Exploring simple ecological indicators on landings and market trends in the South Brazil Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem

Simple ecological indicators were applied to landings and market data from the South Brazil Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem to investigate pressures on the ecosystem over time to contribute to fisheries and ocean assessments in data‐poor ecosystems. The indicators showed an increase in larger, long‐lived and piscivorous pelagic species landings as well as an increase in offshore fishing over the past few decades. Indicators based on market data showed a decrease of not only the target species but also of some long‐lived and large‐size coastal species, resulting in an increase of previously undesired fish species in the markets. Each of the selected indicators expressed part of the picture, while putting all together resulted in a more comprehensive view of the historical behaviour of this system.