Ecosystem dynamics of the Aleutian Islands

Abstract

Located between Asia and America and extending over a 1,000 mi., the Aleutian Islands have commonly been studied in a partial or fragmented manner. This dissertation presents the use of multiple spatial scales to distinguish between: (i) local and ecosystem-wide processes, and (ii) the ecosystem as defined by management and food web structure. Two marine food web models were developed for the Aleutian Islands area. The first is a static food web model developed for the North Pacific Fisheries Management Council area of the Aleutian Islands. The second is a series of contiguous food web models for each one of thirteen 2-longitudinal degree blocks along the Aleutian Archipelago. In addition to the central and western Aleutian Islands, this model also includes the eastern Aleutian Islands which fall within the management area of the Eastern Bering Sea (northern portion) and the Gulf of Alaska (southern portion). Based on changes in food web structure and fisheries across space I describe the basic structure of the western, central and eastern Aleutian, Islands and compare it to that of the eastern Bering Sea and the Gulf of Alaska. I also describe fisheries, longitudinal trends and changes and make policy recommendations towards a Fisheries Ecosystem Plan for the Aleutian Islands.