Research and management for the conservation of coastal lagoon ...

European Conference on Coastal Lagoon Research 

Congrès européen sur les Lagunes Côtières 

Research and management 

for the conservation 

of coastal lagoon ecosystems 

South-North Comparisons 

MONTPELLIER, FRANCE 

DECEMBER 14-18, 2009 

14 AU 18 DÉCEMBRE 2009 

Recherche et Gestion 

pour la conservation 

des écosystèmes lagunaires 

Comparaisons Nord / Sud

European Conference on Coastal Lagoon Research 

Congrès européen sur les Lagunes Côtières 

Research and management 

for the conservation 

of coastal lagoon ecosystems 

South-North Comparisons 

MONTPELLIER, FRANCE 

DECEMBER 14-18, 2009 

14 AU 18 DÉCEMBRE 2009 

Recherche et Gestion 

pour la conservation 

des écosystèmes lagunaires 

Comparaisons Nord / Sud 

European Conference on Coastal Lagoon Research l Montpellier 2009 l 1

Contacts 

Coordination 

Rutger de Wit, ECOLAG Laboratory - UMR5119 UM2 - CNRS - Ifremer - IRD 

E-mail: rutger.de-wit@univ-montp2.fr 

Secretariat and technical organisation 

Nina Dumas-Rozoy, ECOLAG Laboratory - UMR5119 UM2 - CNRS - Ifremer - IRD 

E-mail: ndumasro@univ-montp2.fr / ecoclr@univ-montp2.fr 

Interface research-management 

Nabila Gaertner-Mazouni, BIOTEM Laboratory - University of French Polynesia 

E-mail: nabila.gaertner-mazouni@upf.pf 

Aurélien Daloz, Cépralmar 

E-mail: lagunes2009@cepralmar.org 

http://www.ecolag.univ-montp2.fr/lagoon-conference 

Table of contents 

Welcome Address 4 

General information 6 

Committees 7 

Programme 8 

Conference programme 12 

Poster programme 21 

Invited keynote speakers 30 

Oral sessions 44 

Poster sessions 148 

Author Index 306 

Notes 314 

2 l European Conference on Coastal Lagoon Research l Montpellier 2009 European Conference on Coastal Lagoon Research l Montpellier 2009 l 3

Chers congressistes, 

Les organisateurs du 4 ème congrès européen sur les lagunes côtières ont le plaisir de vous 

accueillir au Corum du 14 au 18 décembre 2009 pour cette 4 ème édition “Recherche et gestion 

pour la conservation des écosystèmes lagunaires, comparaisons Nord/Sud”. Au cours des dix dernières 

années, une prise de conscience progressive de la valeur et de la vulnérabilité des lagunes 

côtières a favorisé l’émergence de plusieurs manifestations européennes sur cette thématique. 

Les congrès européens sur les lagunes côtières ont été initiés et portés par l’enthousiasme des 

scientifiques qui ont établi des réseaux d’études dans leurs différents pays. En continuité des 

manifestations déjà organisées en 2003 à Ferrara (Italie), en 2005 à Klaïpeda (Lituanie), et 

en 2007 à Naples (Italie), ce 4 ème rendez-vous européen organisé par le laboratoire Ecosystèmes 

lagunaires (ECOLAG UMR 5119) de l’Université Montpellier 2, du CNRS, de l’IRD et de 

l’Ifremer, a fait le choix de renforcer les échanges entre scientifiques et gestionnaires, pays du 

nord et pays du sud sur les lagunes côtières. Cette 4 ème édition s’attachera tout particulièrement 

à constituer une plateforme d’échange de savoir et de savoir-faire entre scientifiques et gestionnaires 

des pays du Nord et des pays du Sud pour la conservation des lagunes et pour optimiser 

la gestion durable des lagunes et de leurs ressources associées. 

Grâce à vous, chers congressistes, nous avons l’honneur de vous proposer cette semaine, un 

programme riche et diversifié organisé en dix sessions, deux minisymposia (une centaine de 

présentations orales au total) et l’exposition de 170 posters avec la participation de huits conférenciers 

invités. 

L’appel à contribution de notre événement a connu un vif intérêt au sein de la communauté 

scientifique, des acteurs des lagunes mais aussi auprès de nos collègues du sud et de l’est 

de la Méditerranée. Nous tenons particulièrement à remercier la participation des acteurs des 

lagunes pour leurs contributions et les échanges qui naîtront de leur participation ainsi que nos 

collègues du Sud et de l’Est de la Méditerranée pour leur intérêt et leur mobilisation. 

Notre volonté de renforcer le lien entre science et gestion a rencontré un soutien particulier 

de la Région Languedoc-Roussillon, de l’Agence de l’Eau-Rhône Méditerranée Corse (RM&C), 

qui travaille en collaboration avec l’Ifremer et le Cépralmar pour la surveillance de l’état de 

l’eutrophisation et la qualité environnementale de ses lagunes au travers du réseau de surveillance 

“Réseau de Suivi Lagunaire”. Le MEEDM et le programme Liteau (intérêt pour les 

dynamiques et la gestion de l’espace littoral), ainsi que de nombreuses autres structures qui 

nous ont accordé un large soutien et nous les remercions. Leurs contributions nous permettent 

aujourd’hui de vous faire bénéficier de traduction simultanée laissant à tous, la possibilité de 

comprendre et d’interagir ensemble et de vous accueillir au palais des congrès au cœur de la 

cité médiévale de Montpellier. 

Au nom de l’Université Montpellier 2 et plus particulièrement du laboratoire ECOLAG, nous 

vous souhaitons un excellent congrès et un excellent séjour au sein de notre belle ville. 

Rutger de Wit 

Coordinateur du Comité Scientifique et de l’organisation 

du 4 ème Congrès Européen sur les Lagunes Côtières 

Dear conference attendees, 

On behalf of the Scientific Committee and the Local Organising Committee, I am very happy 

to welcome you in Montpellier to assist and participate actively at the 4th European Conference 

on Coastal Lagoon Research, which on this occasion is focussing on “Research and Management 

for the Conservation of Coastal Lagoons, South North comparisons”. The biannual conferences 

started in 2003 in Ferrara (Italy), initially focussed on Southern European lagoons, while a 

pan-European scale has been adopted for the second and third conferences that took place 

in Klaipeda (Lithuania) and in Naples (Italy), respectively. The organisation of these conferences 

has been initiated and is driven by enthusiastic scientists and other professionals who 

are working on coastal lagoons and have established lagoon networks in their countries. This 

fourth conference is hosted by the laboratory “Ecosystèmes Lagunaires or ECOLAG”, a research 

unit affiliated to Université Montpellier 2, CNRS, IRD and Ifremer. Our aim is to improve the 

exchanges, between scientists and managers, and between Northern and Southern countries, for 

the conservation of coastal lagoons and the sustainable use of their natural resources. We thank 

the lagoon managers and other end-users of lagoon studies for their active contributions. We are 

looking forward to the interesting exchanges between science and management approaches in 

addition to the good science of high standards. South-North comparisons also implied a friendly 

invitation to our colleagues from the Southern shore of the Mediterranean and Middle East to 

participate. We thank our colleagues from North-African and Middle East countries for their 

massive interest and participation. 

Dear conference attendees, we thank you all for your massive and enthusiastic response, 

which allows us to offer you an exciting and rich program comprising eight invited keynote talks, 

two mini-symposia, ten thematic sessions with all together one hundred offered oral presentations 

and one hundred seventy posters. 

Our idea of more strongly linking science and management also received a particularly 

strong support from the Region Languedoc-Roussillon and the Agence de l’Eau Rhône-Méditerranée-Corse, 

who together with Ifremer and Cépralmar perform the important task of monitoring 

the eutophication status and environmental quality of our lagoons through a monitoring 

network, the Réseau de Suivi Lagunaire. We deeply thank the Region Languedoc-Roussillon and 

the Agence de l’Eau for their most important financial contributions. Other important financial 

contributions were obtained from the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), 

Ifremer, PNEC Chantier Lagunes méditerranéennes, the Ministry of Ecology, Energy, Sustainable 

Development and the Sea (MEEDM), while other organisations contributed financially as well. 

The important financial support makes it possible to benefit from the excellent facilities of the 

Corum conference centre located in the beautiful medieval city centre of Montpellier. In addition, 

we can offer simultaneous translation of the sessions English/French, which we hope will be instrumental 

to overcome language barriers. On behalf of the University of Montpellier (Université 

Montpellier 2) and particularly the ECOLAG laboratory for research on lagoon ecosystems, I wish 

you all an excellent conference, with many fruitful exchanges and discussions and also wish you 

a very pleasant stay in our beautiful city. 

Rutger de Wit 

Coordinator of the Scientific Committee and the Organisation 

of the 4th European Conference on Coastal Lagoon Research 


General information Committees 

Symposium Venue 

CORUM 

Esplanade Charles de Gaulle 

(Entrance Level 1: Pedestrian Street, Rue des républicains Espagnols) 

BP 2200 

34000 Montpellier 

Telephone: 04 67 61 67 61, from abroad: + 33 4 67 61 67 61 

Fax: 04 67 61 67 00, from abroad: + 33 4 67 61 67 00 

Email: corum@enjoy-montpellier.com 

Language 

English/French (simultaneous translation for oral sessions) 

Oral presentation instructions 

Oral presentations will be scheduled in 20-minute time-slots. The 20-min. slot comprises 15 min. of presentation 

and an additional 5 min. are available for discussion with the audience. The time limit must be strictly 

respected to facilitate movement between parallel sessions. 

Presentation rooms will be equipped with the video projector (beamer) connected to a computer with a mouse, 

screen and microphone. 

The speakers are asked to give their Powerpoint and pdf presentations to the organizers the day of their arrival. 

Both MacIntosh and PC files are welcome. 

Instructions for poster presentations 

The poster exhibition will be located in the “Salle Joffre 2/3” area close to both conference rooms, and the 

posters will be exhibited in two sessions. 

The posters will be mounted on vertical poster boards and the size of your poster board will be 118*96 cm 

(height * width). Your poster number will be displayed with large printed figures in the upper left corner of 

the poster board. Material to be used to mount your poster will be provided by the congress staff in the poster 

exhibition area. 

The posters exhibition will be divided in two sessions. 

• Session 1 (Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday). 

Setting up on Monday morning. Removal on Wednesday before 12:00 

• Session 2 (Wednesday evening/ Thursday/Friday). 

Setting up on Wednesday from 12:00 am to 20:00. Removal on Friday afternoon. 

The presenting author should be present at the poster during the scheduled poster session. In addition, at least 

one of the authors of the poster is asked to be present at the poster board during as many lunch and coffee 

breaks as possible, to allow the direct discussion with interested congress participants. 

The congress staff will remove posters not taken down on time. However, the Congress organizers cannot ensure 

any further responsibility for the material. 

International scientific committee 

Alberto Basset (Italy) 

Marc Bouvy (France) 

Pierpaolo Campostrini (Italy) 

Gian Carlo Carrada (Italy) 

Rutger De Wit (France) 

Thang Do Chi (France) 

Mike Elliot (United Kingdom) 

Nabila Gaertner-Mazouni (France) 

Lucian Georgescu (Romania) 

Marianne Holmer (Denmark) 

Herman Hummel (The Netherlands) 

Thierry Laugier (France) 

David Mouillot (France) 

Nicholas Murray (Italy) 

Alice Newton (Portugal) 

Sotiris Orfanidis (Greece) 

Angel Perez Ruzafa (Spain) 

Xavier Quintana (Spain) 

Arturas Razinkovas (Lithuania) 

Sophia Reizopoulou (Greece) 

Hélène Rey-Valette (France) 

Gerald Schernewski (Germany) 

Maria Snoussi (Morocco) 

Marc Troussellier (France) 

Pierluigi Viaroli (Italy) 

Josema Zaldivar (Italy) 

Local organizing committee 

Pierre Anschutz (University Bordeaux I) 

Delphine Bonnet (University Montpellier II) 

Guy Charmantier (University Montpellier II) 

Daniel Crépin (CEN-LR) 

Aurélien Daloz (Cépralmar) 

Audrey Darnaude (CNRS) 

Rutger de Wit (CNRS) 

Laurent Dezileau (University Montpellier II) 

Thang Do Chi (University Montpellier II) 

Nina Dumas-Rozoy (CNRS) 

Nabila Gaertner-Mazouni (University of French Polynesia) 

Thierry Laugier (IFREMER) 

Christophe Leboulanger (IRD) 

David Mouillot (University Montpellier II) 

Marie Odile Pietrusiak (CNRS) 

Hélène Rey-Valette (University Montpellier I) 

Marie Romani (CEN-LR/Pôle Relais-Lagunes) 

Marc Troussellier (CNRS) 


Programme 

Monday December 14, 2009 

Salle Einstein 

08:00 - 09:15 

Conference Registration 

Tuesday December 15, 2009 


08:00 - 08:45 

Keynote Speaker Mini-Symposium 1 

Masumi Yamamuro 

Wednesday December 16, 2009 


08:00 - 08:45 

Keynote Speaker Session 6 

Philippe Cury 

Thursday December 17, 2009 


08:00 - 08:45 

Keynote Speaker 

Dolf de Groot 

Friday December 18, 2009 


08:00 08:00 

08:45 - 09:45 

Mini-Symposium 1 

Speakers 

09:45 - 10:35 

Poster Session (Group 1) 

Salle Joffre 

08:45 - 10:05 

Session 6 

Speakers 

10:35 - 11:55 

Session 7 

Speakers 

08:45 - 09:55 

Session 7 

Speakers 

09:55 - 10:35 



Coffee Break Coffee Break 

Coffee Break 

11:05 - 11:45 



11:05 - 11:45 



08:00 - 08:45 


Bill Dennison 

08:45 - 09:45 

Session 9 

Speakers 

11:00 - 12:40 

Session 10 

Speakers 

11:45 - 12:30 

11:45 - 12:30 

11:45 - 12:30 




Maria Snoussi 

Patricia Aïssa 

Excursions 

Klaus Anger 

12:30 12:30 

Salle Einstein Salle Rondelet Salle Einstein Salle Rondelet Excursion 1 Excursion 2 

Salle Einstein Salle Rondelet Salle Einstein Salle Rondelet 

14:00 14:00 

Session 1 

Speakers 

Mini- 

Symposium 1 

Speakers 

Session 3 

Speakers 

Mini- 

Symposium 2 

Speakers 

Session 6 

Speakers 

16:00 16:00 

16:20 16:20 

Session 4 

Speakers 

09:15 - 11:10 

Welcome adresses 


12:35 - 14:00 

Welcome Lunch offered 

Session 2 

Speakers 

Session 3 

Speakers 

12:30 - 14:00 

Lunch Break (on your own) 

Mini- 

Symposium 1 

Speakers 

Session 5 

Speakers 

Session 5 

Speakers 

12:30 Lunch Break CORUM 

13:30 Departure Excursion 

Visit of an 

oyster farm 

Oyster Tasting 

Marseillan 

Visit of the 

former salterns 

of Villeneuve-les- 

Maguelone 

Tasting of local 

products 

12:30 - 14:00 

Lunch Break (on your own) 

18:20 18:20 

Session 1: 

Impacts of climate variability and 

sea-level rise on the geomorphology 

and ecosystem functioning on coastal 

lagoons 

Session 2: 

Invasive species and Harmful 

Algal Blooms (HAB) 

Session 3: 

Ecological restauration 

of lagoon system 

Session 4: 

Global approach: how are lagoons 

affected by climate change? 

