Large-scale, mass-balance trophic models have been developed for northern and southern regions of both the Benguela and Humboldt upwelling ecosystems. Four of these Ecopath models were compared and calibrated against one another. A common model structure was established, and a common basis was used to derive poorly known parameter values. The four resulting models represent ecosystems in which the main commercial fish species have been moderately to heavily fished: central-southern Chile (1992), northern-central Peru (1973-1981), South Africa (1980-1989), and Namibia (1995-2000). Quantitative ecosystem indicators derived from these models were compared. Indicators based on large flows (involving low trophic levels) or top predators were not well estimated, because of aggregation problems. Many of the indicators could be contrasted on the basis of differences between the Benguela and Humboldt systems, rather than on the basis of fishing impact. These include integrated values relating to total catches, and trophic levels of key species groups. Indicators based on integrated biomass, total production, and total consumption tended to capture differences between the model for Namibia (where fish populations were severely reduced) and the other models. We conclude that a suite of indicators is required to represent ecosystem state, and that interpretation requires relatively detailed understanding of the different ecosystems. © 2004 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.