Structure and diversity of shallow soft-bottom benthic macrofauna in the Gulf of Lions (NW Mediterranean).

14 páginas, 10 figuras, 4 tablas.Samples of soft-sediment macrobenthos from 92 sites between 10 and 50 m depth were used to assess (1) the main soft-bottom macrofauna communities in the Gulf of Lions, (2) the different components of the diversity of benthic macrofauna in this area, and (3) the relevance of the use of major taxonomic groups as surrogates for the analysis of the structure and diversity of total macrofauna. Three main communities were identified by cluster analysis and associated procedures. These communities corresponded well to the assemblages recently identified on the basis of polychaete composition. The a-diversity indices were in accordance with those reported for similar communities in the Mediterranean. Conversely, the b-diversity value was higher than the few other data available in the literature for marine soft-bottom macrofauna. The total number of species in the studied area estimated by the ‘‘total species accumulation curve’’ (TS) method was 2,319, which was only 10% higher than the number obtained by extrapolation of the species–area curve. The similarity matrix based on polychaetes correlated best with the one based on total macrofauna. Polychaetes and crustaceans were also the best surrogates of total macrofauna when assessing a-diversity (except in the case of D*). Conversely, molluscs were the best surrogates of total macrofauna b-diversity. Our results show that the choice of an optimal surrogate for total benthic macrofauna depends on the characteristic of the benthic macrofauna to be studied. Moreover, this choice is also dependent on the environment to be studiedThis work is part of the PhD thesis of Ce´line Labrune. It was carried out within the EC Network of Excellence MARBEF. Ce´line Labrune was supported by the SYSCOLAG project run by the Re´gion Languedoc-Roussillon.Peer reviewe

Experimental assessment of particle mixing fingerprints in the deposit-feeding bivalve Abra alba (Wood)

Particle mixing induced by the deposit-feeding bivalve Abra alba was assessed using a new experimental approach allowing for the tracking of individual particle displacements. This approach combines the adaptation of existing image acquisition techniques with new image analysis software that tracks the position of individual particles. This led to measurements of particle mixing fingerprints, namely the frequency distributions of particle waiting times, and of the characteristics (i.e. direction and length) of their jumps. The validity of this new approach was assessed by comparing the so-measured frequency distributions of jump characteristics with the current qualitative knowledge regarding particle mixing in the genus Abra. Frequency distributions were complex due to the coexistence of several types of particle displacements and cannot be fitted with the most commonly used procedures when using the Continuous Time Random Walk (CTRW) model. Our approach allowed for the spatial analysis of particle mixing, which showed: 1) longer waiting times; 2) more frequent vertical jumps; and 3) shorter jump lengths deep in the sediment column than close to the sediment-water interface. This resulted in lower DbX and DbY (vertical and horizontal particle mixing bioffusion coefficients) deep in the sediment column. Our results underline the needs for: 1) preliminary checks of the adequacy of selected distributions to the species/communities studied; and 2) an assessment of vertical changes in particle mixing fingerprints when using CTRW

Toward a European coastal observing network to provide better answers to science and to societal challenges : The JERICO research infrastructure

The coastal area is the most productive and dynamic environment of the world ocean, offering significant resources and services for mankind. As exemplified by the UN Sustainable Development Goals, it has a tremendous potential for innovation and growth in blue economy sectors. Due to the inherent complexity of the natural system, the answers to many scientific and societal questions are unknown, and the impacts of the cumulative stresses imposed by anthropogenic pressures (such as pollution) and climate change are difficult to assess and forecast. A major challenge for the scientific community making observations of the coastal marine environment is to integrate observations of Essential Ocean Variables for physical, biogeochemical, and biological processes on appropriate spatial and temporal scales, and in a sustained and scientifically based manner. Coastal observations are important for improving our understanding of the complex biotic and abiotic processes in many fields of research such as ecosystem science, habitat protection, and climate change impacts. They are also important for improving our understanding of the impacts of human activities such as fishing and aquaculture, and underpin risk monitoring and assessment. The observations enable us to better understand ecosystems and the societal consequences of overfishing, disease (particularly shellfish), loss of biodiversity, coastline withdrawal, and ocean acidification, amongst others. The European coastal observing infrastructure JERICO-RI, has gathered and organized key communities embracing new technologies and providing a future strategy, with recommendations on the way forward and on governance. Particularly, the JERICO community acknowledges that the main providers of coastal observations are: (1) research infrastructures, (2) national monitoring programs, and (3) monitoring activities performed by marine industries. The scope of this paper is to present some key elements of our coastal science strategy to build it on long term. It describes how the pan-European JERICO community is building an integrated and innovation-driven coastal research infrastructure for Europe. The RI embraces emerging technologies which will revolutionize the way the ocean is observed. Developments in biotechnology (molecular and optical sensors, omics-based biology) will soon provide direct and online access to chemical and biological variables including in situ quantification of harmful algae and contaminants. Using artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things will soon provide operational platforms and autonomous and remotely operated smart sensors. Embracing key technologies, high quality open access data, modeling and satellite observations, it will support sustainable blue growth, warning and forecasting coastal services and healthy marine ecosystem. JERICO-FP7 is the European 7th framework project named JERICO under Grant Agreement No. 262584. JERICO-NEXT is the European Horizon-2020 project under Grant Agreement No. 654410. JERICO-RI is the European coastal observing research infrastructure established and structured through JERICO-FP7 and JERICO-NEXT, and beyond

