Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Paris : Muséum national d'histoire naturelle
Résumé : International audience
Coral reefs are one of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth and sustain millions of people worldwide.However, coral reefs are temporally dynamic and fragile systems subject to ever increasing disturbancesof anthoropogenic and natural origins. Understanding the patterns and trajectories of changes through time isurgently needed to estimate the resilience of coral reefs. To ascertain these patterns, we depend on the availabilityof long-term datasets, which are seldom available. In this study, we present the data set which allowed us to analysethe long-term trends of coral and fish assemblages for the island of Moorea (French Polynesia) from 1983to 2014, a dataset spanning 32 years, comprising two Acanthaster planci outbreaks (1987 and 2006) and severalhurricanes (1982, 1983, 1991 and 2010), on three permanent monitoring sites (quadrats of 50 × 2 m2) located onboth fringing and barrier reefs as well as on the outer slope. Coral cover oscillated significantly over time, particularlyon the outer slope where it suffered greatly from the effects of A. planci outbreaks and hurricanes. Totalfish and commercial fish abundances varied significantly across the three habitats. Prior to 2000, both total fishand herbivorous fish abundances increased on the barrier reef while after this time, numbers began to drop significantlyalong the outer slope. Species richness for total, commercialized and herbivorous fish increased over thesampling period for all three habitats. There were varied responses amongst species to disturbances on the outerslope over the sampling period: while some tended to disappear for a while before reappearing, others showed apeak in abundance in the middle of the sampling period, and still others increased or decreased continuously orwere stable over time. Our results support the view that coral reefs are highly dynamic systems and that differentfunctional groups show different temporal trajectories. While disturbance is probably the major driver for coralcover dynamics, its impact is less obvious for fish, possibly due to their mobility and population dynamics whichmay mask the effect of disturbance.
Les récifs coralliens sont des systèmes dynamiques et diversifiés régulièrement soumis à des perturbationsnaturelles et anthropiques, sources d’hétérogénéité spatiale et temporelle dans la structure et la dynamique deces communautés d’organismes que sont, entre autres, les poissons et les coraux. Récemment, il a été démontréque les activités humaines pouvaient modifier les régimes naturels de perturbations des récifs coralliens en transformantles événements ponctuels en perturbations persistantes ou en stress chronique, soit en introduisant denouveaux types de perturbations, soit en ajoutant ou altérant certaines perturbations naturelles nécessaires au bonmaintien de la dynamique inhérente aux récifs. Dans cette étude, nous présentons la base de données qui nouspermettra d’analyser les tendances à long-terme des assemblages de poissons et de coraux de l’île de Moorea(Polynésie française) entre 1983 et 2014 sur une période de 32 ans, comprenant deux proliférations d’Acanthasterplanci (1987 et 2006) et plusieurs cyclones (1982, 1983, 1991 et 2010), sur trois sites de suivi permanents(quadrats de 50 × 2 m2) sur les récifs barrière et frangeant ainsi que sur la pente externe. La couverture corallienneprésente de fortes oscillations, en particulier sur la pente externe où elle a répondu fortement à la proliférationd’A. planci et des cyclones. Les abondances des poissons totaux et des poissons commercialisés montrent destendances contrastées sur les trois habitats, avec, plus particulièrement, une augmentation sur le récif barrière etune diminution sur la pente externe après 2000. Ces tendances se retrouvent chez les poissons herbivores dansces deux habitats. La richesse spécifique des poissons totaux, commerciaux et herbivores, augmente de façoncontinue au cours de la période d’étude dans les trois habitats. Des groupes particuliers d’espèces répondentdifféremment aux perturbations de la pente externe au cours du suivi : alors que certaines espèces ont tendanceà disparaître pendant quelques années avant de réapparaître, d’autres présentent un pic en terme d’abondanceen milieu de suivi ; d’autres espèces ont des abondances qui augmentent ou diminuent de façon continue, etd’autres encore montrent des abondances stables. Ceci indique que les récifs coralliens sont des systèmes trèsdynamiques dans lesquels les perturbations naturelles peuvent affecter les espèces de façon différente. Alors quele régime de perturbations naturelles semble être important pour la dynamique de la couverture corallienne danscertains habitats, cela se retrouve beaucoup moins pour les poissons. Cette atténuation des fluctuations spatialeset temporelles peut être due aux aptitudes de dispersion de nombreuses espèces de poissons, capables de chercherun autre habitat favorable en cas de perturbation de l’habitat corallien d’origine.
ISSN: 0399-0974

hal-01282378
https://hal-univ-perp.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01282378

