Are the eastern and western basins of the English Channel two separate ecosystems: get back in line with some cautionary comments

Abstract

International audienceThe European Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD 2008/56/EC-17/06/2008) will be implemented in regions/subregions determined by their hydrology, oceanographic and biogeographic features. In this framework, Dauvin (2012) claimed that the English Channel (EC) is characterized by hydrologic, oceanographic and biogeographic features that support its division in two main ecosystems: the Western Basin (WBEC) and the Eastern Basin (EBEC). We think that this statement is controversial and that the conclusions drawn by Dauvin (2012) were not supported by the data presented, especially regarding the use of the term 'ecosystem'. We therefore re-evaluated this viewpoint with regard to the data and terminology used...