Demersal fish density in the upwelling ecosystem off Colombia, Caribbean Sea: Historic outlook

We conducted a review of historic demersal fish biomass estimates (1970–2001) in the upwelling area off northern Colombia. A clear pattern of decline in demersal fish biomass has been identified. Total demersals and most selected species groups showed a negative trend in mean biomass. Partial recovery in biomass by year 2001 as compared to 1970 was detected, concomitantly with reductions in fishing effort by the shrimp trawling fleet. Triggerfishes and puffers showed an increasing trend in biomass probably as a result of good survivorship as discards from the shrimp fishery. These findings are discussed in the context of current general concerns on the health of world marine ecosystems.