Éditeur(s) : Université Bretagne Ouest
Résumé : This work deals with the fishing effects on the diversity dynamics of demersal fish communities, focusing on the biotic interactions. Multispecies indices are used in order to characterize the demersal fish community dynamics of the Bay of Biscay and of the Gulf of Lions. These are the diversity indices, the temporal variability of the total biomass and of the slope of the number size spectra and the slope of the species-area curves (spatial segregation). The yearly bottom trawl surveys EVHOE, CHALIST and MEDITS, carried out in these two areas since 1983 by IFREMER for the stocks assessment provide the data. The differences between areas are related to a fishing index (mean value of the annual landings of demersal fish per surface area). Other areas are included in the analysis when the index values are available from the published literature (North Sea, Scotian Shelf, Kenya, French Guyana). It is argued from the diversity indices analysis that the Gulf of Lions community is more diverse and less disturbed than the Bay of Biscay one. This result is not consistent with a fishing effect but with biogeography. The total biomass variability and the slope variability of size spectra are higher in the most harvested areas than in the least ones. On the contrary, the species-area slope is the lowest in the most harvested areas. Theoretically, biotic interactions decrease the total biomass variability and the spectra slope variability because of compensations and increase the species area slope because of competitive exclusion. It is concluded that harvesting alters biotic interactions and favour local coexistence by decreasing competitive exclusion. The species diversity maintenance depends on competitive exclusion. Hence, biodiversity is threatened not only by a direct fishing effect but also by a dynamics alteration.
Ce mémoire aborde le problème de l'impact de l'exploitation par la pêche sur la dynamique de diversité des peuplements de poissons démersaux. Les effets de la pêche sur le rôle des interactions biotiques entre espèces dans la dynamique des peuplements sont plus particulièrement analysés à l'aide de descripteurs multispécifiques. Les descripteurs utilisés sont les indices de diversité, la variabilité temporelle de la biomasse totale et de la pente multispécifique du spectre de poids et la pente des droites d'accumulation d'espèces mesurant la ségrégation spatiale. Les valeurs de ces indices sont calculées à partir des données de campagnes annuelles de chalutage de fond EVHOE, CHALIST et MEDITS, menées par l'IFREMER depuis 1983 pour l'évaluation des ressources halieutiques dans le golfe de Gascogne et dans le golfe du Lion. Les différences de caractéristiques de dynamique entre les deux peuplements révélées par ces descripteurs sont mises en relation avec un indice d'exploitation (valeur moyenne des débarquements annuels, divisée par la surface du plateau de la région concernée). D'autres régions ont été intégrées dans cette analyse lorsque les valeurs des indicateurs étaient disponibles dans la littérature (Mer du Nord, plateau de Nouvelle-Ecosse, Kenya et Guyane Française). Les indices de diversité utilisés permettent de mettre en évidence que le peuplement du golfe du Lion est plus diversifié et moins soumis à perturbations que celui du golfe de Gascogne. Ces caractéristiques semblent dues à l'histoire biogéographique de ces deux régions et non à un effet de la pêche. La variabilité de la biomasse totale et celle de la pente du spectre multispécifique augmentent depuis les régions les moins exploitées vers les plus exploitées. A l'inverse, la ségrégation spatiale diminue. En théorie, les interactions entre espèces diminuent la variabilité temporelle de la biomasse totale et de la pente du spectre multispécifique, à cause de compensations entre espèces, et augmentent la ségrégation spatiale par exclusion compétitive. L'interprétation donnée des résultats obtenus est ainsi une altération des interactions entre les espèces par l'exploitation. En prélevant de la biomasse, l'exploitation augmente la disponibilité des ressources pour les individus non pêchés. En conséquence, l'exclusion compétitive diminue et la coexistence locale des individus est facilitée. A long terme, la diversité est donc menacée, non seulement par raréfaction des espèces prélevées par l'exploitation mais aussi parce que les interactions sont altérées et que le maintien de la diversité en dépend pour partie.

Droits : info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/2000/these-6670.pdf
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/6670/

Éditeur(s) : Yale University
Résumé : Sea-surface temperature images of the coastal upwelling regions off Northwest Africa show that the core of upwelling is sometimes located far from the coast. This has been documented in three regions that share a common feature, namely a wide and shallow continental shelf. This upwelling feature plays a key role in the ecology of the Canary Current System. It creates an innerfront which provides retention for biological material, e.g. fish eggs and larvae, in the highly productive nearshore environment. An analytical model has been developed based on a two dimensional extension of Ekman's solution. The linear and steady response of a homogeneous ocean forced by an upwelling-favorable wind provides a mechanism for the upwelling separation from the coast. The merging of the surface and bottom Ekman layers induces a very weak cross-shore circulation and a "kinematic barrier" for the Ekman transport divergence. In the case of an alongshore wind, the barrier is located near the isobath h ≈ 0.4D, where D is the thickness of Ekman layers. This yields an upwelling cell which is essentially concentrated in the region 0.5D < h < 1.25D, with upwelling occurring preferentially near the isobath h ≈ 0.6D. It turns out that the cross-shore width of upwelling scales with D/S, the ratio of Ekman depth to bottom topographic slope. The application of this solution to real bathymetric profiles rationalizes, not only the offshore upwelling observations in Northwest Africa, but also the influence of topography on the cross-shelf structure of a wind-driven coastal upwelling. The model also quantifies the effect of the cross-shore wind component showing how it drives the nearshore pressure gradient adjustment and how it affects the upwelling. A linear numerical experiment reproduces the theoretical steady solution, thereby allowing investigation of the transient regime. Relaxation of the hypothesis in the numerical model validates the linear assumption of the theory and then allows investigation of the sensitivity to friction parameterizations and the influence of stratification. The latter leads to an "oscillation" of the upwelling cell with seaward migration driven by outcropping and homogeneization of the water column, and, coastal incursion driven by a "boundary layers splitting" process caused by shoreward advection of the isopycnal dome and stratification of the inner shelf.
Journal of Marine Research (Yale University), 2008-09 , Vol. 66 , N. 5 , P. 589-616