Long-term (1998–2010) large-scale comparison of the ecological quality status of gulf of lions (NW Mediterranean) benthic habitats

12 páginas, 4 tablas, 8 figuras.A comprehensive Mediterranean data set has been used to address 3 questions associated with the use of sensitivity/tolerance based biotic indices to infer the Ecological Quality status (EcoQs) of benthic habitats. Our results showed: (1) a significant effect of the reference database on derived sensitivity/tolerance measure (ES500.05) as well as associated Benthic Quality Index values and derived EcoQs; (2) a lack of correlation neither between BQI and AZTI Marine Biotic Index values nor between BQI and Multivariate-AZTI Marine Biotic Index values; (3) a lack of correlation between the values of the Benthic Habitat Quality Index (index derived from Sediment Profile Imagery) and those of either of the 3 tested biotic indices; and (4) a general agreement between the 3 tested biotic indices in describing the lack of global trend for the EcoQs of the Gulf of Lions despite the occurrence of significant changes in benthic macrofauna composition between 1998 and 2010.This study has been carried out with financial support from the French National Research Agency (ANR) in the frame of the Investments for the future Programme, within the Cluster of Excellence COTE (ANR-10-LABX-45).Peer reviewe

Spatial heterogeneity in the food web of a heavily modified Mediterranean coastal lagoon: stable isotope evidence

International audienceWe investigated the food web structure of the Salses-Leucate Lagoon (northwestern Mediterranean) through delta C-13 and delta N-15 analysis of its benthic macrofauna and potential food sources. This lagoon was heavily human-modified during the 1970s, allowing permanent exchange with the open sea and an increase in salinity from that time. As a result, it exhibits a much less marked salinity gradient than the neighbouring lagoon ecosystems, which Suggests a priori that its food web structure is more homogeneous. In this environmental context, we assessed spatial variability in the isotopic composition of non-vagrant macrofauna in Salses-Leucate in relation to degree of connection with the open sea, anthropogenic inputs and the presence of oyster aquaculture. Overall, the main trophic pathway is based on suspended particulate organic matter and sedimented organic matter. However, there were marked spatial differences (at different scales) in both delta C-13 and delta N-15 values of macrofauna, which suggests an important feeding plasticity within each category of primary consumers at a small spatial scale. delta C-13 data showed that the contributions of the different food sources to the diet of primary consumers changed depending on distance from continental inputs, connection with the open sea and local primary producer coverage. Small-scale delta N-15 variability revealed a very localised influence of anthropogenic nitrogen output. Regarding the possible effect of aquaculture, the isotopic ratios of sediment and macrobenthos were not modified underneath the oyster lines with respect to the neighbouring area. Conversely, the isotopic signature of consumers living on the oyster lines contrasted with those living underneath. Therefore, our results suggest that a decoupling exists between the trophic pathways that occur in the water column and on the soft bottom of this shallow water ecosystem

Food web structure of two Mediterranean lagoons under varying degree of eutrophication