Session 5: 

Sediment biogeochemistry: linking 

the biology of the benthic biota 

and the sediment physico-chemistry 

to understand their impact on water 

quality 

Session 6: 

Sustainable aquaculture 

and fisheries in coastal lagoons 

Session 7: 

The aquatic continuum, coupling 

of watershed and lagoon and 

its exchanges with the sea 

Session 8: 

Ecophysiological and life-cycle 

adaptations in coastal lagoons 

Session 9: 

Linking the scientific community 

with the coastal lagoon managers 

for jointly defining research questions 

for the conservation and sustainable 

use of lagoon ecosystems 

Session 10: 

Management and Governance 

objectives for coastal 

lagoon conservation, with special 

reference to European directives 

(e.g.Birds, Habitat and Water 

Framework directives) 

Minisymposium 1: 

Drivers of the biodiversity 

in lagoon ecosystems in 

the perspective of global change 

Minisymposium 2: 

Persistent Organic Pollutants 

in the aquatic continuum; How 

to protect the lagoons against 

pesticides and other pollutants? 

8 l European Conference on Coastal Lagoon Research l Montpellier 2009 European Conference on Coastal Lagoon Research l Montpellier 2009 l 9 

Session 7 

Speakers 

Mini- 

Symposium 2 

Speakers 

Session 8 

Speakers 

Session 8 

Speakers 

Session 10 

Speakers 

Syntesis and 

conclusions 

Closure 


12:40 - 14:00 

Goodbye Lunch offered 

Coffee Break Coffee Break Coffee Break Coffee Break 

Discussion Discussion 

18:20 - 20:00 

Social Event 

18:30 Return to CORUM 

20:00 Symposium Dinner CORUM 

18:20 - 20:00 

Social Event offered 

(registration required) 

10:15 - 11:00 


Pierre Valarié 

Session 9 

Speakers

Programme Social events 

Monday, December 14, 2009 

• Conference registration 

• Opening ceremony (welcome and introduction by Rutger DE WIT / 

welcome addresses by institutional partners and sponsors) 

• Session 1: Impacts of climate variability and sea-level rise 

on the geomorphology and ecosystem functioning of coastal lagons 

• Session 2: Invasive species and Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB) 

• Session 3: Ecological restoration of lagoon systems 

• Session 4: Global approach: how are lagoons affected by global change worldwide? 

Tuesday, December 15, 2009 

• Mini symposium 1: Drivers of the biodiversity in lagoon ecosystems in the perspective of global change 

• Session 5: Sediment biogeochemistry: linking the biology of the benthic biota and the sediment 

physico-chemistry to understand their impact on water quality 

• Poster session group 1 

• Social event 

Wednesday, December 16, 2009 

• Session 6: Sustainable aquaculture and fisheries in coastal lagoons, part 1 Sustainable fisheries 

• Session 7: The aquatic continuum, coupling of watershed and lagoon and its exchanges with the sea 

• Excursions 

• Symposium Dinner 

Thursday, December 17, 2009 

• Session 7: The aquatic continuum, coupling of watershed and lagoon and its exchanges with the sea 

• Minisymposium 2: Persistent Organic Pollutants in the aquatic continuum; 

How to protect the lagoons against pesticides and other pollutants? 

• Session 8: Ecophysiological and life-cycle adaptations in coastal lagoons 

• Poster session group 2 

• Social event 

Friday, December 18, 2009 

• Session 9: Linking the scientific community with the coastal lagoon managers 

for jointly defining research questions for the conservation and sustainable use of lagoon ecosystems 

• Session 10: Management and Governance objectives for coastal lagoon conservation, 

with special reference to European directives (e.g. Birds, Habitat and Water Framework directives) 

• Session 6: Sustainable aquaculture and fisheries in coastal lagoons, part 2 Foodwebs 

• Concluding remarks/Synthesis and conclusions 

• Closure of the conference 

Welcome lunch 

On Monday, December 14, 2009, after an opening lecture, 

all participants are invited for a lunch offered in Joffre room / CORUM. 

Social event 

On Tuesday, December 15, 2009, after the discussion of the Minisymposium 1, 

all participants are invited to attend a Reception 

offered by the City of Montpellier at 18:30 hours in the CORUM. 

Excursions 

The two excursions will be organized Wednesday afternoon, December 16, 2009 

(previous registration is compulsory for participation). 

Departure by bus 13:30 at CORUM 

- Visit of an oyster farm / Oyster Tasting on Thau Lagoon, Marseillan 

- Visit of the former salterns / Tasting of local products (Wine, Fruit juice, Oyster, etc) 

at Villeneuve-les-Maguelone 

Return to Corum at 18:30. 

Symposium dinner 

The symposium dinner will be organized for Wednesday, December 16, 2009 

starting at 20:00 in the CORUM. 

Local food will be served and there will be plenty of music to enjoy. 

Social event 

On Thursday, December 17, 2009, after the discussion of the Minisymposium 2, 

120 participants are invited to visit Aquarium Mare Nostrum. 

After the visit, a drink will be offered. (Compulsory registration at the reception Desk on Monday or Tuesday) 

Departure by tram at 18:30 (line 1 direction Odysseum/Stop Odysseum). 

Goodbye lunch 

On Friday December 18, 2009, 

all participants are invited to lunch in Joffre room / CORUM. 


Conference programme 

Monday 14 December 

08:00 - 12:30 Einstein (plenary) 

08:00 - 09:15 Registration 

09:15 - 09:25 Welcome and introduction Rutger DE WIT 

09:25 - 11:10 Welcome addresses by institutional partners and sponsors 

11:10 - 11:45 COFFEE BREAK 

11:45 - 12:30 KEYNOTE LECTURE SESSION 1: Maria SNOUSSI 

Potential impacts of climate change and sea-level rise on the Moroccan coastal lagoons 

12:30 - 14:00 LUNCH BREAK 

14:00 - 18:20 Einstein (parallel) 

14:00 - 16:00 SESSION 1: Impacts of climate variability and sea-level rise on the geomorphology 

and ecosystem functioning of coastal lagoons 

14:00 - 14:20 Mr Clément FLAUX 

Late Holocene geomorphological and hydrological variations of the Maryut coastal lagoon, 

Nile delta, Egypt. 

14:20 -14:40 Mrs Elena SANCHEZ BADORREY 

Multiple scale variability of water temperature of two Mediterranean coastal lagoons: 

analyses of scales, processus and sensibility to global change 

14:40 - 15:00 Mr Mathieu GERVAIS 

Effect of climate change on storm occurrence in the Gulf of Lions 

15:00 - 15:20 Mr Christos ANAGNOSTOU 

The deltaic - lagoonal systems of Acheloos and Evinos rivers (Western Greece): 

Evolution and changes related to anthropogenic activities and sea-level rise 

15:20 - 15:40 Mrs Kristina SUNDBACK 

Effects of increased temperature on a shallow-water sediment system: a spring situation 

15:40 - 16:00 Mr Pierre FERRER 

The sedimentary infill of the Thau lagoon (Western Gulf of Lions, Mediterranean sea, 

France); a record of climate changes and sea-level rise 

16h00 - 16h20 COFFEE/TEA BREAK 

16:20 - 18:20 SESSION 4: Global approach: how are lagoons affected by global change worldwide? 

16:20 - 16:40 Mrs Alice NEWTON 

Integration of the System Approach Framework (SAF) 

and the DPSIR framework for coastal lagoons 

16:40- 17:00 Mr Gan Gan DIRGANTARA 

The Approach of System Dynamic Method to Develop an Integrated Watershed Management 

System in order to Protect the Environmental Quality of the Segara Anakan Lagoon, Indonesia 

17:00 - 17:20 Mrs Béatrice BEC 

Patterns in nutrient limitation and chlorophyll-a along an anthropogenic eutrophication 

gradient in French Mediterranean coastal lagoons 

17:20 - 17:40 Mrs Valérie MESNAGE 

Hydrosedimentary processes and geochemistry of the sediments of the Somone (Senegal) 

17:40 - 18:00 Mr Biel OBRADOR 

Carbon cycling in a highly-productive coastal lagoon dominated by macrophytes: seasonal 

and annual carbon budgets in the Albufera des Grau (Balearic Islands, Western Mediterranean) 

18:00 - 18:20 Mrs Ameur OUESLATI 

The lagoon complexe of Ghar El Melh and its “Ramli” territory: impact of constructions 

on the coastline and risks caused by hydrological perturbations and sea level rise 

14:00 - 18:20 Rondelet (parallel) 

14:00 - 15:20 SESSION 2: Invasive species and Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB) 

14:00 - 14:20 Mr Erik KRISTENSEN 

Invasion by the polychaete Marenzelleria viridis in Odense Fjord, Denmark 

and its potential impact on ecosystem functioning 

14:20 -14:40 Mrs Noémie CANDELA 

Impact of an invasive species proliferation: Crepidula fornicata, on the functioning 

and the structure of the benthic microbial community in the Bay of Brest 

14:40 - 15:00 Mrs Marianne HOLMER 

Impact of the invasive macroalgae Gracilaria vermiculophylla on growth and survival 

of Zostera marina under different temperature regimes 

15:00 - 15:20 Mr Yves COLLOS 

Intraspecific variability in growth rate and other physiological parameters 

in Alexandrium tamarense 

15:20 - 18:20 SESSION 3: Ecological restoration of lagoon systems 

15:20 - 15:40 Mrs Laura ZAMPIERI 

Planning and restoration of coastal landscapes: a critical perspective on the Venice Lagoon 

within the Veneto Region 

15:40 - 16:00 Mrs Christelle AUDOUIT 

Comparative evaluation of naturalistic and sociologic data and public policies 

for a better knowledge and rehabilitation of lagoon and dune landscapes 

16:00 - 16:20 COFFEE/TEA BREAK 

16:20 - 16:40 Mr Ramunas POVILANSKAS 

Linear lagoon edge ecotones: their functions and integrated management 

16:40- 17:00 Mr Antonio CAMACHO 

Functional ecological patterns and the effect of anthropogenic disturbances on a recently 

restored Mediterranean coastal lagoon. Needs for a sustainable restoration 

17:00 - 17:20 Mr Mauro LENZI 

Remediation and management of eutrophic lagoon environments: an innovative approach 

17:20 - 17:40 Mrs Sabiha TLIG-ZOUARI 

Ecological status and macroinvertebrate-community structure in Tunis north lagoon 

after management 

17:40 - 18:00 Mrs Najia FATINE 

Support for a global plan aiming at decontamination and environmental protection 

of the Nador lagoon (Marocco) 

18:00 - 18:20 Mr D. SANNADURGAPPA 

Coastal Ecosystem Restoration in West Coast of India 


CONFERENCE PROGRAMME l 

Tuesday 15 December 


08:00 - 09:45 MINISYMPOSIUM 1: Drivers of the biodiversity in lagoon ecosystems in the perspective 

of global change 

08:00 - 08:45 KEYNOTE LECTURE MINISYMPOSIUM 1: Masumi YAMAMURO 

Effect of regime shifts in aquatic ecosystems on the bivalve fisheries in these 50 years 

08:45 - 09:05 Mr Sotiris ORFANIDIS 

Macrophyte communities variations within two habitats of eastern Mediterranean coastal 

lagoons: natural vs. anthropogenic processes 

09:05 - 09:25 Mrs Sandra BRUCET 

Species richness and trophic structure of coastal lagoons in contrasting climate zones: 

implications under a climate change scenario 

09:25 - 09:45 Mr Alberto BASSET 

A CIRCLE-MED tool to address climate change influence on Mediterranean transitional 

waters: an information technology platform 

09:45 - 10:35 POSTER SESSION 



11:45 - 12:30 KEYNOTE LECTURE SESSION 5: Patricia AISSA 

Relationships between the benthic organisms and the sedimentary and biogeochemical 

processes at the water-sediment interface 

12:30 - 14:00 LUNCH BREAK 


14:00 - 17:40 MINISYMPOSIUM 1: Drivers of the biodiversity in lagoon ecosystems in the perspective 

of global change 

14:00 - 14:20 Mrs Mouna DAOUDI 

Water quality and phytoplankton of two contrasting Mediterranean lagoons: 