Droits : 2008 Yale University
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/2008/publication-6334.pdf
DOI:10.1357/002224008787536790
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/6334/

Éditeur(s) : Public Library Science
Résumé : Estimating diversity and abundance of fish species is fundamental for understanding community structure and dynamics of coral reefs. When designing a sampling protocol, one crucial step is the choice of the most suitable sampling technique which is a compromise between the questions addressed, the available means and the precision required. The objective of this study is to compare the ability to sample reef fish communities at the same locations using two techniques based on the same stationary point count method: one using Underwater Visual Census (UVC) and the other rotating video (STAVIRO). UVC and STAVIRO observations were carried out on the exact same 26 points on the reef slope of an intermediate reef and the associated inner barrier reefs. STAVIRO systems were always deployed 30 min to 1 hour after UVC and set exactly at the same place. Our study shows that; (i) fish community observations by UVC and STAVIRO differed significantly; (ii) species richness and density of large species were not significantly different between techniques; (iii) species richness and density of small species were higher for UVC; (iv) density of fished species was higher for STAVIRO and (v) only UVC detected significant differences in fish assemblage structure across reef type at the spatial scale studied. We recommend that the two techniques should be used in a complementary way to survey a large area within a short period of time. UVC may census reef fish within complex habitats or in very shallow areas such as reef flat whereas STAVIRO would enable carrying out a large number of stations focused on large and diver-averse species, particularly in the areas not covered by UVC due to time and depth constraints. This methodology would considerably increase the spatial coverage and replication level of fish monitoring surveys.
Plos One (1932-6203) (Public Library Science), 2014-01 , Vol. 9 , N. 1 , P. -

Droits : 2014 Mallet et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00170/28132/26352.pdf
DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0084344
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00170/28132/

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association
Résumé : International audience
Juan de Nova is one of the scattered islands known as Iles Eparses in the Mozambique Channel (Western Indian Ocean). Historically, they have been isolated from many anthropogenic influences which makes them ideal areas to study biodiversity for comparison with areas that are heavily impacted by urbanization and fishing. The programme BioReCie (Biodiversity, Resources and Conservation of Eparses Islands) undertook inventories of several marine groups, including echinoderms, which had hitherto not been assessed in Juan de Nova. A multidisciplinary team surveyed the reef slopes of the island using SCUBA to a depth of 25 m as well as the reef flats at low tide, collecting specimens and taking photos for identification. Sixty echinoderm species were found, with 51 occurring on the reef flats and in the lagoon and 22 on the reef slopes, comprising 21 species of Holothuroidea, 16 Ophiuroidea, 10 Echinoidea, 7 Asteroidea, and 6 Crinoidea. Commercial species of Holothuroidea, some of which are classified as endangered in the IUCN red list, i.e. Thelenota ananas and Holothuria nobilis, were present on the reef flats, reef slopes and in the lagoon of the island, indicating the value that protection has on biodiversity.
ISSN: 0856-860X

hal-01306709
http://hal.univ-reunion.fr/hal-01306709
http://hal.univ-reunion.fr/hal-01306709/document
http://hal.univ-reunion.fr/hal-01306709/file/A%20First%20Inventory%20of%20Echinodermata%20at%20Juan%20de%20Nova_hal.pdf