International audienceThe food web structure and functioning of two north-western Mediterranean lagoons exhibiting contrasting degrees of eutrophication and marine influences were compared through delta C-13 and delta N-15 analysis of major potential food sources and consumers. The Lapalme Lagoon is well preserved and has kept a natural and temporary connection with the open sea. Conversely, the Canet Lagoon is heavily eutrophicated and its water exchange with the open sea has been artificially reduced. In Lapalme, all potential food sources and consumers exhibited delta N-15 values indicative of pristine coastal areas. Suspended particulate organic matter (POM) and sediment organic matter (SOM) pools seemed to constitute the main food sources of most primary consumers. Both primary producers and all consumers were much more N-15-enriched (by similar to 10 parts per thousand) and more C-13-depleted in Canet than in Lapalme. This reflected: (1) the assimilation of important amounts of anthropogenic nitrogen in the food web, and (2) a marked and uniform influence of C-13-depleted allochtonous sources of carbon. Based on the mean delta N-15 of primary consumers, we found rather similar food web lengths in both lagoons with top consumers at trophic levels 3.6 and 4.0 in Canet and Lapalme, respectively. However, the eutrophication of the Canet Lagoon resulted in a simplification of the food web structure (i.e., a single trophic pathway from a N-15-enriched fraction of the SOM pool to top predators) compared to what was observed in Lapalme Lagoon where additional C-13-enriched food sources played a significant trophic role. Moreover, some consumers of Canet tended to exploit primary producers to a larger extent (and thus to exhibit lower trophic levels) than in Lapalm

On the dramatic increase of Ditrupa arietina O.F. Muller (Annelida: Polychaeta) along both the French and the Spanish Catalan coasts

11 páginas, 5 figuras, 2 tablas.The distribution and population structure of the serpulid polychaete Ditrupa arietina were assessed along the section of the Mediterranean coast between Barcelona and Montpellier. The study combined: (1) the analysis of the existing historical data referring to the period before the 1970s; (2) the results of impact assessment surveys carried out in the late 1980s and the 1990s; and (3) the results of two surveys carried out in the Bay of Blanes and along the coast between Cape Cerbe`re and Port-la-Nouvelle during 1996. The results of the surveys carried out in the 1990s show the occurrence of high densities (i.e. >1000 ind m"2) of Ditrupa arietina at all the sites sampled. These results can be compared with the few reports of this species before 1970, leading to the conclusion that D. arietina has recently increased all along the Catalan coast. Ditrupa arietina is preferentially found between 20 and 30 m depth, which mostly corresponds to well-sorted fine sands and muddy sands. Both the results of population monitoring and the heterogeneity of population structure at small spatial scale show that the dynamics of this species is unstable. The observed distribution pattern is therefore interpreted as resulting from a response to both wide-scale environmental parameters (accounting for the dramatic increase of the species at a wide geographical scale), and to local environmental factors (accounting for small-scale heterogeneity in population structure). Analysis of the relationship between sedimentary data and densities of D. arietina suggests that this species is highly sensitive to the presence of fine sediments. However, because of the regional importance of the phenomenon, it is concluded that the dramatic increase of D. arietina along both the Spanish and the French Catalan coast does not result from sediment instability.Some of the Spanish part of this research was funded by the CICYT MAR-91- 0503 project and by fellowships of the MEC and the CSIC to S. Pinedo and D. Martin. The authors also acknowledge the financial support of the Department de Medi Ambient of the Autonomous Community of Catalonia during the Portbou and Palamo´ s surveys.Peer reviewe

Assessment of soft bottom polychaete assemblages in the Gulf of Lions (NW Mediterranean) based on a mesoscale survey.

