Historical Depletion And Future Drought-Driven Risks To Gulf Of Mexico Fisheries Production

Authors

• Igal Berenshtein, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science
• Benjamin Kirtman, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science
• Kim de Mutsert, The University of Southern Mississippi
• David D. Chagaris, University of Florida

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-1-2026

School

Ocean Science and Engineering

Abstract

A major depletion of ~42% in total fisheries production occurred in the Gulf of Mexico in the early 1990’s but received limited scientific attention. Here, we show that terrestrial drought in the US during the late 1980s, combined with high Gulf menhaden (Brevoortia patronus) fishing pressure, led to a depleted forage base, with cascading effects on other species and fisheries in the Gulf, acting primarily via a reduction in Mississippi River flow. Ecosystem model simulations support these findings, and more importantly, indicate that anticipated frequent and intense drought conditions under the RCP 8.5 scenario in the US are projected to cause periodic depletions of biomass and catches of ~61% by 2050, and ~72% by 2100, substantially more acute than previous estimates for the Gulf. There is an urgent need to explore possible mitigation strategies and the mechanisms by which drought conditions affect the Gulf and other marine ecosystems.

Publication Title

Nature Communications

Volume

17

Issue

1

Recommended Citation

Berenshtein, I., Kirtman, B., de Mutsert, K., Chagaris, D. (2026). Historical Depletion And Future Drought-Driven Risks To Gulf Of Mexico Fisheries Production. Nature Communications, 17(1).
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/21992