Éditeur(s) : Soc Francaise D Ichtyologie
Résumé : This work deals with the fishing effects on the diversity dynamics of demersal fish communities, focusing on the biotic interactions. Multispecies indices were used in order to characterise the demersal fish community dynamics of the Bay of Biscay and of the Gulf of Lions. These are the diversity indices, the temporal variability of the total biomass and of the slope of the number size spectra and the slope of the species-area curves (spatial segregation). The data were provided by yearly bottom trawl surveys EVHOE, CHALIST and MEDITS carried out in these two areas since 1983 by IFREMER for stock assessment. The differences between areas are related to a fishing index (mean value of the annual landings of demersal fish per surface area). Other areas are included in the analysis when the index values are available from the published literature (North Sea, Scotian Shelf, Kenya, French Guyana). From the diversity indices analysis it is argued that the Gulf of Lions community is more diverse and less disturbed than the Bay of Biscay one. This result is not consistent with a fishing effect. It is interpreted as a biogeography pattern. The total biomass variability and the slope variability of size spectra are higher in the most harvested areas than in the least ones. On the contrary, the species-area slope is the lowest in the most harvested areas. Theoretically, biotic interactions decrease the total biomass variability and the spectra slope variability because of compensations, and increase the species area slope because of competitive exclusion. It is concluded that harvesting alters biotic interactions and favours local coexistence by decreasing competitive exclusion. The species diversity maintenance depends on competitive exclusion. Hence, biodiversity is threatened not only by a direct fishing effect but also by a dynamics alteration.
Ce mémoire aborde le problème de l'impact de l'exploitation par la pêche sur la dynamique de diversité des peuplements de poissons démersaux. Les effets de la pêche sur le rôle des interactions biotiques entre espèces dans la dynamique des peuplements sont plus particulièrement analysés à l'aide de descripteurs multispécifiques. Les descripteurs utilisés sont les indices de diversité, la variabilité temporelle de la biomasse totale et de la pente multispécifique du spectre de poids et la pente des droites d'accumulation d'espèces mesurant la ségrégation spatiale. Les valeurs de ces indices sont calculées à partir des données de campagnes annuelles de chalutage de fond EVHOE, CHALIST et MEDITS, menées par l'IFREMER depuis 1983 pour évaluer les ressources halieutiques dans le golfe de Gascogne et dans le golfe du Lion. Les différences de caractéristiques de dynamique entre les deux peuplements révélées par ces descripteurs sont mises en relation avec un indice d'exploitation (valeur moyenne des débarquements annuels, divisée par la surface du plateau de la région concernée). D'autres régions ont été intégrées dans cette analyse lorsque les valeurs des indicateurs étaient disponibles dans la littérature (Mer du Nord, plateau de Nouvelle-Ecosse, Kenya et Guyane Française). Les indices de diversité utilisés permettent de mettre en évidence que le peuplement du golfe du Lion est plus diversifié et moins soumis à perturbations que celui du golfe de Gascogne. Ces caractéristiques semblent dues à l'histoire biogéographique de ces deux régions et non à un effet de la pêche. La variabilité de la biomasse totale et celle de la pente du spectre multispécifique augmentent depuis les régions les moins exploitées vers les plus exploitées. A l'inverse, la ségrégation spatiale diminue. En théorie, les interactions entre espèces diminuent la variabilité temporelle de la biomasse totale et de la pente du spectre multispécifique, à cause de compensations entre espèces, et augmentent la ségrégation spatiale par exclusion compétitive. L'interprétation donnée des résultats obtenus est ainsi une altération des interactions entre les espèces par l'exploitation. En prélevant de la biomasse, l'exploitation augmente la disponibilité des ressources pour les individus non pêchés. En conséquence, l'exclusion compétitive diminue et la coexistence locale des individus est facilitée. A long terme, la diversité est donc menacée, non seulement par raréfaction des espèces prélevées par l'exploitation mais aussi parce que les interactions sont altérées et que le maintien de la diversité en dépend pour partie.
Cybium (0399-0974) (Soc Francaise D Ichtyologie), 2001 , Vol. 25 , N. 3 , P. 293-294

Droits : info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/10248/7688.pdf
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/10248/