15 páginas,4 tablas, 6 figuras, 1 apéndice.Ninety-two stations (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 m depth) located on 21 inshore–offshore transects between the French–Spanish border and the mouth of the Rhône River were sampled during the 1998 Fall. Their polychaete fauna was analyzed to: (1) describe the distribution pattern of polychaete assemblages at the scale of the whole Gulf of Lions, (2) identify the relationships between these assemblages and the main environmental parameters, (3) establish a link between these assemblages and the benthic communities already described for Northwestern Mediterranean, and (4) assess recent historical changes in trends in densities and α diversity between assemblages. Three polychaete assemblages were identified using cluster analysis and associated procedures. These assemblages were tightly associated with depth and sediment granulometry as indicated by the concordance between their spatial distributions and the sedimentary map of the Gulf of Lions. Assemblage I contained most of the 10 and 20 m deep stations and was associated with littoral fine sands. Assemblage I was found all over the Gulf of Lions and was characterized by high abundance and high biomass due to the presence of large numbers of the serpulid Ditrupa arietina. Assemblage II was mostly composed of 30 m deep stations and was associated with littoral sandy mud. Assemblage II was dominated by the lumbrinerid Lumbrineris latreilli. It was composed of two sub-assemblages (IIa and IIb) in relation with sediment granulometry. Sub-assemblage IIb was associated with finer sediment than sub-assemblage IIa. Sub-assemblage IIa was only found in the Southern part of the Gulf of Lions, whereas sub-assemblage IIb was mostly found in the Northern part of the Gulf of Lions. This pattern is probably indicative of the sedimentation of fine particles originating from the Rhône River at intermediate depth as suggested by: (1) the sedimentary map of the Gulf of Lions, and (2) the outputs of recent models of sediment transport in the Gulf of Lions. Assemblage III was composed of 40 and 50 m deep stations; it was associated with terrigeneous coastal mud and found all over Gulf of Lions. Assemblage III was dominated by the sternaspid Sternaspis scutata. These three assemblages were tightly related with the benthic communities already described independently by Picard [Picard, J.,1965. Recherches qualitatives sur les biocénoses marines des substrats meubles dragables de la région marseillaise. Recueil des Travaux de la Station Marine d'Endoume 52, 1–160] and Guille [Guille, A., 1971b. Bionomie benthique du plateau continental de la côte catalane française. II – Les communautés de la macrofaune. Vie et Milieu 21, 149–280] based on samples collected along the Provençal and the French Catalan rocky coasts, respectively. Unfortunately, no quantitative data were available to compare the α-diversity of the three newly defined assemblages with historical data collected by these two authors. We therefore compared our diversity measurements with the data collected by Desbruyères et al. [Desbruyères, D., Guille, A., Ramos, J.M., 1972/73. Bionomie du plateau continental de la côte catalane espagnole. Vie et Milieu 23, 335–363] in the Bay of Rosas (Spanish Catalan coast). Due to differences in the sampling effort between the two studies, this comparison was restricted to trends between assemblages. Our results show maximal densities and minimal α-diversity in the Littoral Fine Sand assemblage, which was not the case in Desbruyères et al. [Desbruyères, D., Guille, A., Ramos, J. M., 1972/73. Bionomie du plateau continental de la côte catalane espagnole. Vie et Milieu 23, 335–363]. Major temporal changes obviously reflect the increases of Ditrupa arietina (in the Littoral Fine Sands assemblage), and to a lesser extent Lumbrineris latreilli (in the Littoral Sandy Mud assemblage).This study was carried out within the framework of the SYSCOLAG project (Contrat Etat-Région 2000–2006). C.L. was supported by the “Conseil Régional Languedoc-Roussillon”. This work was partly carried out within the EU Network of Excellence “Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning” (MARBEF).Peer reviewe

A seasonal survey of the food web in the Lapalme Lagoon (northwestern Mediterranean) assessed by carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis

International audienceWe used carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis to describe the food web of the Lapalme Lagoon, one of the best preserved coastal lagoons along the French Mediterranean coast. Three surveys, corresponding to contrasting situations both in terms of continental inputs and of connection between the lagoon and the open sea, were conducted in June and September 2004 and in February 2005. There were significant spatiotemporal changes in the isotopic ratios of both primary producers and consumers. Temporal changes were mostly linked to important C-13-depleted continental inputs caused by the long period of heavy rainfall before the June survey. Conversely, isotopic ratios were rather similar in September and February despite the opening of the connection of the lagoon with the sea between these two surveys. The interpretation of the results in terms of the structure of the trophic network differed between the June period and the two other ones. In September 2004 and February 2005, the food web was mostly based on SOM and lagoon POM pools with only a few consumers departing from this general trend. In June 2004, a significant proportion of consumers were conversely C-13-depleted probably due to the assimilation of significant amounts of continental inputs by grazers and filter-feeders. This stresses the necessity of carrying out seasonal surveys to get a sound idea of the structure of the food web in highly variable ecosystems such as coastal lagoons. Spatial changes in isotopic ratios were likely linked to: (1) the salinity/confinement gradient with a trend toward lower delta C-13 and delta N-15 values (i.e., higher continental influence) in the inner part of the main lagoon; and (2) the high delta N-15 values of primary producers and discretely motile consumers in a semi-confined site located downstream a vineyard receiving large amounts of fertilizers. We hypothesised that these inputs are quickly N-15-enriched through denitrification and ammonia volatilisation processes and then contribute to the N-15-enrichment of salt marsh plants and seagrass at this site. This interpretation is supported by the fact that such a 15 N-enrichment of primary producers only occurred in February (i.e., after the dispersion of the fertilizers). Conversely, discretely motile consumers were 15 N-enriched all year round, which suggests that they were mostly exploiting the detritic pool derived from 1 5 N-enriched salt marsh plants