Harnessing food webs as a framework for enhancing ecosystem multifunctionality

The rapid increase in newly created or restored wetlands does not automatically guarantee the recovery of their intended ecological functions. As a result, maintaining optimal wetland conditions has become an urgent priority. In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis between human-impacted (target) and ecologically intact (reference) wetlands in the Sanjiang Plain. We identified food web maturity—quantified by trophic hierarchy complexity, energy transfer efficiency, and total primary production/total respiration (TPP/TR)—as a potential driver of ecosystem multifunctionality ( p = 0.004). Using benchmarks from the reference wetland benchmarks, we developed an integrated optimization framework for the target wetland. This framework includes: (1) biodiversity regulation via predator augmentation, (2) functional group prioritization using keystoneness index and Mixed Trophic Impact (MTI) analysis, (3) trophic chain modulation through apex predator biomass adjustment (54.4 % of ecological carrying capacity), and (4) strategic aquatic plant biomass harvesting (−60.38 % biomass, 81.46 % detrital waste reduction). Post-intervention, the target wetland's TPP/TR decreased from 2.524 to 1.534, demonstrating enhanced functional alignment with reference conditions. This study provides actionable scientific principles for wetland restoration governance, emphasizing the critical role of targeted food web management in wetlands. • Regions with mature food webs have higher ecosystem multifunctionality. • Propose an optimization scheme for the food web • The results provide guidance for the enhancement of wetland ecosystem functions.