Éditeur(s) : Société Nationale de Protection de la Nature
Résumé : Monitoring of French Polynesia coral reefs and their recent development.-French Polynesia, consisting of 118 islands in the centre of the Pacific Ocean, has more than 15 000 km(2) of reefs and lagoons managed by the local government. Tourism and pearl culture are the two main economic resources of the country. Polynesian coral reefs are extremely diverse and are among those for which we have thorough knowledge. The exploitation of local resources has been recorded for multiple decades and includes : coral materials, fishing, harvest and export of mother-of-pearl molluscs, pearl production, and ornamental fish. All over the country, many monitoring programmes have been launched to measure the health of reefs and the natural and anthropogenic perturbations that they suffer : hurricanes and seismic events, water quality, health of benthic and fish communities, pearl oyster pathology and radiobiology. These data, collected over the last few decades, allowed to define the relative importance of natural and anthropogenic degradation on reefs and lagoons, and to explain the present status of reefs at different spatial scales. Devastating hurricanes are rare (1903-1906, 1982-1983 and occasionally at other times), but they may annihilate outer slope coral communities on some islands. Bleaching events with considerable coral mortality at different geographical scales occurred mainly in 1991, 1994 and 2003. Outbreaks of Acanthaster destroyed numerous reefs (lagoons and outer slopes) from 1978-1982 and a new demographic wave began in 2006 at many Society islands. Eutrophication events only occurred occasionally and only in some lagoons. Whereas natural catastrophic events degrade the coral reef ecosystem across many islands, at the archipelago or even regional scale, anthropogenic degradation is limited to a few Society Islands, occurring rarely on atolls and not at all on those (one third) which are uninhabited. The main causes of reef degradation in some areas of Tahiti and Moorea include the embankment of fringing zones, coral mining, overfishing, absence of urban sewage treatment and the development of leisure and tourism activities. Because of its large geographical extent, one may conclude that major reef degradation in French Polynesia is caused by catastrophic natural events. On the other hand, anthropogenic degradation is more localized. Unfortunately, the synergistic effects of these causes of degradation prevent reefs from recovering. Optimum coral cover on French Polynesian outer reef slopes is between 50-60%. After a major destructive impact (hurricane, bleaching, Acanthaster) a reef is reduced to less than 10% coral cover, however if no more major disturbance events occur a reef will recover in about 12 years. Most of the 15 000 km(2) of reefs and lagoons in French Polynesia are in good health, and along with their neighbouring reefs in East and Central Pacific they are considered as the least degraded reefs worldwide and at a low risk of becoming degraded in the few next decades. However, we are more and more anxious about the future of reefs in the world particularly because present simulations predict that major impacts of climate change would include : elevation of sea surface temperatures, increase in the strength of hurricanes and acidification of seawater which will affect the formation of coral structures.
La Polynésie française, 118 îles au coeur du Pacifique, possède une surface de plus de 15 000 km2 de récifs et lagons gérés par le gouvernement polynésien. Le tourisme et la perliculture représentent les deux ressources économiques majeures du Pays. Les formations récifales très diversifiées sont parmi les mieux connues. Plusieurs suivis d'exploitation des ressources sont opérationnels depuis des décennies : granulats coralliens, pêche pour l'alimentation, collecte et exportation de mollusques nacriers, production de perles, poissons d'ornement. À l'échelle du Pays de très nombreux programmes de surveillance de l'état des récifs et des perturbations qu'ils subissent, naturelles et anthropiques, ont été mis en place : perturbations cycloniques et sismiques, qualité des eaux, état de santé des peuplements benthiques et ichtyologiques, pathologie des nacres, radiobiologie. Toutes ces données recueillies au fi l des décennies ont permis d'établir l'importance relative des dégradations naturelles et anthropiques sur les récifs et lagons polynésiens et d'expliquer leur état de santé actuel en considérant différentes échelles spatiales. Les périodes cycloniques dévastatrices pour les récifs sont rares (1903-1906, 1982-1983 et épisodiquement) mais les cyclones ont parfois anéanti les communautés coralliennes de pentes externes dans certaines îles. Les blanchissements suivis de mortalités importantes à des échelles spatiales diverses, ont été surtout ceux de 1991, 1994 et 2003. Les explosions démographiques d'Acanthaster ont détruit de nombreux récifs (lagons et pentes externes) en 1978-1982 et une nouvelle pullulation s'amplifie depuis 2006 dans plusieurs îles de la Société. Les crises dystrophiques n'ont perturbé qu'épisodiquement certains lagons. [...]
Revue d'Ecologie de la Terre et de la Vie (0249-7395) (Société Nationale de Protection de la Nature), 2008 , Vol. 63 , N. 1-2 , P. 145-177

Droits : 2008 Société Nationale de Protection de la Nature
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/2008/publication-4558.pdf
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/4558/

Éditeur(s) : Elsevier
Résumé : The multi-component aspect of species diversity of groundfish assemblages was examined on the basis of a set of experimental trawl surveys conducted on the east coast of Corsica. We analysed and compared the structuration of diversity within three different bathymetric strata: the continental shelf (60-120 m depth), the upper slope (250-400 m) and the lower slope (450-570 m). For each of these three bathymetric strata, we simultaneously analysed 12 indices that are theoretically complementary and relate to 4 diversity components: (1) the number of species, (2) rarity, (3) evenness and (4) taxonomic diversity. Principal component analysis based on Spearman's correlation coefficients was carried out to investigate empirical relationships between the selected indices. Our results showed not only that a single diversity index cannot provide a complete view of the groundfish diversity along the east coast of Corsica, but also that-in some cases-one index cannot even encapsulate a complete description of a specific diversity component. We also found that the nature and the number of independent diversity components slightly varied from one bathymetric stratum to another. The main differences-which mainly occurred in the deepest bathymetric stratum-might be associated with lower density of individuals and lower dominance of some species at deeper depths. Finally, this study is the first dealing with groundfish diversity in this area, which is currently characterized by one of the lowest fishing intensity rates in the northern Mediterranean Sea. It might be considered as a first '' reference state '' with a view to monitoring the spatio-temporal changes in species diversity patterns along the east coast of Corsica in the future. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Fisheries Research (0165-7836) (Elsevier), 2007-12 , Vol. 88 , N. 1-3 , P. 120-132

