Changes in food web structure and ecosystem functioning of a large, shallow Chinese lake during the 1950s, 1980s and 2000s

•Ecopath models for Lake Chaohu were built representing the 1950s, 1980s and 2000s.•Models were validated by trophic level determined by stable isotope.•A collapse of the food web structures were documented.•The ecosystem of Lake Chaohu was moving toward an immature but stable state.•Ecopath model is advocated to be a new management tool for lakes.