Spatial and temporal variations in trophic structure of fish assemblages in the Yellow Sea revealed by C and N stable isotopes

Abstract

In this study, we assessed spatial and temporal variations in the trophic structure of fish assemblages in the Yellow Sea during spring and summer 2022 and compared their isotopic niches between the Provisional Measure Zone (PMZ) and Korea's west areas (non-PMZ) within the Yellow Sea. Spatial and temporal differences in the diversity and dominant species of fish assemblages were found between the PMZ and non-PMZ areas between the seasons. The mean δ¹³C values of fish assemblages were relatively higher in the non-PMZ areas than in the PMZ areas. In contrast, no significant differences were found in the mean δ¹⁵N values between the areas. Generally, the isotopic niche indices were relatively narrow in the PMZ areas compared to those in the non-PMZ areas. Overall, these spatial differences between the PMZ and non-PMZ areas suggest different trophic diversity of fish assemblages, resulting from site-specific variations in environmental conditions and community composition.

Keywords: Community; Fishery resources; Isotopic niche indices; Provisional Measure Zone (PMZ); Stable isotopes; Yellow Sea.