Dataset for Estimated Closures of Scallop (Pecten maximus) Production Areas Due to Phycotoxin Contamination along the French Coasts of the Eastern English Channel

Commercial bans due to harmful algal blooms (HABs), which are natural events, question the sustainability of human activities in marine and coastal areas. A risk assessment of these bans is important to support decision-making to better manage and mitigate their impacts. However, data are sparse and difficult to collect. The dataset presented in this paper includes “estimated closures of scallop fishing areas” due to HAB toxicity along the French coasts of the English Channel. The closure data were simulated for each scallop (Pecten maximus) fishing area through an algorithm applied to the in situ dataset from the French monitoring network REPHYTOX. The methodology of the production of closure data consists of comparing phycotoxin concentration in scallop to regulatory thresholds of phycotoxins, and then, simulating the number and duration of closures based on the monitoring strategies and closure mechanisms as defined in the regulations. These data only cover closures related to regulatory threshold exceedances of phycotoxins in shellfish. Closures induced by the lack of sampling or other reasons (e.g., failures in toxin analysis) are not included in the dataset because of the lack of information. Data are produced during the scallop fishing season. Facing the non-existence of such a closure database due to the lack of centralized management of local closure decrees, this dataset can be used to analyse the management strategies to deal with HABs and to highlight the governance challenges related to these strategies. It is also useful to study the link between the ecological and the socioeconomic dimensions of HABs, and to describe how toxin concentrations in shellfish translate into socioeconomic impacts and management challenges. This methodology can be applied to other species, other areas and other economic activities

Caractérisation des impacts des efflorescences algales nuisibles en Manche. Application au cas de la pêcherie de coquilles Saint-Jacques de la Manche Est

The French Channel marine ecosystems support a number of important economic activities. These activities are under the threat of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). Natural events, HABs release some toxins threatening human health through the consumption of contaminated shellfish.HABs’ management is difficult and more reactive than proactive. This work aims to develop a better understanding of the HABs monitoring and their impacts. To that purpose, a system approach has been implemented to address the HABs issues in an integrated way, to identify and characterize their impacts and analysethemanagement system (observation, monitoring, decision). The Channel HABs system has been built and structured according to three components: Ecology, Activities and Management. The analysis of the occurrences of HABs has shown that their frequency is increasing, especiallyPseudo-nitzschia and Dinophysis, as well astheir spatial distribution. A protocol was developed to characterize and study the impacts of HABs overthe Eastern Channel scallop fisheries. Its implementationemphasizes that the potential risk to professionals depends on their coping strategies. The responses in terms ofan improved monitoring systems through remote sensing (responsiveness) have also shown that monitoring tools have also to suit to the management and stakeholders needs and not solely to the monitoring of HABs occurrencesLes écosystèmes marins de la Manche sont le support d’activités économiques importantesqui sont menacées par des efflorescences algales nuisibles (HABs). Evènements naturels, ces HABs peuvent libérer des toxines et faire peser un risque sur la santé humaine à travers la consommation decoquillages contaminés. La gestion de ces évènements est difficile et plus réactive que proactive. Ce travaila pour objectif de développer une meilleure compréhension du suivi des HABs et de la gestion de leurs impacts. Pour cela une approche systémique a été mise en œuvre pour appréhender les HABs de façon intégrée, identifier et caractériser leurs impacts et analyser les réponses du système de gestion(observation, surveillance, décision).Le système HABs en Manche a ainsi été construit et structuré selon troiscomposantes: Ecologie, Activités et Gestion.L’analyse des occurrences de HABsa montréque leurfréquence est en augmentation, notamment Pseudo-nitzschiaet Dinophysis, ainsi que leur distribution spatiale.Un protocole d’analyse a été développé pour caractériser et étudier les impacts des HABs sur la pêcherie de coquilles Saint-Jacques de la Manche Est. Son applicationsouligneque le risque potentiel auquel sont soumis les professionnels dépend de leurs stratégies d’adaptation.Les réponses en termes d’amélioration des systèmes de surveillance par la télédétection (couverture, réactivité et rapidité) ont également montré que lesoutils de surveillance doiventaussi être adaptésàla gestion et pas seulement auxseuls suivis desoccurrences de HAB