Nador Lagoon (Morocco) and Canet Saint Nazaire (France) 

14:20 -14:40 Mr Miguel CANEDO-ARGUELLES 

Aquatic macroinvertebrate communities in transitional waters: influence 

of the environment, response to disturbance and differences between habitats 

14:40 - 15:00 Mrs Sofia REIZOPOULOU 

Biodiversity gradients across a scale of natural stress in transitional ecosystems 

15:00 - 15:20 Mr Sébastien VILLEGER 

Loss of functional diversity in tropical fish communities after habitat dégradation 

15:20 - 15:40 Mrs Christelle TOUGARD 

Comparative mtDNA phylogeography of some Pomatoschistus gobies with a focus 

on French Mediterranean lagoon populations 

15:40 - 16:00 Mr Alessandro GIMONA 

Spatial Environmental Gradients, Habitat Zonation, and Community Composition 

in the Lagoon of Marano and Grado, northeast Italy 


16:20 - 16:40 Mr François GUILHAUMON 

Taxonomic uncertainties in species-area relationships and implications for lagoons 

conservation 

16:40- 17:00 Mrs Asmae AZIRAR 

Ecological quality assessment of the coastal lagoon of Oualidia (Morocco, Atlantic) 

by using macrozoobenthos structure analysis 

17:00 - 17:20 Mr Issam MZOUGHI 

Analysis of macrocrustaceans diversity in Ghar El Melh lagoon (Tunisia) 

17:20 - 17:40 Mr Hugues BLANCHET 

Comparison of benthic invertebrates community structure and diversity of two 

semi-enclosed Atlantic coastal ecosystems submitted to freshwater inputs: 

Arcachon Bay and Marennes-Oléron Bay (France) 

17:40 - 18:20 DISCUSSION BIODIVERSITY 


14:00 - 18:20 SESSION 5: Sediment biogeochemistry: linking the biology of the benthic 

biota and the sediment physico-chemistry to understand their impact on water quality 

14:00 - 14:20 Mrs Geraldine NOGARO 

Ecosystem engineering: influence of invertebrate bioturbation on physical 

and biogeochemical functioning of the water-sediment interface 

14:20 -14:40 Mrs Francesca ROSSI 

Effect of eutrophication and bioturbation on the ecosystem functioning of intertidal flats 

14:40 - 15:00 Mr Marco BARTOLI 

Benthic processes with special emphasis on nitrogen transformations 

in the surface sediments of the Curonian Lagoon (Lithuania) 

15:00 - 15:20 Mrs Sonia MORENO 

In situ N 2 O production and denitrification in sediment of Palmones River estuary, 

a shallow temperate estuary in southern Europe (Spain) 

15:20 - 15:40 Mr Gianmarco GIORDANI 

Mineralisation of phosphorus in marine sediments enriched with eelgrass roots and 

macroalgae thalli: two microcosm experiments 

15:40 - 16:00 Mr F. Xavier NIELL 

Self-fertilization of P, a reason to maintain a high plankton biomass in hypereutrophic 

lagoons (L’Albufera, Spain) 


16:20 - 16:40 Mrs Aurélia MOURET 

Spatial heterogeneity of diagenetic parameters in the coastal environment of Arcachon Bay 

16:40- 17:00 Mrs Kateryna IVANOVA 

Meiobenthic communities of hypoxic sediments from the sewage discharge locations 

(Ria Formosa lagoon, Southern Portugal) 

17:00 - 17:20 Mrs Teresa RADZIEJEWSKA 

Bottom sediment enrichment with pelagic plant material in Baltic coastal lakes 

and lagoons: an important aspect of sediment quality and biogeochemistry 

17:20 - 17:40 Mrs Franca SANGIORGIO 

Reed decomposition through the Mediterranean and the Black Sea: an evaluation 

of the role of key ecosystem characteristics. 



17:40 - 18:00 Mr Gerard THOUZEAU 

Impacts of the invasive gastropod, Crepidula fornicata, on benthic fluxes in the Bay of 

Brest: quantification of the respective contributions of micro and macro organisms 

to benthic respiration 

18:00 - 18:20 Mrs Mélanie RAIMONET 

Silica early diagenesis in estuarine sediments of the Bay of Brest: 

experiments and modelling 

Wednesday 16 December 


08:00 - 10:05 SESSION 6: Sustainable aquaculture and fisheries in coastal lagoons, part 1 

08:00 - 08:45 KEYNOTE LECTURE SESSION 6: Philippe CURY 

Moving towards Ecosystem Oceanography for studying Global change in fisheries 

08:45 - 09:05 Mrs Syndhia MATHE 

Monograph on shellfish culture: from the perception of a control system to one of a tool 

for managing, legitimising and exploring shellfish culture activity 

09:05 - 09:25 Mrs Mariachiara NALDI 

Effect of filter-feeding mollusks on nutrient cycling and growth of macroalgae (Ulva sp.) 

in a coastal lagoon 

09:25 - 09:45 Mrs Hélène REY-VALETTE 

Participative-action research and co-management: toward new forms of partnership 

for ecosystem approach of fisheries. Case study of a clam fishery in Thau lagooon 

09:45 - 10:05 Mrs Clotilde GUYOT 

Lagoons and fish stocks management by professionnal organizations 

in the Languedoc-Roussillon région 


10:35 - 11:55 SESSION 7: The aquatic continuum, coupling of watershed and lagoon 

and its exchanges with the sea 

10:35 - 10:55 Mr Jérome CASTAINGS 

Sediment infilling in Mediterranean lagoons: a multidisciplinary approach. 

10:55 - 11:15 Mrs Inga KRÄMER 

Nutrient load reduction measures in a river basin and efficiency 

for coastal lagoon management 

11:15 - 11:35 Mrs Marie-George TOURNOUD 

Bacterial dynamics in an intermittent river, during a flood (September 2006) 

and its impact on the downstream waterbody (Vène river and Thau lagoon) 

11:35 - 11:55 Mrs Aurore TROTTET 

Bacteria and phytoplankton nitrogen uptake during the autumnal season 

in a Mediterranean coastal lagoon (Thau lagoon, France) 

12:30 DEPARTURE OF THE EXCURSIONS 

20:00 SYMPOSIUM DINNER 

Thursday 17 December 


08:00 - 08:45 KEYNOTE LECTURE on ECOSYSTEM SERVICES OF COASTAL LAGOONS: Dolf DE GROOT 

Services and economic benefits of Coastal Lagoons: investing in conservation 

and sustainable use pays 

08:45 - 09:55 CONTINUATION SESSION 7 

08:45 - 09:15 Mr Georg UMGIESSER and Mrs Francesca DE PASCALIS 

A comparison study of 6 Mediterranean lagoons with numerical modeling 

09:15 - 09:35 Mr Olivier RADAKOVITCH 

Groundwater inputs in the Vaccares lagoon (South France) estimated from 222 Rn budget 

09:35 - 09:55 Mr Pierluigi VIAROLI 

Loadings and nutrient stoichiometry under changing hydrological conditions 

in the Po River watershed: possible impacts on coastal lagoons 




11:45 - 12:30 KEYNOTE LECTURE SESSION 8: Klaus ANGER 

A lagoon crab in a crab lagoon: how a key species is shaped by its environment - 

and vice versa 

12:30 - 14:00 LUNCH BREAK 



14:00 - 14:20 Mr Mathieu CANTON 

Impact of a solid waste disposal on the continuum catchement/aquifer/lagoon 

14:20 -14:40 Mr Ali ERTURK 

Nutrient response modelling in the Curonian Lagoon, Lithuania 

14:40 - 17:20 MINISYMPOSIUM 2: Persistent Organic Pollutants in the aquatic continuum; 

How to protect the lagoons against pesticides and other pollutants? 

14:40 - 15:00 Mr Arthur DAVID 

Monitoring Endocrine Disruptors in coastal lagoons: Comparison of levels in mussel, 

passive sampler and sediment 

15:00 - 15:20 Mrs Nathalie TAPIE 

POCIS (Polar Organic Chemical Integrative Sampler): A novel tool for pesticide monitoring 

in lagoon systems, Application in the Arcachon lagoon 

15:20 - 15:40 Mrs Claude DURRIEU 

Development of algal biosensors for water quality monitoring of lagoons ecosystems 

and coastal waters 

15:40 - 16:00 Mr Youssef LAHBIB 

Butyltins body burden and imposex in the gastropod Hexaplex trunculus from the Laguna 

of Bizerta (Tunisia) between 2004 and 2007 




16:20 - 16:40 Mr Dominique MUNARON 

Pharmaceuticals, alkylphenols and pesticides in French Mediterranean coastal lagoons 

and seawaters. Use of passive samplers (POCIS) 

16:40- 17:00 Mr Christophe LEBOULANGER 

Concentration, fate and toxicities to phytoplanktonic species of diuron and glyphosate 

in coastal and lagoon waters of Mediterranean Sea 

17:00 - 17:20 Mr Patrick HOHENER 

Modeling anthropogenic substances in coastal wetlands: application to herbicides 

in the Camargue (France) 

17:20 - 17:40 Mr Clément BAUDOT 

Development of plans to introduce a better use of pesticides in the townships 

of the syndicat mixte des étangs littoraux (SIEL) 

17:40 - 18:20 DISCUSSION PESTICIDES 


14:00 - 18:20 SESSION 8: Ecophysiological and life-cycle adaptations in coastal lagoons 

14:00 - 14:20 Mr Marian Y. HU 

Hypoxia, hypercapnia and low pH- A comparison of the early life of a cuttlefish 

and a squid regarding elevated environmental CO 2 

14:20 -14:40 Mrs Nolwenn QUERE 

Adaptation of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) to lagoon conditions: phenotypic plasticity 

or genetically-based determinism ? 

14:40 - 15:00 Mrs Charlotte BODINIER 

Salinity tolerance and osmoregulation in the sea-bream Sparus aurata during ontogeny 

15:00 - 15:20 Mr Fabien MORAT 

Characterization and discrimination of “nurseries” for the common sole (Solea solea): 

the case of 4 Mediterranean coastal lagoons 

15:20 - 15:40 Mr Leny MERCIER 

Combined use of otolith microchemistry and muscle isotopic ratios to elucidate lagoon 

habitat use in the Mediterranean gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L. 1758) 

15:40 - 16:00 Mr Giorgio MANCINELLI 

The trophic ecology of Gammarus spp. (Crustacea: Amphipoda) in transitional waters: 

a global-scale analysis of stable isotopes data 


16:20 - 16:40 Mr Maurizio PINNA 

Estimating the fitness of benthic invertebrates in transitional waters: relationships between 

body condition indices and environmental pressures 

16:40- 17:00 Mrs Flora SALVO 

Uptake and release of material by the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas: an in situ 

comparison between reef-building and cultivated intertidal oyster populations in Arcachon Bay 

17:00 - 17:20 Mr Fabrice PERNET 

Environmental anomalies, energetic weakness and fatty acid modifications in oysters 

coincide with an exceptional mortality event in the Thau lagoon 

17:20 - 17:40 Mrs Solveig BOURGEOIS 

Functioning of subtidal microphytobenthos in a tropical coastal environment 

(New Caledonia): Effects of inorganic and organic compound supplies on production 

and respiration 

17:40 - 18:00 Mrs Severine BOYER 

A new comer in the Thau lagoon (South of France): Paracartia grani (Copepoda, calanoida) 

population dynamics and role in the ecosystem 

18:00 - 18:20 Mrs Catherine FERNANDEZ 

Sea urchin and seagrasses: trophic fluxes in a benthic ecosystem from a coastal lagoon 

Friday 18 December 


08:00 - 09:45 SESSION 9: Linking the scientific community with the coastal lagoon managers for jointly 

defining research questions for the conservation and sustainable use of lagoon ecosystems 

08:00 - 08:45 KEYNOTE LECTURE SESSION 9: Bill DENNISON 

Ecological transitions in coastal lagoons: Implications for research, management 

and monitoring in Atlantic coastal bays adjacent to Chesapeake Bay 

08:45 - 09:05 Mr Pierpaolo CAMPOSTRINI 

The Venice Platform Declaration: towards a European Coastal and Marine Stakeholders 

Platform 

09:05 - 09:25 Mr Raphaêl MATHEVET 

Exploring Mental Models of Water Managers in the Camargue Biosphere Reserve: 

Research and Management Implications 

09:25 - 09:45 Mrs Annie FIANDRINO 

Bages-Sigean lagoon restoration: an example of science and management cooperation 


10:15 - 12:40 SESSION 10: Management and Governance objectives for coastal lagoonconservation, with 

special reference to European directives (e.g.Birds, Habitat and Water Framework directives) 

10:15 - 11:00 KEYNOTE LECTURE SESSION 10: Pierre VALARIE 

Gouvernance (Title to be communicated) 

11:00 - 11:20 Mrs Anita FRANCO 

Population status and distribution of sand gobies in a lagoon S.C.I. 

11:20 - 11:40 Mrs Oda STORMER 

Interactions between ecosystem and human environment- adaptation strategies 

for Baltic coastal waters 

11:40 - 12:00 Mr Tarik GHODBANI 

La Macta wetland: a coastal ecosystem to protect in Western Algeria 

12:00 - 12:20 Mr Thibaut RODRIGUEZ 

Proactive involvement of fishermen in environmental approaches, 

as essential stakeholders of lagoons 

12:20 - 12:40 Mrs Nabila GAERTNER-MAZOUNI 

Information systems, Observatory: new tools for public action? 

12:40 - 14:00 LUNCH BREAK 



14:00 - 14:20 Mr Gerald SCHERNEWSKI 

Towards a bathing water information system for tourism and management: 

Spatio-temporal risk assessment of harmful micro-organisms in a coastal lagoon 



14:20 -14:40 Mrs Elena GISSI 

Integrated management of the mainland of the Venice Lagoon, 

a case study of the municipality of Mira. 

