers (seagrasses) are more important pathways. fact can be interpreted response mangrove deforest, overfishing, etc. Future work might include compilation fishing biomass time trends develop historical verification fitting temporal simulations.