Droits : 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/2007/publication-3512.pdf
DOI:10.1016/j.fishres.2007.08.003
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/3512/

Éditeur(s) : Soc Francaise D Ichtyologie
Résumé : The ichtyofauna of Geyser and Zelee coral banks (north of Mozambique canal) was investigated in 1996, this work being the first quantitative study on this area. Quantitative data were collected on 11 stations (mean depth 18 m) by visual observations along 50 m transect, widened to 2 m for small sedentary species, and to 5 m for commercial species with a large action range. The main descriptors of the fish communities (species richness, abundance per species) and the trophic structure (omnivorous, herbivorous, carnivorous, browsers of sessile invertebrates) were described and analysed.A total of 294 fish species, belonging to 43 families were recorded. The species richness varied from 45 to 83 species / station, and the abundance, from 292 to 1322 individuals / 100 m(2), the lower values being recorded on the inner slope and the higher ones on the outer slope. In terms of number of individuals, diurnal planktivores were highly represented at all sites (mean 63.7%). Pomacentridae and Caesionidae were the most abundant families, damselfishes being mainly represented by Chromis ternatensis (mean 73 ind., max, 148 ind. 100 m(2)), C. dimidiata (mean 33 ind., max. 151 ind. / 100 m(2)) and Dascyllus carneus (mean 38 ind., max. 92 ind. 100 m(2)), and fusiliers by Pterocaesio chrysozona (mean 19 ind., max. 128 ind. / 100 m(2)), P. tile (mean 12 ind., max. 38 ind. / 100 m(2)) and Caesio teres (mean 6 ind., max. 32 ind. / 100 m(2)). The high values recorded showed that small and isolated coral banks can support relatively rich fish faunas and substantial populations of individuals. This result may be explained by different factors such as the oceanographic circulation favourable to a localised enrichment of nutrients from surface water, the low human impact, a good coral cover and a high degree of self-recruitment associated with regional recruitment. Nevertheless, the main commercial species such as Lutjanus bohar and Variola louti, observed at each station, were represented at a low density (mean 0.8 ind., max. 6 ind. / 100 m(2) and mean 0.2 ind., max. 0.8 ind. / 100 m(2) respectively). This result may be due to the exploitation of these coral banks between 1990 and 1992, which was interrupted following the fast decreasing output.Such an experience shows us the fragility of these small coral banks and the necessity to establish a rational management of the resource.
Cybium (0399-0974) (Soc Francaise D Ichtyologie), 2002 , Vol. 26 , N. 1 , P. 11-26

Droits : info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/10132/7687.pdf
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/10132/

Éditeur(s) : Soc Francaise D Ichtyologie
Résumé : Age is a necessary parameter used in population dynamics to assess the state of exploited resources. This parameter is poorly known for most deep-sea species (depth > 400 m). This work focused on age estimation from otoliths of Alepocephalus bairdii (Alepocephalidae), Coryphaenoides rupestris (Macrouridae), Helicolenus dactylopterus (Sebastidae) and Hoplostethus atlanticus (Trachichthyidae), which French fishery exploitation, off the west coasts of the British Isles, began the late 1980's. Considering otolith growth zones as annual, the four species all show high longevity: 38, 54, 43 and 130 years, respectively, together with slow growth. The differences in growth between sex were estimated and difficulties in accurately estimating the age were highlighted and showed the need to standardise and validate age estimation. The ages currently estimated for deep-sea fish must be used with caution.
Cybium (0399-0974) (Soc Francaise D Ichtyologie), 2000 , Vol. 24 , N. 3 , P. 7-16

Droits : info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/10396/7690.pdf
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/10396/