14:40 - 15:00 Mrs Julie BREMOND 

Department and management structure: the example of the Etang de l’Or (Collaboration 

of the Hérault Department with the Syndicat for the management of the Etang de l’Or) 

15:00 - 15:20 Mrs Marie ROMANI 

Negotiated and contractual reference documents (i.e., DOCOB, SAGE, Contrats d’étang, 

charte de PNR, trame verte et bleue, SCOT and others); their importance, limitations a 

nd articulation as contributions to integrated coastal zone management and how these are 

respected by the different stakeholders in the French Mediterranean coastal regions 

15:20 - 15:40 Mrs Anaïs GIRAUD 

Intercalibration exercise in the frame of the Water Framework Directive 

15:40 - 16:00 Mr Gilles BROCARD 

Integrated management of the Thau Lagoon and its surrounding territory (France): 

results and perspectives 




14:00 - 14:20 Mr Philippe PICON 

From scientific monitoring to integrated management in the Berre lagoon 

14:20 -14:40 Mr Philippe CHAUVELON 

Constraints, limits and perspectives for Integrated Coastal Zone Management in the Rhone 

river delta (GIZCAM project) 


14:40 - 15:00 Mrs Serena COMO 

Trophic structure in the Cabras Lagoon (Sardinia, Italy): variability in the isotopic 

composition of primary producers, detritus and macroinvertebrates 

15:00 - 15:20 Mrs Zita GASIUNAITE 

Shooting a moving target - reconstruction of the lagoon food web 

by stable isotope approach 

15:20 - 15:40 Mrs Valérie DEROLEZ 

Investigating an avian source of shellfish microbial contaminations on Thau 

in dry weather conditions 

15: 40 - 16:00 Mr Romain PETE 

Metazoan predators as driving force of microbial food web: a modeling approach 



16:20 - 17:50 SYNTHESIS AND CONCLUSIONS 

17:50- 18:00 CLOSURE 

Poster programme 

MINISYMPOSIUM 1 - MONDAY / TUESDAY 

M1.01 Mr Steven Arthur LOISELLE 

Caught in the middle: a comparison of coastal lakes with different forcing functions 

M1.02 Mrs Laila RHAZI 

Preliminary assessment of a coastal lake, Sidi Boughaba, in North-West Morocco 

M1.03 Mrs Rym ZAKHAMA-SRAIEB 

Ghar El Melh lagoon: characteristics and ecological assessment 

M1.04 Mrs Annie PASTOUREAUD 

HPLC pigments biomarkers analysis and diversity of French Mediterranean lagoons: preliminary results 

M1.05 Mr Ioannis TZOVENIS 

Phytoplankton temporal patterns between different lagoons of the Epirus region (N-W Greece) 

M1.06 Mrs Beatrice BEC 

Phytoplankton functional diversity along trophic and salinity gradients 

in French Mediterranean coastal lagoons 

M1.07 Mrs Zita GASIUNAITE 

Temporal patterns of plankton communities in an eutrophic coastal lagoon 

M1.08 Mrs Maria Dolores BELANDO TORRENTES 

Effect of metal and nutrient wastes on biofilm in the Mar Menor coastal lagoon (SE Spain) 

M1.09 Mrs Jurate KAROSIENE 

Epiphyton algal community structure and productivity in the shallow shoreline zones 

of the Curonian Lagoon (Baltic Sea) 

M1.10 Mrs Soumaya BEN YOUSSEF 

Analysis of malaco-fauna diversity in Ghar El Melh lagoon (Tunisia) 

M1.11 Mrs Renata PILKAITYTE 

The role of abiotic factors in the distribution of macrophytes 

in the shallow eutrophic SE Baltic Sea lagoon 

M1.12 Mrs Marta GARCÍA SÁNCHEZ 

Use of benthic macrophyte assemblages to detect impacts resulting from human pressure 


M1.13 Mr Francesco CAVRARO 

Seasonal variation of meiobenthic community in a mudflat of the Venice Lagoon: 

which relationships with environmental factors? 

M1.14 Mrs Adilia PIRES 

Diopatra micrura, a new Onuphidae (Polychaeta) species from Portugal 

M1.15 Mrs Ilaria ROSATI 

Abiotic and biotic filtering of invertebrate guilds in the Margherita di Savoia saltworks (Italy) 

M1.16 Mrs Monia BEN ROMDHANE 

Dangers threatening Tudorella sulcata (Gastropoda, Prosobranchia, Pomatiidae) (Muller, 1774) 

in Tunisia 

M1.17 Mrs Lamia GARGOURI BEN ABDALLAH 

Larvae of Proctoeces maculatus (Digenea, Fellodistomidae), a parasite of the mussel 

Mytilus galloprovincialis in the lagoon of Bizerte 

M1.18 Mrs Raja DJELASSI 

Seasonal variation of the spatio-temporal distribution of arthropodofauna in Bizerte lagoon 

M1.19 Mrs Victoria FERNÁNDEZ-GONZÁLEZ 

Spatial variability of benthic assemblage and its relationship with environmental parameters 

in a coastal lagoon (Mar menor, Spain) 


POSTER PROGRAMMEl 

M1.20 Mrs Maria ANTON-PARDO 

Zooplankton biodiversity of coastal shallow ponds of different salinity in Eastern Spain 

M1.21 Mr Ioannis KLADAS 

Temporal distribution of mesozoplankton in six coastal lagoons of the Epirus region (NW Greece) 

M1.22 Mrs Hajer KHEMAISSIA 

Diversity of Oniscoid populations in the lagoon complex of Ghar El Meleh (Tunisia) 

M1.23 Mrs Nadia CHEBBI 

Seasonal distribution of ascidians in two Tunisian lagoons of the Mediterranean Sea 

M1.24 Mr Tahani CHARGUI 

Fauna associated with cultured mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) in the Bizerte lagoon (Tunisia) 

M1.25 Mr Raffaele D’ADAMO 

Fish communities of coastal lagoons in the Mediterranean Sea supporting the application 

of the European Water Framework Directive 

M1.26 Mr Abderrazak MERRAH 

Composition and structure of the fish communities in the Mellah lagoon (NE Algeria) during spring 

M1.27 Mr Rim ANTAR 

Biodiversity of Digenous parasites of the fish genus Diplodus from Bizerte Lagoon, Tunisia 

M1.28 Mrs Anita FRANCO 

Habitat distribution models for two sand gobies in the Venice Lagoon 

M1.29 Mrs Rouwayda SELLAMI 

Salinity indicator ectoparasites evolution of two mullet fish species, Liza saliens and Liza aurata, 

in the Ichkeul lagoon (Tunisia) 

M1.30 Mrs Houda DJAIT 

Analysis of Macro-ectoparasites diversity of Mugilidae and Sparidae 

in Bizerta and Ghar El Melh lagoons (North-East of Tunisia) 

M1.31 Mrs Elsa AMILHAT 

Anguilla anguilla, an emblematic species, rapporteur of the environmental status 

of the Mediterranean lagoons 

M1.32 Mr Khaled OUANES 

Is the hybrid zone between Solea aegyptiaca and Solea senegalensis expanding? 

Genetic evidence over two decades 

M1.33 Mrs Serena COMO 

Behavioural and physiological insight into feeding ecology of the golden grey mullet Liza aurata 

M1.34 Mr Angel PÉREZ-RUZAFA 

The water bird community of the Mar Menor coastal lagoon (SE Spain): spatial relationships 

with major environmental gradients and trophic web components 

M1.35 Mr Nabil HAMDI 

Population sizes and distribution of wintering waterbirds in Tunisia 

M1.36 Mrs Christia CHRYSOULA 

Diversity of aquatic macrophytes from coastal lagoons of Western Greece (Ionian Sea) 

MINI SYMPOSIUM 2 - THURSDAY / FRIDAY 

M2.01 Mrs Morgane BACHELOT 

Is UV filter EHMC accumulated in mussels collected in coastal zones ? 

M2.02 Mrs Roselyne BUSCAIL 

Contaminants and interactions in lagoon ecosystems the “CIEL 2008-2011” 

Programme of the ANR-CES (France) 

M2.03 Mrs Chrystelle BANCON-MONTIGNY 

Waste Water Treatment Plant impact on organotin, nutrient and faecal bacteria patterns 

along a river reach in low flow conditions 

SESSION 1 - MONDAY / TUESDAY 

S1.01 Mr Abdou KHOUAKHI 

Vulnerability assessement of the Moulay Bousselham lagoon to climate change and sea-level rise 

S1.02 Mrs Saida NIAZI 

Vulnerability Assessment of the Nador’s lagoon (Morocco), to the future sea-level rise 

S1.03 Mr Luca BRACCHINI 

Wind forcing on the bio-optical dynamics in a shallow coastal lake 

S1.04 Mrs Otmane RAJI 

Comparison of two Mediterranean lagoons: A GIS-based vulnerability assessment 

of the Mar Menor (Spain) and Nador lagoon (Morrocco) 

S1.05 Mr Philippe CHAUVELON 

Hydrodynamic constraints for the hydraulic management and salinity control of the Vaccarès lagoon 

in the Rhône delta (South France) 

S1.06 Mrs Nathalie MALET 

Assessment of eutrophication of French Mediterranean lagoons 

in relation to meteorological interannual variability 

S1.07 Mrs Priscila GOELA 

Influence of Episodic Precipitation Events on the Water Quality of a Southern Europe Coastal Lagoon 

S1.08 Mrs Ophélie SERAIS 

Microbiological quality and impact of meteorogical conditions 

on the Thau lagoon’s shellfish farming area between 1997 and 2006 

S1.09 Mrs Ilham BENTHALEB 

What does tell us the sedimentary organic nitrogen and carbon stable isotopes story 

about storm events in the Mediterranean lagoon? 

S1.10 Mr Laurent DEZILEAU 

Increase of intense storm activity during the Little Ice Age on the French Mediterranean Coast 

S1.11 Mrs Miriam RUIZ-NIETO 

A multistable equilibrium of eutrophication in the Palmones river estuary (Cádiz, South of Spain) 

in relation to climate changes (1987-2009) 

S1.12 Mr Michol GHEZZO 

Dispersion and settlement of Manila clam larvae in the lagoon of Venice: 

numerical model and evaluation of the effects of climate changes 

S1.13 Mr Angel PÉREZ-RUZAFA 

Coastal Oceanographic Observatory of Murcia: an observatory devoted 

to coastal lagoon process and to climate change effects on biodiversity 

S1.14 Mrs Emilie LE FLOC’H 

Open access to MEDIMEER mesocosm facilities in the frame of the European project MESOAQUA: 

Network of leading MESOcosm facilities to advance the studies of future AQUAtic ecosystems 

from the Arctic to the Mediterranean 




S2.01 Mr Mohamed LAABIR 

Allelopathic effects of Zostera marina and Zostera noltii on the growth 

of the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium catenella 

S2.02 Mrs Gisèle SOTERAS 

Presentation of the European project “Eco-Lagunfroumagnaces 2009-2011”: 

a project for the conservation of biodiversity in coastal lagoon ecosystems 

S2.03 Mrs Micheline GRIGNON-DUBOIS 

NMR Quantitative determination of the sugar and glycine betaine content of Spartina 

from Arcachon lagoon (France) 

S2.04 Mrs Asma SAKKA HLAILI 

Pseudo-nitzschia blooms in the Lagune of Bizerte, Southwesthern Mediterranean Sea 

S2.05 Mrs Beatrice BEC 

Relationships between phytoplankton communities of Arcachon Basin (SW France) 

and adjacent coastal waters during the period of Dinophysis spp. Occurrences 

S2.06 Mrs Mouna DAOUDI 

Spatio-temporal dynamics of toxic phytoplankton in Nador lagoon (Morocco) 


S3.01 Mr Pierpaolo CAMPOSTRINI 

The new Morphological Plan for the Venice Lagoon 

S3.02 Mrs Aicha Beya MAMMERIA 

Wetlands in Northeast Algeria and cues for their eutrophication 

S3.03 Mrs Jeanne ZAOUALI 

Environmental assessment of the Southern lake of Tunis based on 8 years of monitoring 

S3.04 Mrs Jamila BEN SOUSSI 

The ecological restauration of Tunis Southern Lagoon (Northern Tunisia, central mediterranean) 

and its consequence on ichthyofauna 

S3.05 Mr. Thomas VALDEMARSEN 

Physical processes affecting survival of eelgrass (Zostera marina) seedlings in a Danish fjord: 

Macroalgae drift, sediment reworking and resuspension 

S3.06 Mr. D SANNADURGAPPA 

Water Quality and Human Influence on Coastal Ecosystem of South India 

S3.07 Mrs Dolors PUJOL 

Effect of submerged aquatic vegetation on turbulence induced by an oscillating grid 

S3.08 Mrs Mouna HENNANI 

Contribution of GIS to the evaluation of the bacteriological quality of a Maroccon lagoon: 

La lagune Oualidia 

S3.09 Mr Eric BAUTISTA 

Sea Water Pump from an Open Parabolic Channel: a method for restauration of coastal lagoons 


S4.01 Mrs Flore LAFAYE DE MICHEAUX 

Local water management planning for a better integrated management of the lagoons : the French 

experiment of watershed management schemes (Schémas d’Aménagement et de Gestion des Eaux) 

S4.02 Mrs Emilie ENGLES 

The socio-economic value of the natural areas of lagoons 

S4.03 Mrs Caterina DABALA 

Four years of monitoring activities of the effects of the MOSE’s work site at the Veice lagoon inlets 

on highlmy valuable ecosystems 

S4.04 Mr N. JAYARAJU 

Anthropogenic impact on the Pulicat lagoon monitoring with foraminifera, East coast of India 

S4.05 Mrs Dabhia DJOUDAR/HALLAL 

Vulnerability to the pollution of the alluvial underground of Eastern Mitidja - Algeria 

S4.06 Mr Raffaele D’ADAMO 

Nutrient loads and trophic conditions in several coastal lagoons 

S4.07 Mrs Sofia REIZOPOULOU 

WFD implementation and national monitoring network in Transitional Waters in Greece 

S4.08 Mrs Christia CHRYSOULA 

Assessing the ecological quality of Kaiafas Lagoon (Western Greece, Ionian Sea) 

by monitoring the submerged aquatic microphytes 

S4.09 Mr Arnaud BÉCHET 

Global economy and climate change jeopardize flamingo conservation 

S4.10 Mr Nickolai SHALOVENKOV 

Influence of climatic changes and anthropogenic meddling in benthic communities of the estuary 

of the Sevastopol Bay (the Black Sea) 

SESSION 5 - THURSDAY / FRIDAY 

S5.01 Mrs Emma MICHAUD 

Bioturbation variability along a land-ocean continuum 

S5.02 Mrs Marie-Lise DELGART 

In situ deployment of voltametric solid-state microelectrode to determine the effect of tidal forcing 

on biogeochemical processes in the Arcachon lagoon sediments (France) 

S5.03 Mrs Afi AZANDEGBE 

Impact of oyster farming on the bacterial community and the physico-chemical characteristics 

of the sédiment 

S5.04 Mrs Françoise ANDRIEUX-LOYER 

Impact of oyster farming on Diagenetic processes in sediments of two oyster sites 

(Aber Benoît and Rivère d’Auray, Brittany, France) 

S5.05 Mr Aristomenis KARAGEORGIS 

Geochemistry of surface sediments in the Messolonghi lagoon, Greece 

S5.06 Mr Mindaugas ZILIUS 

The role of the sediment in dissolved organic carbon and nutrient cycling 

in the Curonian lagoon (Lithuania) 

S5.07 Mr Daunys DARIUS 

How good do sediment characteristics reflect geochemical and biological properties 

of the sedimentary environments in the Curonian Lagoon (the Baltic Sea)? 

