Éditeur(s) : Inter-Research
Résumé : The species richness pattern of groundfish species in the entire northern Mediterranean Sea was examined at 3 spatial scales: region, large biogeographical zone and basin. We analysed 1914 trawl hauls collected using a single sampling design in the trawlable areas of the continental shelves between the Strait of Gibraltar and the Strait of Dardanelles (from 36.3 to 45.7 degrees N and 5.3 degrees W to 28 E). Spatial pattern in species diversity was assessed using complementary methods (Chao2 estimates of total species richness, mean species richness and beta diversity). No matter which scale was used, the expected longitudinally decreasing trend in species richness, which has been widely described in previous studies, did not appear when comparing estimates of total species richness per unit of area. Only the mean species richness pattern showed a moderate eastwards decrease at the largest spatial scale, but the trend progressively disappeared as the scale of analysis was reduced. In contrast to what is usually expected, our results suggest that Atlantic inflow does not play a key role in the present spatial pattern of fish species richness within the northern Mediterranean Sea. Furthermore, we show that the Aegean Sea can no longer be considered the least species-diverse zone in the northern Mediterranean Sea. Our results provide the first description of a quantitative 'reference state', with which the temporal changes in species richness patterns throughout the entire northern Mediterranean Sea can be compared in the future.
Marine Ecology Progress Series (0171-8630) (Inter-Research), 2007-07 , Vol. 341 , P. 191-203

Droits : 2007 Inter-Research
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/2007/publication-3569.pdf
DOI:10.3354/meps341191
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/3569/

Éditeur(s) : Inter-Research
Résumé : The spatial structure of demersal fish assemblages on the continental shelf of the NW Mediterranean Sea was examined on a large scale between the Straits of Gibraltar and the Gulf of Lions. In contrast to its predominant role in the spatial distribution of species composition, described worldwide, it seems depth has only a limited effect on the distribution patterns of the total abundance and diversity of demersal fishes. In addition, evidence is provided for the division of the whole study area into 3 geographical fish assemblages. The influence of Atlantic inputs and the semi-permanent Almena-Oran hydrographic front play a key role in defining the Alboran Sea as a specific fish fauna area. Moreover, the clear differentiation between 2 distinct assemblages in the Gulf of Lions and the Catalan Sea could be partly linked to the North Balearic front. These results contribute to the current debate on the definition of spatial units for the purpose of demersal fisheries management. They also stress the complexity of developing an ecosystem approach which deals simultaneously with species composition and biodiversity aspects of ecosystems management.
Marine Ecology Progress Series (0171-8630) (Inter-Research), 2005-08 , Vol. 297 , P. 245-257

Droits : Inter-Research 2005
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/2005/publication-3623.pdf
DOI:10.3354/meps297245
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/3623/