Integrated management of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) along the French Channel area. A system approach to assess and manage socio-economic impacts of HABs

International audienceHABs occur naturally, but human activities that disturb ecosystems seem to play a role in their more frequent occurrence, intensity and spatial extent (Hallegraeff et al., 2004). Increased nutrient loadings and pollution, food web alterations, non-native species, current modifications and climate change all play a role (NOAA, 2018). Regarding impacted economic activities, HAB events are managed on a crisis basis, leading to closures of contaminated areas and/or ban commercial products based on in situ monitoring and alert systems. Developments in remote sensing science can bring a significant added value to existing monitoring systems. For instance, remote sensing can support the development of an alert system that could result in much faster response times. To assess to which extent it can mitigate the socioeconomic impacts of HABs (monitoring and management costs, avoided economic losses, risk management by stakeholders), but also to understand the adaptation dynamics of economic activities to HAB events and the way they are managed, a system approach has been implemented to describe the HAB socio-ecosystem of the French-administrated part of the English Channel. It will help to address the intrinsic complexity of HABs and their impacts

Integrated management of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) along the French Channel area. A system approach to assess and manage socio-economic impacts of HABs

International audienceHABs occur naturally, but human activities that disturb ecosystems seem to play a role in their more frequent occurrence, intensity and spatial extent (Hallegraeff et al., 2004). Increased nutrient loadings and pollution, food web alterations, non-native species, current modifications and climate change all play a role (NOAA, 2018). Regarding impacted economic activities, HAB events are managed on a crisis basis, leading to closures of contaminated areas and/or ban commercial products based on in situ monitoring and alert systems. Developments in remote sensing science can bring a significant added value to existing monitoring systems. For instance, remote sensing can support the development of an alert system that could result in much faster response times. To assess to which extent it can mitigate the socioeconomic impacts of HABs (monitoring and management costs, avoided economic losses, risk management by stakeholders), but also to understand the adaptation dynamics of economic activities to HAB events and the way they are managed, a system approach has been implemented to describe the HAB socio-ecosystem of the French-administrated part of the English Channel. It will help to address the intrinsic complexity of HABs and their impacts

Integrated management of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) along the French Channel area. A system approach to assess and manage socio-economic impacts of HABs

International audienceHABs occur naturally, but human activities that disturb ecosystems seem to play a role in their more frequent occurrence, intensity and spatial extent (Hallegraeff et al., 2004). Increased nutrient loadings and pollution, food web alterations, non-native species, current modifications and climate change all play a role (NOAA, 2018). Regarding impacted economic activities, HAB events are managed on a crisis basis, leading to closures of contaminated areas and/or ban commercial products based on in situ monitoring and alert systems. Developments in remote sensing science can bring a significant added value to existing monitoring systems. For instance, remote sensing can support the development of an alert system that could result in much faster response times. To assess to which extent it can mitigate the socioeconomic impacts of HABs (monitoring and management costs, avoided economic losses, risk management by stakeholders), but also to understand the adaptation dynamics of economic activities to HAB events and the way they are managed, a system approach has been implemented to describe the HAB socio-ecosystem of the French-administrated part of the English Channel. It will help to address the intrinsic complexity of HABs and their impacts

Analysing the Socioeconomic Impacts of Fishing Closures Due to Toxic Algal Blooms: Application of the Vulnerability Framework to the Case of the Scallop Fishery in the Eastern English Channel