S5.08 Mrs Sabine SCHMIDT 

Sediment deposition at the water-sediment interface of the Bay of Brest (W-N France): 

comparison of maerl and Crepidula fornicata communities 

S5.09 Mrs Ángeles ARROJO 

Diagenesis of photosynthetic pigment and organic matter in Mediterranean estuarine sédiments 



S5.10 Mr Sebastien HOCHARD 

Benthic pelagic coupling in a shallow oligotrophic ecosystem: 

the importance of microphytobenthos and spatial heterogeneity 

S5.11 Mrs Paula CANAL VERGÉS 

Modelling the effects of drifting macroalgae on the light condition and the sediment transport 

in estuaries and lagoons 

S5.12 Mrs Maud MOUCHET 

Complementarity in organic matter degradation capacity of fish assemblages 

S5.13 Mrs Hakima ZIDANE 

Spatial distribution of graulometric composition and heavy metal content of the sediments 

in an aquatic ecosystem (Bay of Dakhla, S. Marocco) 

S5.14 Mrs Salvatrice VIZZINI 

Trophic transfer of trace metals in an isotopically constructed food web from a Mediterranean coastal area 

S5.15 Mr Sylvain RIGAUD 

Evaluation of metals bioavailability in coastal sediments 

of the Berre lagoon for the Polychaete Nereis succinea 

S5.16 Mr Sylvain RIGAUD 

Sediment biogeochemistry, nutrients and trace metals fate during a bottom water hypoxia event 

in the Berre Lagoon using a multi tools approach 

S5.17 Mrs Sonia MORENO 

Temperature methanogenesis regulation in shallow temperate estuaries 

S5.18 Mr Rocio MUNOZ- JIMENEZ 

N/P ratio versus Nutrient concentration as key variable in salt marsh plant assimilation. 


S6.01 Mrs Silvia SILVESTRI 

Sustainable fishery in Venice lagoon in the face of climate change 

S6.02 Mrs Syndhia MATHE 

Bacteriological water quality issues in the Thau lagoon: assessing the commercial cost for shellfish culture 

S6.03 Mrs Erika GERVASONI 

Oyster culture and dystrophy: a management strategy based on several tools 

S6.04 Mr Chemseddine YOUBI 

Demographic structure, age and growth of the European eel Anguilla anguilla in the Mellah lagoon 

(NE Algeria) 

S6.05 Mrs Chirine HUSSEIN 

Assessing the impact of artisanal and recreative fishing and protection on the dynamics 

of the sea bream population in the North-western Mediterranean Sea using a simulation model 

S6.06 Mrs Sílvia RODRÍGUEZ CLIMENT 

The effects of fisheries on the fish community of the Ebro Delta coastal lagoons 

S6.07 Mrs Sílvia RODRÍGUEZ CLIMENT 

Gillnet selectivity in the Ebro Delta coastal lagoons 

S6.08 Mr Antonio LÓPEZ CAPEL 

Mar Menor coastal lagoon fisheries: evolution related to changes in lagoon ecology and human activities 

S6.09 Mr Francesco CAVRARO 

Fishing activity and ecological unbalancing: an example from the meiobenthic community 

in the Venice Lagoon 

S6.10 Mr Gianmarco GIORDANI 

Introduction of Tapes decussatus farming in an Albanian Lagoon (Divjaka Lagoon): 

results from the “Aquaculture in Adriatic” Project 

S6.11 Mrs Nawel DGHIM 

Impact of transfer of clams between coastal environments (in Tunisia) on the physiology and growth 

of the clam Ruditapes decussatus (L. 1758) (Mollusca Bivalvia) 

S6.12 Mrs Hakima ZIDANE 

A study of the growth of the Japanese oyster Crassostrea gigas farmed in the Bay of Dakhla 

(S. Morocco) 


S7.01 Mrs Kaoutar HOSNI 

Transfer of matter and fluxes from the catchment to the Moulay Bousselham lagoon (Atlantic coast 

of Marocco): historical trends, current state and future perspectives, a modelling approach 

S7.02 Mr Philippe CHAUVELON 

Quantification of the water, salt and sediment fluxes into the Vaccarès lagoon (S France) 

S7.03 Mr Larbi DJABRI 

Water salinities and hydrosaline dynamics of a coastal lake and its groundwater; 

the case of the Fedzara Annaba lake (N.E. Algeria) 

S7.15 Mrs Sónia CRISTINA 

LOICZ biogeochemical model applied to the west part of Ria Formosa coastal lagoon 

in the south of Portugal 

S7.04 Mr Patrice GOT 

Sediment river contamination by waste water treatment plant Vène river: the main tributary of Thau lagoon 

S7.05 Mr Stéphane DELICHERE 

Fresh water and Escherichia coli loads during rainfall events: from the surface watershed to the lagoon 

(OMEGA Thau project) 

S7.06 Mr Ludovic CESMAT 

Hydrodynamic and dynamic model of Escherichia coli contamination in water and oyster 

in the Thau lagoon (France) 

S7.07 Mr Jean Louis BROUILLET 

Ecological techniques for treatment of domestic wastewater: developments and perspectives 

in the Hérault Department (S. France) 

S7.08 Mrs Corinne ROUMAGNAC 

Monitoring network of the surface water quality in the Hérault department 

S7.09 Mr Omar KHODJET KESBA 

Use of waste stabilization ponds (i.e.“Lagunage”) for waste-water treatment 

S7.10 Mrs Nathalie MALET 

Using nitrogen stable isotopes of macroalgae to evaluate the dispersion of anthropogenic nitrogen 

loading in Mediterranean lagoons 

S7.11 Mr David PECQUEUR 

Spatio-temporal distributions of microbial food web components in Thau lagoon 

during a Mediterranean river flash flood 

S7.12 Mr Eric FOUILLAND 

Impact of an autumnal river flood on Mediterranean coastal waters of Thau lagoon 

S7.13 Mrs Marta LOPES 

In situ decomposition study of Phragmites australis and Fucus vesiculosus along a salinity gradient 

S7.14 Mrs Annie FIANDRINO 

Mediterranean coastal lagoons are semi-enclosed ecosystems subject to intensive anthropogenic inputs 

S7.16 Mrs Audrey DARNAUDE 

Spatio-temporal variability in organic matter sources for benthic production 

in a French Mediterranean lagoon (Mauguio lagoon, France) 




S8.01 Mr Domingo FLORES HERNANDEZ 

Environmental variation and colonization of the Terminos lagoon by the seabob shrimp 

(Xiphopenaeus kroyeri Heller, 1862) 

S8.02 Mrs Maria Dolores BELANDO TORRENTES 

Effect of mining wastes on the Elysia timida (Risso, 1818) populations 

in the Mar Menor coastal lagoon (SE Spain) 

S8.03 Mrs Adilia PIRES 

Reproductive cycle of Diopatra neapolitana Delle Chiaje 1841 (Polychaeta, Onuphidae) 

in Ria de Aveiro, Western Portugal 

S8.04 Mr Arthur ESCALAS 

Inter individual variations in the epibiotic bacterial communities of Sphaeroma serratum 

(Isopod, Crustacean of the Thau lagoon) in relation with the molting cycle 

S8.05 Mrs Audrey CARO 

Symbiosis of epicuticular bacteria with Sphaeroma serratum (Crustacea, Isopoda) 

S8.06 Mr Francesco CAVRARO 

Population structure and reproductive ecology of the mediterranean killifish Aphanius fasciatus 

(Nardo, 1827) in the Venice lagoon 

S8.07 Mrs Patricia CUCCHI-MOUILLOT 

Embryonic development and first occurrence of ionocytes in the sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax 

S8.08 Mr Saber KHODABANDEH 

Distribution pattern of chloride cells in the gills of Salmo trutta caspius fry, relationships with age, 

weight and salinity 

S8.09 Mr Rahimi KHOSROW 

Adaptability of triploid and diploid Caspian Sea Salmon (Salmo trutta caspius) and triploid hybrid 

Oncorhynchus mykiss × Salmo trutta caspius to different salinities 

S8.10 Mr Jamshid AMIRI MOGHADDAM 

Effects of dietary vegetal fatty acid on pyloric caeca and gill ion-regulatory function in Caspian Salmon, 

Salmo trutta caspius, parr 

S8.11 Mrs Delphine BONNET 

Dynamic of gelatinous plankton and impacts on planktonic biodiversity in the Western Mediterranean 

coastal areas: the GELAMED project 


Phenolic content of Zostera noltii: comparison of four seagrass beds 


Phenolic content of Zostera noltii from Arcachon lagoon: Seasonal variation of Zosteric acid 

S8.14 Mr Sotiris ORFANIDIS 

Nitrogen enhanced tolerance on copper toxicity of Ulva 

S8.15 Mr Carlos VERGARA-CHEN 

Do the environmental conditions shape the genetic structure of local populations 

in a Mediterranean coastal lagoon? 

S8.16 Mrs Lamya CHAOUI 

Genetic differentiation of the gilthead seabream Sparus aurata (L., 1758) in two lagoon coastal sea 

complexes in the Western Mediterranean 

S8.17 Mrs Corinne F. MAURICE 

Environmental variability and prevalence of lysogeny within coastal lagoons 

S8.18 Mr Sigitas ŠULCIUS 

Virioplankton abundance and seasonal developmnt correlation with shifts of different groups 

of plankton community in the Curonian lagoon 


S9.01 Mrs Christelle AUDOUIT 

LIFE+ LAG’Nature: creation of a network that brings together the managers, scientists and associations 

for the management of the frequentation of the natural lagoon areas in Languedoc-Roussillon 

(S France) 

S9.02 Mrs Simona DALLA RIVA 

How scientific knowledge can be used to support deliberative processes in the frame of sustainable 

clam farming in the lagoon of Venice 

S9.03 Mr Aurélien DALOZ 

“Réseau de Suivi Lagunaire”: an operational tool for evaluating and monitoring the lagoons 

eutrophication level and help public action. A commitment for transfer of information to stakeholders. 

S9.04 Mr Thierry LAUGIER 

An example of cooperation between scientists and managers: The Coastal Lagoon Monitoring Network 

of Languedoc-Roussillon (France, Mediterranean) 

S9.05 Mrs Annie FIANDRINO 

Escherichia coli Maximum Allowable Daily Loads (MADL): an environmental management tool 

for improving the microbiological quality of the lagoon water (OMEGA Thau project) 


S10.01 Mrs Adeline FOURRIER 

Methodological framework for the evaluation ecological and economical impact of maritime activities 

in planning documents 

S10.02 Mrs Irina VALARIE 

Responsibilities and competencies of the French departments for the management of water 

and aquatic environments; the strategy of the Hérault Department (S. France) 

S10.03 Mrs Khadija AIT-ALHAYANE 

Gouvernance of a natural reserve: “Roque Haute” France 

S10.04 Mr Sébastien THORIN 

Lagoon Benthic Global Index (LBGI), a powerful tool to analyse lagoons quality 

S10.05 Mr Juan Miguel SORIA 

A revision of the coastal lagoons of Spain according to EC Habitats Directive 

S10.06 Mrs Marta PEREZ 

Using the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa to assess potential status in two heavily modified 

Mediterranean transitional water bodies 

S10.07 Mr Remi MONTGRUEL 

An integrative modelling approach in support of water quality management; 

The case of the Thau Lagoon watershed 

S10.08 Mrs Evelia RIVERA-ARRIAGA 

Gouvernance in a Mexican estuary: The Laguna de Términos case 

S10.09 Mrs Hélène FABREGA 

The conservation of the coastal lagoons in the spatial planning projects: one of the actions 

of the syndicat mixte des étangs littoraux (SIEL) 


Invited keynote speakers 

Biographic sketches 32 

Invited lectures 

SNOUSSI Maria 36 

YAMAMURO Masumi 37 

AÏSSA Patricia 38 

CURY Philippe 39 

DE GROOT Rudolf S. 40 

ANGER Klaus 41 

DENNISON William C. 42 

VALARIÉ Pierre 43 


BIOGRAPHIC SKETCHES l BIOGRAPHIC SKETCHES l 

Maria Snoussi 

Mama (Maria) Snoussi is Professor of Geology at the University Mohamed V in Rabat (Marocco) 

where she leads a research group for studies on the impact of climate change on coastal environments. 

