Trends and global application of Ecopath with Ecosim in aquatic food web research: a review

This study provides a bibliometric overview of the Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) literature, focusing on its development, intellectual framework, and current trends. Findings reveal ongoing growth in research activity, with signs of stabilization indicating a mature field. The United States, China, and Europe are the primary contributors, but many other countries are also increasingly involved, with studies being conducted in Africa, supported by strong collaboration networks. A citation analysis highlights a cohesive intellectual base, with several influential papers. Keyword analysis shows a shift from basic trophic flow modeling to more comprehensive, applied research on ecosystem-based management, climate change, and multisource impacts. Overall, EwE has become a sophisticated tool for analyzing complex ecological systems worldwide, underscoring its importance for sustainable ecosystem management.