Trophodynamics in marine ecology: 70 years after Lindeman

The seminal work of Lindeman (1942), ‘The trophic-dynamic aspect of ecology’ (Ecology 23:399), has been an important starting point for the holistic view of ecosystem tropho - dynamics, but it was initially seldom applied to marine ecosystems. Over the past 70 years, research on marine trophodynamics has become more widespread, producing a variety of analytical methods, and increasing our understanding of marine ecosystem functioning. Yet difficulties remain in transforming this body of knowledge into operational management of marine ecosystems and marine resources. This Theme Section on ‘Trophodynamics in marine ecology’ documents recent advances and lessons learned over the past 70 years, and provides an opportunity to reflect on future directions for marine research