Maria started her studies in geology in Rabat and worked for 5 years in Bordeaux University 

(France) where she obtained her Doctor of Science degree and thus became, in 1986, the First 

female Doctor of Science in marine geology in Morocco. Maria is very actively involved in different 

international research councils and programmes comprising among others UNESCO, LOICZ, Global 

Ocean Observing System (GOOS) for Africa and for the Mediterranean. 

Maria Snoussi est Professeur de l’Enseignement Supérieur en géologie à l’Université Mohamed V Rabat (Maroc) 

où elle dirige l’équipe Environnements Côtiers et Changements Climatiques (E3C). Maria a commencé ces 

études de géologie à Rabat et elle a travaillé pendant 5 années à l’Université Bordeaux 1, où elle a obtenu son 

Doctorat d’Etat ès Sciences. Elle est la première Femme Docteur d’Etat en Géologie marine au Maroc. Maria 

s’implique de façon très active dans différents programmes et conseils scientifiques au niveau national et international, 

entre autres UNESCO, LOICZ, et les Comités de Coordination de GOOS-Africa (Global Ocean Observing 

System for Africa) et de MedGOOS (Global Ocean Observing System for the Mediterranean). 

KEYNOTE LECTURE SESSION 1: Monday 14, 11:45 - 12:30 

Masumi Yamamuro 

Masumi Yamamuro is Professor at the University of Tokyo, and also serves as a guest researcher 

of Geological Survey of Japan. Masumi describes her scientific activity on aquatic environments 

as one of the possible tools to answer the question on “how should we live our various lives?” Her 

research has been focused on the ecology of coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove forests, and 

also included eutrophication and foodweb studies in coastal lagoons and detection of persistent 

organic pollutants. Her present interest includes the effect of nitrogen loads from acid rain to the 

water quality of watersheds. She is an active member of the LOICZ Scientific Steering Committee. 

Masumi Yamamuro est Professeur à l’Université de Tokyo, et participe également en tant que chercheur invité à 

la Commission géologique du Japon. Masumi décrit son activité scientifique sur les milieux aquatiques comme l’un 

des outils possibles pour répondre à la question “comment devons-nous vivre nos différentes vies ?” Sa recherche a 

été axée sur l’écologie des récifs coralliens, les herbiers marins et les forêts de mangroves. Elle a également travaillé 

sur l’eutrophisation, le réseau trophique dans les lagunes côtières et la détection de polluants organiques 

persistants. Aujourd’hui, elle s’intéresse particulièrement à l’effet des charges d’azote provenant des pluies 

acides et à la qualité de l’eau des bassins versants. Elle est un membre actif du Comité LOICZ . 

KEYNOTE LECTURE MINISYMPOSIUM 1: Tuesday 15, 08:00 - 08:45 

Patricia Aissa 

Patricia Aissa is Professor at the Faculty of Sciences in Bizerte (Tunisia) where she leads the 

laboratory on the Biomonitoring of the Environment. Patricia is a specialist of benthic meiofauna 

and particularly interested in free-living nematodes. Patricia studies these animals as sentinel 

organisms of environmental pollution, and also for their role in biogeochemical processes at the 

sediment water interface. Patricia has strongly contributed to develop the university teaching programmes 

for environmental sciences in Tunisia. 

Patricia Aissa est Professeur de l’Université de Science de Bizerte (Tunisie) où elle dirige le Laboratoire de 

Biosurveillance de l’Environnement. Patricia est une spécialiste de la méiofaune benthique et elle est particulièrement 

intéressée par les nématodes libres. Elle étudie ces animaux comme organismes sentinelles de 

la pollution de l’environnement et aussi pour leur rôle dans les processus biogéochimiques à l’interface eausédiment. 

Patricia a contribué au développement des programmes d’enseignement supérieur des sciences de 

l’environnement en Tunisie. 

KEYNOTE LECTURE SESSION 5: Tuesday 15, 11:45 - 12:30 

Philippe Cury 

Philippe Cury is a Director of Research at the Research Institute for Development (IRD) and director 

of the Mediterranean and Tropical Fisheries Institute in Sète (France). Philippe leads the 

laboratory on Exploited Marine Ecosystems. Philippe has worked in many different African tropical 

countries and in California (USA) on different topics related to marine fisheries. He is currently promoting 

and developing an Ecosystem Approach for the fisheries studies and for marine ecosystem 

management. Recently, with Yves Miserey, Philippe has published a book in French titled “Une mer 

sans poissons”, i.e. “A sea without fishes” 

Philippe Cury est Directeur de Recherche à l’IRD, directeur du Centre de Recherche Halieutique méditerranéenne 

et tropicale (Sète) et dirige un laboratoire sur les écosystèmes marins exploités. Philippe a travaillé dans 

différent pays de l’Afrique subsaharienne et en Californie (EUA) sur différents sujets halieutiques. Actuellement, 

il est en train de développer et de promouvoir une approche écosystémique pour la recherche halieutique et 

pour la gestion des écosystèmes marins. Récemment, il a publié avec Yves Miserey un livre intitulé ”Une mer 

sans poissons”. 

KEYNOTE LECTURE SESSION 6: Wednesday 16, 08:00 - 08:45 


BIOGRAPHIC SKETCHES l BIOGRAPHIC SKETCHES l 

Rudolf S. de Groot 

Rudolf S. (Dolf) de Groot is Associate Professor at Wageningen University (Netherlands). Dolf is 

working on integrated assessment and valuation of ecosystem functions, goods and services. In 

1992 he published a book on this topic and he contributed with the team of Robert Costanza to 

the paper on the “Total Value of the World´s Ecosystem Services and Natural Capital”published 

in Nature in 1997, which has stimulated the interest in ecosystem services worldwide. Dolf also 

contributed to the UN Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2005) and is currently coordinating the 

Ecosystem Services Partnership (www.es-partnership.org), which aims to stimulate the science and 

practical application of valuation and possible financing instruments for conservation and sustainable 

use of ecosystem services. 

Rudolf S. (Dolf) de Groot est maître de conférence à l’Université de Wageningen (Pays-Bas). Dolf travaille sur 

l’évaluation intégrée et l’évaluation des fonctions des écosystèmes, des biens et services. En 1992, il publie un 

livre sur ce sujet et il a contribué avec l’équipe de Robert Costanza à une publication sur la valeur totale “des 

services des écosystèmes dans le monde et le capital naturel”, parut dans Nature en 1997, ce qui a stimulé 

l’intérêt pour cette thématique dans le monde entier. Dolf a également contribué à l’Evaluation des écosystèmes 

pour le millénaire (2005). Il coordonne actuellement un projet de partenariat sur les services écosystémiques 

(www.es-partnership.org), avec le but de soutenir la recherche scientifique sur cette thématique, de promouvoir 

son application pour la conservation et la gestion durable des usages des écosystèmes et de leurs outils de financement. 

KEYNOTE LECTURE ON ECOSYSTEM SERVICES OF COASTAL LAGOONS: 

Thursday 17, 08:00 - 08:45 

Klaus Anger 

Klaus Anger is a Researcher in Marine Biology working at the Alfred-Wegener-Institut (AWI) based 

in Bremerhaven (Germany). He performs most of his experimental research at the AWI Marine 

Station of Helgoland, and his field research in several countries of Europe and South America. 

Klaus is interested in the ecophysiology of marine animals and particularly in the larval developments 

of decapod crustaceans. Recently, he has been engaged in scientific projects on coastal 

lagoons and mangrove systems in South America and the Caribbean, and he is currently collaborating 

with Guy and Mireille Charmantier at the Lagoon Ecosystem Laboratory in Montpellier. 

Klaus Anger est chercheur en biologie marine à l’Institut Alfred Wegener basé à Bremerhaven (Allemagne). Il 

effectue l’essentiel de sa recherche expérimentale à la station allemande marine de l’île de Helgoland, et ses 

recherches sur le terrain dans plusieurs pays de l’Europe et l’Amérique. Klaus s’intéresse à l’écophysiologie des 

animaux marins et en particulier dans l’évolution des larves de crustacés. Récemment, il s’est engagé dans de 

nombreux projets scientifiques sur les lagunes côtières et les systèmes de mangroves dans le Sud et en Amérique 

centrale. Il collabore actuellement avec Guy et Mireille Charmantier au Laboratoire écosystème lagunaire à 

Montpellier. 

KEYNOTE LECTURE SESSION 8: Thursday 17, 11:45 - 12:30 

William C. Dennison 

William C. (Bill) Dennison is Professor of Marine Science and Vice President for Science Applications 

at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (USA). Bill dedicated a lot 

of research on seagrass ecology, which he studied in Alaska on the US East coast and in Australia. 

Presently, Bill coordinates the Integration and Application Network (IAN), which he defines as 

a group of scientists committed to solving, not just studying, environmental problems. IAN is a 

collection of Science Integrators and Science Communicators that work closely with various agencies, 

foundations and non-government organizations to develop integrated science products using 

principles of science communication. He is an active member of the LOICZ Scientific Steering 

Committee. 

William C. (Bill) Dennison est professeur en sciences de la mer et Vice President des applications scientifiques 

à l’Université du Maryland Center pour les sciences environnementales (USA). Bill a consacré beaucoup de 

recherches sur l’écologie des herbiers marins, qu’il a étudié en Alaska sur la côte Est des Etats-Unis et en Australie. 

Actuellement, il coordonne le réseau d’intégration et d’application (IAN), qu’il définit comme un groupe 

de scientifiques déterminés à ne pas simplement étudier mais à résoudre les problèmes de l’environnement. 

IAN est une communauté d’intégrateurs des sciences et de communicants scientifiques qui travaillent étroitement 

avec divers organismes, fondations et organisations non gouvernementales dans le but de développer des 

produits de sciences intégrées en utilisant des principes de la communication scientifique. Il est un membre 

actif du Comité LOICZ. 

KEYNOTE LECTURE SESSION 9: Friday 18, 08:00 - 08:45 

Pierre Valarié 

Pierre Valarié is a CNRS researcher at the Center for Political Studies of Latin Europa at the 

University of Montpellier and CNRS (France). Pierre started his studies in sociology for his PhD 

and later focused his research on politics of spatial planning in the context of the decentralization 

of the administration. Pierre is very interested in multi level governance and in perception 

of the environment, which are both most important issues for environmental policies. The area of 

Sustainable Development is his current research interest where Pierre combines his interests in 

sociological and environmental studies with his focus on public policies. 

Pierre Valarié est chercheur du CNRS au Centre d’Etudes Politiques de l’Europe Latine (CEPEL) - UMR 5112 

CNRS & Université Montpellier 1. Pierre a commencé ses études à l’EPHE en sociologie et s’est intéressé par 

la suite aux politiques de développement territorial dans un contexte de décentralisation. Pierre porte un intérêt 

particulier à la représentation de l’environnement dans le cadre des politiques publiques, à la gouvernance et 

notamment à l’interaction et la juxtaposition des différents niveaux de prise de décisions. Ses études sur le 

développement durable permettent de combiner ses intérêts pour la sociologie, les études environnementales 

et les politiques publiques. 

KEYNOTE LECTURE SESSION 10: Friday 18, 10:15 - 11:00 


INVITED LECTURES l INVITED LECTURES l 

Potential impacts of climate change and sea-level rise 

on the Moroccan coastal lagoons 

Impacts potentiels du changement climatique et de l’élévation du niveau de la mer 

sur les lagunes marocaines 

Snoussi Maria, S. Niazi, A. Khouakhi, O. Raji 

Université Mohammed V-Agdal 

Faculté des Sciences, Département des Sciences de la Terre 

Avenue Ibn Battota B.P. 1014 - Rabat - Maroc 

ma_snoussi@yahoo.fr 

Scientific evidence suggests that climate change and sea-level rise will potentially have significant impacts on 

the coastal environment and human society. Coastal lagoons have been identified as ecosystems most vulnerable 

to direct, large-scale impacts of climate change, primarily because of their sensitivity to increases in sea-level 

rise. Although there is considerable literature on the physical and ecological dimensions of lagoons, there is 

much less information on their morphological responses to the driving processes such as future sea-level rise, 

sediment availability and tidal action. The main purpose of this paper is to review how global sea-level rise may 

affect the physical structure, and the socioeconomic values associated with Moroccan lagoons, with special 

emphasis on the Nador and Moulay Bouselham lagoons. In spite of their high ecological and economic value, 

these lagoons have received relatively little attention, especially with regard to environmental conditions and 

risks. Yet, they continue to suffer stresses originating both from sea and land-based activities (urbanization, 

agriculture, fisheries, tourism, ports, industry.) and are experiencing acute environmental problems, which have 

led to a decrease in their resilience and adaptability to future change. The anticipated morphological responses 

of these lagoons to the future sea-level depend mainly on the condition of their inlets, the sediment availability 

and supply, the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events in the catchment and at sea, and the availability 

of undeveloped space to allow landward migration of the barrier- lagoon system, as natural adaptation 

to sea-level rise, such as in the Moulay Bouselham. While the hardened shoreline of the Nador lagoon will certainly 

impede this natural migration and increase the vulnerability of coastal structures to inundation and storm 

damage. Therefore, managing coastal lagoons in the context of global climate change is critical and should be 

based on the Precautionary Principle. 