Éditeur(s) : Elsevier
Résumé : The present work is based on a set of bottom trawl surveys performed in the Gulf of Lions between 1983 and 1992. A new method which couples the STATIS multitable approach with the logic of correspondence analysis (CoA) is proposed to study the stability of spatial organization of demersal assemblages in terms of species composition. This CoA version of STATIS has provided a clear representation of the stable part of the spatial structure of the assemblages. In addition, it gave an insight into the interannual variations of the distribution of each population around the reference structure. Our results showed that the demersal assemblages of the Gulf of Lions exhibited strong spatial structuring, mainly orientated along a bathymetric gradient. This gradient is structured around three major regions: the coast, the continental shelf and the continental slope. Despite sampling variations that occurred during the course of the study, the analysis showed a high degree of reproducibility for this spatial pattern. With the exception of Mullus surmuletus, the species considered in this investigation exhibit limited variations in their spatial distribution. Finally, in the absence of log-books covering the activities of commercial fishing vessels, these findings constitute a base of reference for the analysis of the dynamics of fishing fleets exploiting the demersal resources of the Gulf of Lions.
Ce travail porte sur une série de campagnes de chalutage de fond réalisé dans le golfe du Lion entre 1983 et 1992. Une nouvelle méthode fondée sur le couplage de la technique multitableaux STATIS et de l'analyse factorielle des correspondances (AFC) est proposée afin d'étudier l'organisation spatio-temporelle des assemblages démersaux, poissons et quelques céphalopodes, en terme de composition spécifique. Cette version AFC de STATIS a fourni une représentation claire de la part stable de l'organisation spatiale des assemblages. De plus, elle nous a permis d'appréhender les variations interannuelles de la distribution de chaque population autour de la structure de référence. Nos résultats montrent que les assemblages démersaux du golfe du Lion présentent une forte structuration spatiale, principalement orientée selon un gradient bathymétrique. Ce dernier est structuré en trois grandes régions: la côte, le plateau continental et le talus continental. En dépit des variations d'échantillonnage survenues au cours de la période d'étude, l'analyse a mis en évidence une forte reproductibilité de ce schéma d'organisation. A l'exception de Mullus surmuletus, les espèces considérées dans ce travail présentent des variations limitées de leur distribution spatiale. Enfin, en l'absence de livres de bord sur l'activité des navires professionnels, ces résultats constituent une base de référence pour l'analyse de la dynamique des flottilles exploitant les ressources démersales dans le golfe du Lion.
Aquatic Living Resources (Elsevier), 1998-03 , Vol. 11 , N. 2 , P. 75-85

Droits : 1998 Published by Elsevier SAS
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/1998/publication-875.pdf
DOI:10.1016/S0990-7440(98)80063-6
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/875/

Éditeur(s) : EDP Sciences
Résumé : Daily growth increments measured in the otolith of Thunnus atlanticus were used to estimate the age and growth of individuals. which were sampled from an artisanal fishery operating around fish aggregating devices (FADs) moored off Martinique Island. In this study, 76 otoliths were analysed for fish ranging from 20 to 68 cm fork lengths (FL). The fish were caught using trolling lines at depths ranging from 0 to 10 m. Counts were made, under a light microscope, on the external part of the transverse section of the sagittae, from the primordium to the ventral edge. The mean coefficient of variation of the age reading was 2.4%. To validate readings, the number of increments for 11 individuals was counted using both optic and scanning electron microscopes. The calculated relationship between readings of both methods was found to be linear, with a slope of 1.03 and R-2 = 0.99. Frequency of growth increment formation could not be validated. Growth rates derived from otolith readings were, however, compared to those obtained using a modal progression analysis, which was performed on the length-frequency distributions of the landings over a period of two months. The corroboration between the growth rates was good. One increment was assumed to represent one day. The parameters of the von Bertalanffy growth curve for both sexes were L-infinity = 71.4 cm FL, k = 0.002 day(-1) and tau(0) = -80 days. According to our results, there is no evidence that Martinican moored FADs act as ecological traps for blackfin tuna. Instead, young blackfin tuna probably leave the vicinity of Martinican moored FADs to undergo a trophic migration at 7 to 8 month-old, and then come back about 8 months later to breed in the Lesser Antilles area.
Les microstructures présentes dans les otolithes de Thunnus atlanticus ont été utilisées pour estimer l'âge et la croissance des thons capturés par la pêcherie artisanale exploitant les dispositifs de concentrations de poissons (DCP) mouillés autour de la Martinique. Des thons de 20 à 68 cm de longueur à la fourche (LF) ont été capturés à la ligne de traîne de surface entre 0 et 10 m de profondeur. Les stries d'accroissement ont été comptées sur 76 otolithes en microscopie optique sur la partie externe des coupes transversales de la sagitta, du nucléus jusqu'à l'extrémité verticale de la coupe (coefficient de variations 2,4 %). Afin de vérifier qu'il n'y avait pas de sous-estimation du nombre de stries, nous avons effectué un comptage, en microscopie électronique à balayage, pour 11 individus. La relation établie entre ces deux méthodes de comptage est linéaire avec un pente égale à 1,03 et R2 = 0,99. La vitesse de croissance issue de l'analyse des otolithes a été comparée à celle estimée à partir de l'analyse en progression modale des distributions en fréquence de taille des débarquements sur une période de 2 mois. La corroboration entre les deux méthodes était bonne. Nous avons supposé que la formation des stries de croissance suivait un rythme journalier. Les paramètres de l'équation de croissance de von Bertalanffy pour les 2 sexes confondus sont: L-infinity = 71.4 cm FL, k = 0.002 day(-1) and tau(0) = -80 days. Les résultats de cette étude n'indiquent pas que les DCP ancrés martiniquais puissent agir comme des pièges écologiques pour les thons noirs. Les jeunes thons noirs semblent au contraire quitter la proximité des DCP et entreprendre une migration trophique lorsqu'ils atteignent 7 à 8 mois. Ils ne reviendraient ensuite dans la zone des Petites Antilles qu'environ 8 mois plus tard, manifestement pour se reproduire.
Aquatic Living Resources (0990-7440) (EDP Sciences), 2004 , Vol. 17 , N. 1 , P. 13-18

