Edited by Ainsworth, C., Heymans, S., Pitcher, T.J., and Vasconcellos, M.

ABSTRACT

Four Ecopath with Ecosim models were constructed to represent the marine ecosystem of northern British Columbia as it appeared in the years 1750, 1900, 1950 and 2000. The time periods were selected to characterize distinct epochs in the progression of exploitation and ecosystem structure (as required under Back to the Future methodology). Historical, archival and archeological information were used to construct the past models, as well as traditional ecological knowledge gained from community interviews. Approximately 150 species and genera are included, with many more implicit in the models. These players are grouped into 53 functional model groups, arranged by trophic similarity and habitat preference; special distinction is given to commercially important animals. Biomass, production, consumption and diet are among the parameters used to describe each group, as well as period-appropriate fisheries, bycatch and discards. The static Ecopath models described in this report represent the basis of dynamic Ecosim models, which can be used to test hypotheses regarding ecosystem structure/function and management strategies.

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