The ecosystem traits index is proposed as a composite index of ecosystem robustness for use in marine resource management.

ABSTRACT: Ecosystem structure and function are seldom represented in ecological indicators used for resource management and conservation, despite their central position in stated objectives of international agreements and national policy on maintaining and conserving global ecosystems. Network theory provides capacity to change this situation. Inspired by the use of composite indicators in emergency warning, planning systems and in network analyses in many other applications, we show that a small suite of network-based indicators can provide a practical basis for measuring ecosystem structure in fisheries management. We suggest an Ecosystem Traits Index (ETI) that provides a rating of the combined ecosystem state and structural integrity. This index combines information captured by: the Hub index, w

SUBMITTER: Fulton EA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12402227 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature