Effects of seasonal closures on benthic communities from two Mediterranean trawling grounds

Abstract

38th CIESM Congress, Istanbul, Turkey.-- 1 page, 2 figuresSeasonal closures in trawling grounds are generally considered a useful management tool, but there is a lack of knowledge on theirbenefits for benthic communities. Two trawling grounds located in the Catalan and Adriatic seas, which are regulated by a two-monthfishing closure, were surveyed to monitor changes in the benthos during the trawling cessation. Results suggest that closures are too shortto detect a response of benthic communitie