Harmful and toxic algal blooms (HABs) are an increasing concern for marine social-ecological systems. These unpredictable events threaten human health and may affect the viability of economic activities such as shellfish fisheries due to harvesting bans. Monitoring and early warning systems are developed to support management decisions to mitigate and reduce impacts. Nevertheless, HAB alert systems currently only focus on the environmental dimensions to identify the risk of bloom occurrences. Other socioeconomic dimensions associated with HABs are generally not taken into account to support decision making. Integrating information on the economic risk of HABs and on adaptive strategies of impacted communities would provide essential insights for decision makers. This study presents an analysis of how the potential impacts of HAB-related restrictions on economic activities can be effectively assessed to support decision making. A vulnerability-based approach is developed and applied to the case study of the French scallop fishery in the eastern English Channel. The results showed clear differences in vulnerability patterns between the studied fishing fleets despite their similar exposure. This is associated with the heterogeneity in individual characteristics in terms of sensitivity level and adaptive strategies. This research highlights the important effect of social factors such as adaptation in the magnitude of HAB impacts and supports the relevance of the vulnerability approach in the assessment of socioeconomic impacts of such events. Combining environmental and socioeconomic factors through a composite index can bridge the existing gaps in addressing and mitigating HAB impacts

Addressing the Governance of Harmful Algal Bloom Impacts: A Case Study of the Scallop Fishery in the Eastern French Coasts of the English Channel

Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB) are phenomena that result from alterations to ecosystems. Due to their potential toxicity, the level of danger depends on the species concerned, their frequency and intensity. They can cause impacts on biodiversity and on the anthropic activities that take place in maritime and coastal areas. Primary industries such as shellfish fisheries are mainly affected. To deal with this issue, the French administration has built a governance system based on two pillars. The first relies on a water quality monitoring system that assesses the risks of HAB contamination of coastal waters. The second is a regulatory system of production and commercial bans of seafood products from the impacted areas. This public action has two objectives. The first is human health-related and aims to protect consumers of seafood. The second is economic-based and aims to minimize the economic impacts associated with the commercial bans suffered by the businesses concerned. These two objectives may appear to be antagonistic. Using the case study of the French scallop fishery in the eastern Channel and based on an analysis of the commercial bans associated with HAB and associated potential economic impacts, this paper analyses the governance scheme dealing with HAB events in France. The authors highlight that this governance is not only a matter of applying administrative closures when toxicity thresholds are exceeded, but is a dynamic decision-making process involving experts and the Administration that attempts to balance acceptable health risks and economic impacts

Dataset for Estimated Closures of Scallop (Pecten maximus) Production Areas Due to Phycotoxin Contamination along the French Coasts of the Eastern English Channel

Commercial bans due to harmful algal blooms (HABs), which are natural events, question the sustainability of human activities in marine and coastal areas. A risk assessment of these bans is important to support decision-making to better manage and mitigate their impacts. However, data are sparse and difficult to collect. The dataset presented in this paper includes “estimated closures of scallop fishing areas” due to HAB toxicity along the French coasts of the English Channel. The closure data were simulated for each scallop (Pecten maximus) fishing area through an algorithm applied to the in situ dataset from the French monitoring network REPHYTOX. The methodology of the production of closure data consists of comparing phycotoxin concentration in scallop to regulatory thresholds of phycotoxins, and then, simulating the number and duration of closures based on the monitoring strategies and closure mechanisms as defined in the regulations. These data only cover closures related to regulatory threshold exceedances of phycotoxins in shellfish. Closures induced by the lack of sampling or other reasons (e.g., failures in toxin analysis) are not included in the dataset because of the lack of information. Data are produced during the scallop fishing season. Facing the non-existence of such a closure database due to the lack of centralized management of local closure decrees, this dataset can be used to analyse the management strategies to deal with HABs and to highlight the governance challenges related to these strategies. It is also useful to study the link between the ecological and the socioeconomic dimensions of HABs, and to describe how toxin concentrations in shellfish translate into socioeconomic impacts and management challenges. This methodology can be applied to other species, other areas and other economic activities