Identification of Keystone Species in Ecological Communities in the East China Sea

Keystone species are critical to preserving community stability and species diversity. Identifying key species and investigating their ecological regulation will help to prioritize important species and gain a better understanding of community stability mechanisms. It is based on this understanding that the present study tried to elucidate major keystone species in an important ecosystem in eastern Chinese waters. Therefore, data were collected from fisheries surveys conducted between 2016 and 2021 in the East China Sea. We identified Muraenesox cinereus, Leptochela gracilis, and Trichiurus lepturus as keystone species in the region based on the results of principal component analysis of ten network indices. The removal analysis performed suggested that the loss of keystone species might have a negative impact on the complexity and stability of the food web in the East China Sea. As a result, keystone species should be prioritized in marine ecosystems.

Automated summary

Keystone species play a crucial role in maintaining community stability and species diversity. Identifying and studying these species helps prioritize important species and enhance the understanding of community stability mechanisms. This study aimed to identify major keystone species in an important ecosystem in the East China Sea. Data from fisheries surveys conducted between 2016 and 2021 were analyzed, and Muraenesox cinereus, Leptochela gracilis, and Trichiurus lepturus were identified as keystone species based on principal component analysis. Removal analysis suggested that the loss of keystone species could negatively impact the complexity and stability of the food web in the East China Sea. Therefore, prioritizing keystone species in marine ecosystems is crucial.