Droits : EDP Sciences, IFREMER, IRD 2004
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/2004/publication-396.pdf
DOI:10.1051/alr:2004009
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/396/

Éditeur(s) : SéretB. & J.-Y. Sire, eds Paris: Soc. Fr. lchtyol. & IRD, 2000: 29-45
Résumé : Forty one manned submersible dives were carried out during 2 cruises in the Bay of Biscay covering a range of depth from about 100 to 2100 m. Chondrichthyan species were observed in most of the dives, some of them were easily identified and their behaviour could be studied. Twenty-two chondrichthyan species (9 sharks, 8 rays and 5 chimaeras) were recorded. Shark species were always seen active except Scyliorhinus canicula and Galeus melastomus. Some representatives were found motionless on the bottom, sometimes forming groups for the first species. Chimaeras appeared to strongly react to the presence of the submersible. The density of chondrichtyes and their relative frequency in the total fish assemblage were estimated, the results are globally consistent with former knowledge and the differences with results from trawl surveys are discussed. The observations presented here suggest peak of Chimaera monstrosa abundance at upper slope depth (200-500 m) that was not documented formerly for that area.
Quarante et une plongées en submersible habité ont été effectuées lors de 2 campagnes dans le Golfe de Gascogne par des profondeurs de 100 à 2100 m environ. Des Chondrichtyens ont été observés au cours de la plupart des plongées, 22 espèces (9 requins, 8 raies et 5 chimères) ont été identifiées et leurs comportements ont pu être étudiés. Les requins étaient toujours actifs sauf Scyliorhinus canicula et Galeus melastomus dont certains représentants ont été trouvés immobiles sur le fond, parfois en groupe pour la première espèce. Les chimères se sont montrées très réactives à la présence du submersible. Les densités et fréquences relatives pour l'ensemble des Chondrichtyens ont été estimées, les résultats sont globalement cohérents avec les estimations antérieures; les différences avec les estimations issues de chalutages sont discutées. Les observations présentées ici suggèrent qu'il existe un pic d'abondance de Chimaera monstrosa à la profondeur de la pente supérieure (200-500 m). Ce pic n'avait pas été observé précédemment dans cette zone.

Droits : info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/2000/acte-2571.pdf
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/2571/

Éditeur(s) : Pergamon-elsevier Science Ltd
Résumé : Total mercury (HgT) and monomethylmercury (MMHg) were investigated in a tropical head watershed (1 km(2)) of French Guiana. The watershed includes a pristine area on the hill slopes and a former gold mined flat in the bottomland. Concentrations of dissolved and particulate HgT and MMHg were measured in rain, throughfall, soil water and at three points along the stream. Samples were taken in-between and during 14 storm events at the beginning and middle of the 2005 and 2006 rainy seasons. Dissolved and particulate HgT concentrations in the stream slightly increased downstream, while dissolved and particulate MMHg concentrations were low at the pristine sub-watershed outlet (median = 0.006 ng L-1 and 1.84 ng g(-1), respectively) and sharply increased at the gold mined flat outlet (median = 0.056 ng L-1 and 6.80 ng g(-1), respectively). Oxisols, which are dominant in the pristine area act as a sink of HgT and MMHg from rain and throughfall inputs. Hydromorphic soils in the flat are strongly contaminated with Hg (including Hg droplets) and their structure has been disturbed by former gold-mining processes, leading to multiple stagnant water areas where biogeochemical conditions are favorable for methylation. In the former gold mined flat high dissolved MMHg concentrations (up to 0.8 ng L-1) were measured in puddles or suboxic soil pore waters, whereas high dissolved HgT concentrations were found in lower Eh conditions. Iron-reducing bacteria were suggested as the main methylators since highest concentrations for dissolved MMHg were associated with high dissolved ferrous iron concentrations. The connection between saturated areas and stagnant waters with the hydrographic network during rain events leads to the export of dissolved MMHg and HgT in stream waters, especially at the beginning of the rainy season. As both legal and illegal gold-mining continues to expand in French Guiana, an increase in dissolved and particulate MMHg emissions in the hydrographic network is expected. This will enhance MMHg bio-amplification and present a threat to local populations, whose diet relies mainly on fish.
Water Research (0043-1354) (Pergamon-elsevier Science Ltd), 2011-04 , Vol. 45 , N. 8 , P. 2659-2669

Droits : 2011 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved.
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00035/14628/12134.pdf
DOI:10.1016/j.watres.2011.02.022
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00035/14628/