Modelling the distribution of marine fishery resources: Where are we?

Abstract

Ecological niche models (ENMs) and species distribution models (SDMs) have been widely applied to various studies relevant to biogeography, conservation biology, and ecology. These modelling techniques seek to develop spatial maps for projecting, among others past, current, and future species distributions. Born in the field of terrestrial ecology, only in recent years have these models been applied to marine environmental issues, especially to improve the forecasting of the distribution of occurrences and capturing of fishery resources. This study aimed to present through bibliometric analysis the characteristics of articles related to the use of ENMs and SDMs in marine fishery resources considering three main points: (1) state of the art: number of articles over the years, journals, countries, collaborations, and focus of research; (2) characteristics linked to fishery resources: marine biogeographic realms, taxonomic groups, life phases, oceanographic zones, and behaviours; (3) characteristics linked to methods: type of method, type of biological and, environmental data. We provide a list of 378 articles (derived from 930 screened ones), the results, and a discussion of our findings, which represent a baseline for the current status (strengths, limits, and gaps) of the interface between ENMs/SDMs and fishery resources.

Distribution Patterns of Grey Mullet in the Taiwan Strait in Relation to Oceanographic Conditions

“…Spatial distribution models (SDMs), which are alternatively referred to as habitat models, ecological niche models, and bioclimatic envelopes, are extensively employed in the evaluation of species-oceanography associations [24]. Spatial distribution models (SDMs) are mathematical models utilized for the purpose of predicting the distribution patterns of a species within its surrounding environment.…”

Comparative Study of Potential Habitats for Simulium qinghaiense (Diptera: Simuliidae) in the Huangshui River Basin, Qinghai–Tibet Plateau: An Analysis Using Four Ecological Niche Models and Optimized Approaches

“…These models significantly enhance our capacity to comprehend patterns of species distribution, making them critical in studying the crucial implications of climate change on biodiversity. Consequently, they have emerged as focal points in research across fields such as ecology, evolutionary biology, and biogeography [35]. While there are plenty of commonly used ENMs, each capable of independently forecasting potentially suitable areas, it is important to note that each model exhibits specific biases or preferences [36].…”