This study evaluates the relationship between both commercial and scientific spatial fisheries data and a new satellite-based estimate of potential fish production (Ocean Productivity available to Fish, OPFish) in the European Seas. To construct OPFish, we used productivity frontal features derived from chlorophyll-a horizontal gradients, which characterize 10%–20% of the global phytoplankton production that effectively fuels higher trophic levels. OPFish is relatively consistent with the spatial distribution of both pelagic and demersal fish landings and catches per unit of effort (LPUEs and CPUEs, respectively). An index of harvest relative to ocean productivity (H_P index) is calculated by dividing these LPUEs or CPUEs with OPFish. The H_P index reflects the intensity of fishing by gear type with regard to local fish production. Low H_P levels indicate lower LPUEs or CPUEs than expected from oceanic production, suggesting over-exploitation, while high H_P levels imply more sustainable fishing. H_P allows comparing the production-dependent suitability of local fishing intensities. Our results from bottom trawl data highlight that over-exploitation of demersal species from the shelves is twice as high in the Mediterranean Sea than in the North-East Atlantic. The estimate of H_P index by dominant pelagic and demersal gears suggests that midwater and bottom otter trawls are associated with the lowest and highest overfishing, respectively. The contrasts of fishing intensity at local scales captured by the H_P index suggest that accounting for the local potential fish production can promote fisheries sustainability in the context of ecosystem-based fisheries management as required by international marine policies.

中文翻译：

---

欧洲海域的中尺度生产力前沿和当地捕鱼机会

本研究评估了商业和科学空间渔业数据与基于卫星的新的欧洲海域潜在鱼类产量（Ocean Productivity available to Fish，OPFish）估计之间的关系。为了构建 OPFish，我们使用了源自叶绿素a水平梯度的生产力前沿特征，它表征了全球浮游植物产量的 10%–20%，可有效促进更高的营养水平。OPFish 与每单位努力（分别为 LPUE 和 CPUE）的远洋和底层鱼类上岸量和捕获量的空间分布相对一致。通过将这些 LPUE 或 CPUE 与 OPFish 相除，可以计算出相对于海洋生产力的收获指数（H _P指数）。为H _P指数反映了与当地鱼类产量有关的渔具类型的捕捞强度。低^ h _P水平表明较低LPUEs或CPUEs比海洋生产预期，暗示过度开采，而高^ h _P水平意味着更多的可持续捕捞。ħ _P允许比较本地钓鱼强度的生产依赖性适用性。我们的底拖网数据结果突出显示，地中海大陆架底层物种的过度开发是东北大西洋的两倍。H _P的估计占主导地位的远洋和底层渔具的指数表明，中层和底水獭拖网分别与最低和最高的过度捕捞有关。_HP指数捕获的当地规模捕捞强度的对比表明，在国际海洋政策要求的基于生态系统的渔业管理背景下，考虑当地潜在的鱼类产量可以促进渔业可持续性。