Ecosystem models for management advice: An analysis of recreational and commercial fisheries policies in Baja California Sur, Mexico

► We develop an Ecopath with Ecosim model for the pelagic marine ecosystem off Baja California Sur, Mexico. ► We test results of management policies for recreational billfishing and shark longlining. ► Reductions in fishing effort have positive effects on targeted species. ► Ecological dynamics can cause counter-intuitive policy outcomes and must be taken into account.