L’impact significatif sur l’environnement côtier et les sociétés humaines du changement climatique et de l’augmentation du 

niveau de la mer est maintenant largement admis par la communauté scientifique. Les lagunes côtières ont été identifiées 

comme les écosystèmes parmi les plus vulnérables aux impacts directs et à grande échelle du changement climatique, du fait 

notamment de leur sensibilité à l’augmentation du niveau de la mer. Alors qu’il existe une abondante littérature scientifique sur 

les aspects écologiques et physiques des lagunes, beaucoup moins d’information est disponible sur la réponse morphologique 

des lagunes aux processus structurants (augmentation du niveau de la mer, disponibilité des sédiments, action des marées). 

L’objectif principal de cette communication est d’analyser comment l’augmentation globale du niveau de la mer est susceptible 

d’affecter la structure physique et l’importance socio-économique associée aux lagunes marocaines, avec une attention 

particulière pour les lagunes de Nador et Moulay Bouselham. En effet, malgré leur importante valeur tant écologique qu’économique, 

ces lagunes ont jusqu’ici été peu étudiées, notamment du point de vue de leur caractéristiques environnementales 

et du risque. Elles sont constamment soumises à un impact anthropique important, avec des activités basées en mer ou sur le 

bassin versant (urbanisation, agriculture, pêche, tourisme, activité portuaire, industries…) qui engendrent de nombreux problèmes 

environnementaux, responsables d’une diminution de la capacité de résilience et d’adaptabilité aux changements, de 

ces écosystèmes. Or, la réponse morphologique de ces lagunes au futur niveau de la mer dépend principalement de la quantité 

de sédiments disponible au sein de la lagune et de leurs apports de la mer et du continent, de l’intensité et de la fréquence 

des évènements climatiques extrêmes (au niveau du bassin versant et de la mer), de la disponibilité d’espaces inoccupés sur 

lesquels une migration du système lagune-barrière est possible comme adaptation naturelle au niveau de la mer, comme dans 

le cas de la lagune de Moulay Bouselham. Pour la lagune de Nador, par contre, la ligne de côte fait obstacle à cette migration, 

et va entraîner une augmentation de la vulnérabilité des structures côtières aux inondations et aux effets des tempêtes. Dans 

le contexte du changement global, la gestion des lagunes côtières est complexe et doit donc être basée sur le principe de 

précaution. 

Effect of regime shifts in aquatic ecosystems on the bivalve 

fisheries in these 50 years 

Impact des changements drastiques dans les écosystèmes aquatiques sur la pêche des bivalves 

filtreurs depuis cinquante ans 

Yamamuro Masumi 

Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo - Japon 

yamamuro@k.u-tokyo.ac.jp 

Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) improves water quality by filtering nutrients and contaminants from the 

water, stabilizing sediments, and damping wave action. Human-induced disturbances, i.e. increasing nutrient 

and sediment inputs can decrease SAV. Zostera marina beds and freshwater angiosperms (Magnoliophyta) and 

Charophytes beds began to diminish in the middle of 1950’s at many habitats in Japan presumably due to 

the use of herbicides. These SAVs had been commonly used as fertilizer till their decline. Harvesting of SAVs 

protected the habitats from eutrophication because it removed the nitrogen and phosphorus contained in the 

biomass. For example, annual harvest of Z. marina from the polyhaline lagoon, Lake Nakaumi, in the late 1940s 

was recorded as at least 56,250 t wet weight. The nutrient content of 56,250 t of Z. marina was calculated to 

be 61.9 t of N and 12.9 t of P, which is equivalent to 5.3 % and 11 %, respectively, of present annual nutrient 

loads to the lake. The nutrients formerly used by Z. marina were likely used by phytoplankton after the Z. marina 

declined at Lake Nakaumi. This shift in the chief primary producer, from benthic macrophytes to phytoplankton, 

caused a subsequent shift in secondary producers. Benthic fish and crustacean populations decreased and the 

non-commercial filter-feeding bivalve, Musculista senhausia, increased in Lake Nakaumi after the decline of 

seagrass beds. This affected the local economy, inducing not only eutrophication but also the collapse of local 

fisheries. On the other hand, at adjacent oligohaline lagoon, Lake Shinji, loss of SAV induced an increase of the 

commercial filter-feeding bivalve, Corbicula japonica, which doubled the fishery yield in the lake. Revival of SAV 

in the region where fisheries are adapted to the phytoplankton dominated ecosystem causes economic damage, 

although it improves the water quality i.e. transparency. This actually happened in Lake Biwa, the largest freshwater 

lake in Japan, where the revival of SAV became the obstacles for Corbicula sandai fisheries. 

La végétation aquatique immergée (SAV) améliore la qualité de l’eau par la consommation des sels nutritifs et la filtration des 

composés toxiques, par la stabilisation des sédiments et par son effet d’atténuation de la force de la houle. Les perturbations 

anthropiques sont souvent nuisibles pour les SAV. Les aires de distribution des champs de Zostera marina, des angiospermes 

(Magnoliophyta) d’eau douce et des charophytes ont commencé à diminuer au Japon depuis le milieu des années 1950, 

probablement due à l’utilisation des herbicides. Avant leur disparition, ces plantes été récoltées et utilisées comme terreau. 

Cette récolte permettait de protéger les habitats contre l’eutrophisation en exportant l’azote et le phosphore présents dans leur 

biomasse. Ainsi dans les années 1940, la récolte annuelle de Z. marina dans la lagune polyhaline, l’étang Nakauma, s’élevait 

à plus de 56 250 t de poids humide. Les quantités en éléments nutritifs de cette masse de Z. marina calculées représentaient 

près de 61,9 t de N et 12,9 t de P, soit 5,3 % et 11 % respectivement de leurs apports annuels dans la lagune à l’heure actuelle. 

On peut admettre que les quantités d’éléments nutritifs consommées auparavant par Z. marina étaient utilisées par le 

phytoplancton après la disparition de ces plantes. Le remplacement du producteur primaire principal, soit les phanérogames 

marines par le phytoplancton, a induit d’importants changements des producteurs secondaires par la suite. Ainsi, les poissons 

benthiques et les populations de crustacées ont diminué, tandis que la population de bivalves filtreurs non-exploités Musculista 

senshausia a augmenté après le déclin des herbiers de phanérogames dans l’étang Nakauma. Ceci a eu des conséquences 

négatives pour l’économie locale, non seulement à cause de l’eutrophisation mais également par la perte de la pêche commerciale. 

En revanche, dans une lagune oligohaline adjacente, l’étang Shinji, la perte des phanérogames aquatiques a induit une 

augmentation d’une espèce exploitée, le bivalve filtreur Corbicula japonica, et sa récolte a doublé. Ainsi, la réhabilitation des 

phanérogames dans une région où l’exploitation halieutique est basée sur des espèces filtreurs du phytoplancton, induit des 

dommages économiques et contribue en même temps à l’amélioration de la qualité de l’eau. Ceci a été le cas pour le lac d’eau 

douce le plus grand au Japon, Lac Biwa, où la reconquête de l’environnement par les angiospermes aquatiques est devenue un 

obstacle pour la pêche de Corbicula sandai. 



Relationships between the benthic organisms 

and the sedimentary and biogeochemical processes 

at the water-sediment interface 

Interrelations entre les organismes benthiques et les processus sédimentaires et biogéochimiques 

à l’interface eau-sédiment 

Aïssa Patricia 

Laboratoire Biosurveillance de l’Environnement, Faculté des sciences de Bizerte, 7021 Zarzouna Bizerte - Tunisie 

patriciaaissa@yahoo.fr 

The coastal lagoons, especially to the North and the South of the Mediterranean Sea, are often anthropized and 

weakened environments. Therefore, their ecosystemic homeostasis appears comparatively precarious, that so 

much more than a crowd of complex interactions occurs, to the interface water-sediment, between the water 

column, the top layers sediments and several benthic organisms, living above or in sediments and very different 

to dimensional and biotic levels. If the nutrients and biodegradable pollutants, rejected in these lagoons, are 

directly involved in biological activities, the fate of these elements is linked to their sedimentation speed and to 

several biogeochimical processes including the microbial degradation and the bioturbation sensu largo. The role 

of this last phenomenon in the circulation of nutrients and contaminants is known since several decades but the 

bioturbation is comparatively little taken into account in the global sedimentary dynamic of pollutants and lagoonal 

monitoring requesting a panel of specialists (biogeochimists, ecotoxicologists, etc). That explains first by 

the presence of a big number of benthic bioturbators that operate a sedimentary disturbance and particle erosion 

by various behavioural strategies according to different models and rates, but equally by the variety of biological 

effects of pollutants on the bioturbators, without forgetting the characteristics of the bioturbating communities 

(abundance, composition, diversity, dominant species, etc). Nevertheless, the existence of a retroactive buckle 

between on the one hand biotic and abiotic processes and on the other hand the pollutants fate and their 

effects imposes starting of international multidisciplinary projects aiming to improve lagoonal management and 

to quantify bioturbational processes due to actions of all benthic organisms present, principally those unrecognized 

as free nematodes and/or those used as bioindicators of pollution. 

Les lagunes côtières, surtout au nord et au sud de la Méditerranée, sont des milieux souvent anthropisés et fragilisés. De ce fait, 

leur homéostasie écosystémique apparaît relativement précaire, cela d’autant plus qu’il se produit, à l’interface eau-sédiment, 

une foule d’interactions complexes entre la colonne d’eau, les sédiments et plusieurs acteurs benthiques, épigés ou endogés, 

très différents aux plans dimensionnel et biotique. Si les nutriments et les polluants biodégradables, rejetés dans ces lagunes, 

sont directement impliqués dans diverses activités biologiques, le devenir de ces éléments est lié à leur vitesse de sédimentation 

et à plusieurs processus biogéochimiques incluant la dégradation microbienne et la bioturbation sensu largo. Le rôle de 

ce dernier phénomène dans la circulation des nutriments est connu depuis plusieurs décades mais la bioturbation est encore 

relativement peu prise en compte dans la dynamique sédimentaire globale des contaminants et la surveillance lagunaire sollicitant 

tout un panel de spécialistes (biogéochimistes, écotoxicologues,...). Cela s’explique d’abord par la présence d’un grand 

nombre de bioturbateurs benthiques, qui opèrent, par diverses stratégies comportementales, un remaniement sédimentaire et 

une érosion particulaire selon différents modes et à différents taux mais également par la diversité des effets biologiques des 

contaminants sur les bioturbateurs, sans oublier l’importance des caractéristiques des diverses communautés bioturbatrices 

(abondance, diversité, espèce dominante, etc). Pourtant, l’existence d’une boucle rétroactive entre d’une part les processus 

biotiques et abiotiques connexes et d’autre part le devenir et les effets des polluants impose la mise en route de projets internationaux 

pluridisciplinaires visant à améliorer la gestion des milieux lagunaires et à quantifier les processus de bioturbation 

causés par tous les organismes benthiques présents, principalement ceux méconnus comme les nématodes libres et/ou ceux 

utilisés comme bioindicateurs de pollution. 

Moving towards Ecosystem Oceanography for studying Global 

change in fisheries 

Vers une Océanographie basée sur une approche Ecosystémique pour l’étude des changements 

globaux des pêches 

Cury Philippe 

IRD, UMR EME 212 

CRH (Centre de Recherche Halieutique Méditerranéenne et Tropicale) 

IRD - Ifremer & Université Montpellier II, Avenue Jean Monnet, BP 171, 34203 Sète Cedex - France 

philippe.cury@ifremer.fr 

Overexploitation and climate change are increasingly causing unanticipated changes in marine ecosystems, 

such as higher variability in fish recruitment and shifts in species dominance. An ecosystem-based approach to 

fisheries attempts to address these effects by integrating populations, food webs and fish habitats at different 

scales. Ecosystem models represent indispensable Tools to achieve this objective. However, a balanced research 

strategy is needed to avoid overly complex models. Ecosystem oceanography represents such a balanced strategy 

that relates ecosystem components and their interactions to climate change and exploitation. It aims at 

developing realistic and robust models at different levels of organisation and addressing specific questions in a 

global change context while systematically exploring the ever-increasing amount of biological and environmental 

data. While most of the Ecosystem oceanography has currently been developed for oceans and coastal seas, the 

approach is also promising and pertinent for coastal lagoon studies. 

La surexploitation et le changement climatique sont la cause de plus en plus de changements imprévus dans les écosystèmes 

marins, comme une plus grande variabilité du recrutement des poissons et des changements des espèces dominantes. Une 

approche écosytémique des pêches essaie d’aborder ces effets par l’intégration des populations, des peuplements, des réseaux 

trophiques et les habitats à différentes échelles. Cependant une stratégie équilibrée est nécessaire pour éviter des modèles 

trop complexes. L’océanographie basée sur une approche ecosystémique représente une stratégie équilibrée qui cherche à 

identifier les liens entre les composantes de l’écosystème et leurs interactions avec le changement climatique et l’exploitation 

halieutique. Son but est de développer des modèles réalistes et robustes à différents niveaux d’organisation et d’aborder des 

questions spécifiques dans un contexte de changements globaux tout en explorant systématiquement la quantité toujours 

croissante des données biologiques et environnementales. A ce jour, la plupart de l’océanographie basée sur une approche 

ecosystémique est développée pour l’océan et les mers côtiers, mais cette approche est aussi pertinente et prometteuse pour 

les études des écosystèmes lagunaires. 



Services and economic benefits of Coastal Lagoons: 

investing in conservation and sustainable use pays 

Services rendus et bénéfices économiques des lagunes côtières : les investissements 

pour la conservation et les usages durables sont tout à fait rentables 

De Groot Rudolf S. 

Environmental Systems Analysis group, Wageningen University 

PO Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen - The Netherlands 

dolf.degroot@wur.nl 

“What are ecosystem services”? The question sounds simple, and the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment gave 

a very simple answer: ecosystem services are the benefits people obtain from ecosystems (MA, 2005 - www. 

MAweb.org ). Examples are food from oceans, purification of water by wetlands, carbon sequestration by forests, 

pollination of crops by wildlife and many non-material benefits such as aesthetic and spiritual pleasure we derive 

from observing nature. These “free services” of nature are not only important to our livelihood and wellbeing but 

also represent a considerable economic value: a rapidly increasing body of literature shows that the loss of these 

free services, due to degradation and loss of ecosystems and biodiversity, is costing us at least 250 billion € per 

year (Balmford et al., 2002, Science 297: 950-953). Especially coastal ecosystems provide a wide range of services 

to human beings. These include regulation and supporting services such as shoreline stabilization, nutrient 

regulation, carbon sequestration, detoxification of polluted waters, and waste disposal; provisioning services 

such as supply of food, fuel wood, energy resources, and natural products; and amenity services such as tourism 

and recreation. These services are of high value not only to local communities living in a coastal zone (especially 

in developing countries), but also to national economies and global trade. While the coastal zone covers only 

8% of the world’s surface, the goods and services provided by it are responsible for approximately 43% of the 

estimated total global economic value of ecosystem services: $12.6 trillion, in 1994 US dollars (Costanza et 

al., 1997, Nature, 387: 253-260). In spite of the increasing evidence of the economic benefits of sustainable, 

multi-functional use of natural ecosystems, including coastal lagoons, they are still being polluted, degraded 

and destroyed on a large scale. This keynote lecture will give an overview of the main services provided by 

coastal lagoons, including their economic importance, and will present some preliminary results of an ongoing 

study called “The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity” (TEEB, see: www.teebweb.org ) on the costs and 

benefits of conservation and restoration of coastal ecosystems. 

“Que sont les services écosytémiques ?” Cette question paraît très simple, et le l’Évaluation des écosystèmes pour le Millénaire (EM) 

a donné une réponse très simple : les services écosystémiques sont les bénéfices que l’homme obtient des écosystèmes (MA, 2005, 

http://www.maweb.org/fr/index.aspx). Les exemples sont nombreux : la nourriture obtenue des océans, la purification des eaux dans les 

zones humides, le stockage du carbone dans les forêts, la pollinisation des plantes cultivées par la faune sauvage, et plusieurs bénéfices 

non-matérielles comme nos sensations de jouissance esthétique et de valeurs spirituelles lorsque nous observons la nature. Ces services 

“libres et gratuits” ne sont pas seulement importants pour notre vie et notre bien-être, mais elles représentent également une valeur 

économique considérable : une augmentation rapide de la bibliographie scientifique nous montre que la perte de ces services gratuits, 

en raison de la dégradation et la perte d’écosystèmes et de biodiversité représente la somme colossale d’au moins 250 milliards € 

(250 10 9 €) par an (Balmford et al., 2002, Science 297: 950-953). Plus spécifiquement, les écosystèmes marins côtiers offrent une 

gamme très large de services à la société humaine. Ces services comprennent (1) des services de régulation et de soutien comme la 

stabilisation du trait de côte, la régulation des cycles biogéochimiques des éléments nutritifs, le stockage du carbone, la détoxication 

des eaux polluées, enlèvement des déchets, (2) des services d’approvisionnement comme l’exploitation halieutique et l’exploitation des 

ressources énergétiques, et (3) des services culturels et les aménagements touristiques et de loisirs. Ces services représentent une très 

grande valeur, non seulement pour les populations locales (particulièrement important dans les pays en voie de développement), mais 

également pour les économies nationales et le commerce mondial. Bien que la zone côtière représente seulement 8 % de la surface 

de la terre, ses apports représentent environ 43 % de la valeur totale estimée pour l’ensemble des bien et services écosystémiques 

au niveau mondial, soit 12,6 billions (12,6 10 12 ) US$ en valeur de 1994 (Costanza et al., 1997, Nature, 387: 253-260). Malgré les 

bénéfices économiques, de plus en plus évidents, d’une utilisation durable et multi-fonctionnelle de ces écosystèmes, ils continuent 

d’être pollués, dégradés et détruits sur une très large échelle. Cette conférence présente une synthèse des services principaux délivrés 

par les lagunes côtières incluant leur importance économique, et présentera les premiers résultats encore préliminaires d’une étude en 

cours “The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity” (TEEB, voir : www.teebweb.org ) sur les coût et bénéfices de la conservation et 

de la restauration des écosystèmes marins côtiers. 

A lagoon crab in a crab lagoon: how a key species is shaped 

by its environment - and vice versa 

Un crabe de lagune dans une lagune à crabes : comment une espèce-clef est influencée par son 

environnement - et vice-versa 

Anger Klaus 

Biologische Anstalt Helgoland (BAH) 

Stiftung Alfred-Wegener-Institut für Polar- und Meeresforschung (AWI) 

Meeresstation - Haus A, 27498 Helgoland - Germany 

klaus.anger@awi.de 

Mar Chiquita is the southernmost in a series of temperate brackish lagoons extending along the coast of the 

Atlantic Ocean from southern Brazil to North-eastern Argentina. These shallow lagoons are fringed by dunes, 

salt marshes and mud flats, where dense populations of intertidal crabs thrive. This particular type of estuarine 

habitat (termed “cangrejal”, from Spanish cangrejo = crab) is dominated by the semiterrestrial and euryhaline 

species Neohelice (formerly Chasmagnathus) granulata. Through its intense burrowing and omnivorous feeding 

activities, this “ecosystem engineer” influences the biogeochemical conditions, vegetation growth, habitat structure, 

benthic community composition, and other characteristics of its habitat. Since two decades, this crab has 

increasingly also been used as a model in studies of ecophysiological and life-history adaptations to transitional 

environments between the sea, freshwater and land. Numerous investigations have shown adaptions in its 

osmoregulation, energy metabolism, and other physiological, biochemical, and behavioural traits. In the early 

life-history stages, most adaptations are related to an export strategy. Hatching rhythms with maximum release 

at nocturnal ebb tides minimize larval predation by pelagic fish and ensure a rapid downstream transport to 

lower estuarine or coastal waters, where subsequent zoeal development takes place at higher and more stable 

salinities. This is later followed by re-immigration of megalopae, whose recruitiment is stimulated by adult 

odors and other chemical cues associated with the cangrejal habitat. These ontogenetic migrations coincide 

with genetically programmed changes in larval osmoregulation: hyper-regulation is strong at hatching, lower 

in the subsequent zoeal stages, and high again in the megalopa and juveniles. In conclusion, there are strong 

interactions between the key species N. granulata and its coastal lagoon environment, shaping each other like 

in a process of “co-evolution”. 

Mar Chiquita est la plus méridionale d’une série de lagunes saumâtres tempérées réparties le long de la côte de l’Océan Atlantique 

du sud du Brésil au nord-est de l’Argentine. Ces lagunes peu profondes sont bordées par des dunes, des marais salants et 

des marécages boueux où abondent des populations denses de crabes intertidaux. Ce type particulier d’habitat estuarien (appelé 

“cangrejal”, de l’espagnol cangrejo = crabe) est dominé par l’espèce semi-terrestre et euryhaline Neohelice (antérieurement 

Chasmagnathus) granulata. Par ses activités intenses de creusement de terriers et d’alimentation omnivore, cet “ingénieur de 

l’écosystème” a une influence sur les paramètres biogéochimiques, la croissance de la végétation, la structure de l’habitat, la 

composition des communautés benthiques, et d’autres caractéristiques de son milieu. Depuis vingt ans, ce crabe a été utilisé 

de façon croissante comme modèle pour des études d’écophysiologie et d’adaptation du cycle biologique à des environnements 

de transition entre la mer, l’eau douce et le milieu terrestre. De nombreux travaux ont montré les adaptations de son 

osmorégulation, de son métabolisme énergétique et d’autres traits physiologiques, biochimiques et comportementaux. Durant 

les stades jeunes de son développement, la plupart de ces adaptations sont liées à une stratégie d’exportation. Les rythmes 

d’éclosion caractérisés par une libération massive de larves durant les marées descendantes nocturnes minimisent la prédation 

larvaire par les poissons pélagiques et assurent leur transport rapide par le courant vers les eaux du bas de l’estuaire ou de la 

côte, où les larves zoé se développent ultérieurement à des salinités plus hautes et plus stables. Cette phase est suivie d’une 

ré-immigration des mégalopes, dont le recrutement est stimulé par l’odeur des adultes et d’autres déclencheurs chimiques 

associés à l’habitat du cangrejal. Ces migrations ontogénétiques coïncident avec des modifications génétiquement programmées 

de l’osmorégulation larvaire ; la capacité à hyper-osmoréguler est forte à l’éclosion, plus réduite dans les stades zoé 

suivants, avant de ré-augmenter chez les mégalopes et les juvéniles. En conclusion, il existe de fortes interactions entre 

l’espèce-clef N. granulata et son environnement lagunaire côtier, qui s’influencent réciproquement comme dans un processus 

de co-évolution. 



Ecological transitions in coastal lagoons: Implications 

for research, management and monitoring in Atlantic coastal 

bays adjacent to Chesapeake Bay 

Les transitions écologiques dans les lagunes côtières : implications pour la recherche, la gestion 

et les programmes de surveillance des lagunes et des baies atlantiques semi-fermés adjacents 

à l’estuaire de Chesapeake Bay (EUA) 

Dennison William C. 

University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science - USA 

dennison@umces.edu 

Ecological transitions in coastal lagoons, manifested as large scale changes in distribution and abundance of key 

biota (e.g., seagrass, salt marsh, shellfish) or as changes in water quality (e.g., dissolved oxygen, water clarity), 

can occur over time or space. In the Atlantic coastal bays adjacent to Chesapeake Bay, USA, major ecological 

transitions have been documented, particularly over the past several years. In addition, a strong north-south gradient 

in nutrient loading and water quality is evident, with macroalgal and phytoplankton blooms in the northern 

lagoons and large scale seagrass resurgence in the southern lagoons. Research into the causes of the observed 

ecological transitions has revealed interesting correlations and patterns, providing inference about the major 

drivers of change, yet definitive cause-effect relationships remain elusive. Management approaches have been 

developed to reduce nutrient inputs, protect habitats and restore fisheries, but these approaches are complicated 

by the ongoing ecological transitions. Monitoring programs have been developed to document water quality, 

living resources and habitats and monitoring data are integrated to create environmental report cards. Comparisons 

of ecological transitions in the Atlantic coastal lagoons with adjacent, but hydrologically disconnnected 

Chesapeake Bay reveal some similar transitions, specifically water clarity and seagrass declines. Thus, some 

ecological transitions may represent responses that are occurring on scales that transcend the coastal lagoons, 

with climate change implicated. A communication program has been developed which includes a variety of public 

meetings, newsletters, website (www.eco-check.org) and a multi-author, colorful synthesis book, “Shifting 

sands: Environmental and cultural change in Maryland’s Coastal Bays” (www.ian.umces.edu). The process of 

developing these communication products has provided scientists and managers with new insights, synthetic 

understanding and powerful adaptive management tools. 

Les transitions écologiques dans les lagunes côtières peuvent être détectées à plusieurs échelles spatio-temporelles où elles se manifestent 

comme des changements majeurs de la distribution et l’abondance des biocœnoses clefs (par exemple, les phanérogames marines, 

la végétation du schorre, les peuplements de gastéropodes) ou comme des changements de la qualité de l’eau (l’oxygène dissous, turbidité). 

Depuis les dernières années, de très importantes transitions écologiques ont été observées dans les lagunes et baies semi-fermés 

atlantiques adjacents à l’estuaire de Chesapeake Bay (EUA). De plus, ce littoral atlantique est caractérisé par un gradient des apports 

en sels nutritifs, qui sont élevés dans le nord et plus pauvre dans le sud. Ainsi, on observe des efflorescences du phytoplancton et des 

macroalgues dans le nord et une reconquête des lagunes par les phanérogames marines dans le sud. La recherche des causes de ces 

transitions écologiques a fait émerger des corrélations et patterns très intéressants suggérant quels sont les facteurs déterminants sans 

qu’il soit encore possible d’établir définitivement des relations de cause à effet. Les mesures de gestion ont été ciblées sur la réduction 

des apports en sels nutritifs, la protection des habitats et la restauration de l’activité de pêche. Cependant, les approches de gestion 

ont été compliquées par la continuité des processus de transition dans ces lagunes. Des programmes de surveillance écologique ont été 

mis en oeuvre pour décrire l’évolution spatio-temporelle de la qualité de l’eau, des ressources vivantes, et des habitats. Les données 

de ces suivis ont été synthétisées et intégrées dans les Chartes d’information de l’état de l’environnement. Les différentes transitions 

écologiques observées dans les lagunes ont été comparées avec celles observées dans l’estuaire adjacent mais séparé hydrologiquement 

de Chesapeake Bay, où les mêmes phénomènes ont été observés comme l’augmentation de la turbidité de l’eau et la diminution des 

aires de distribution des phanérogames marines. Ainsi, certaines transitions reflètent des réponses qui sont communes à une échelle 

spatiale supérieure à la taille des lagunes, ce qui suggère que le changement climatique puisse être un facteur déterminant. Un programme 

de médiation scientifique et de sensibilisation a été mis en œuvre. Ce programme consiste en plusieurs réunions publiques, des 

newsletters, un site web (www.eco-check.org), et un beau livre de synthèse particulièrement bien illustré et rédigé par plusieurs auteurs, 

“Shifting sands: Environmental and cultural change in Maryland’s Coastal Bays” (www.ian.umces.edu). Le processus de préparer ces 

produits de communication par les scientifiques et gestionnaires a également produit de nouvelles connaissances, une compréhension 

synthétique et des outils puissants pour une gestion adaptative. 

Title will be communicated 

Valarié Pierre 

Centre d’Etudes Politiques de l’Europe Latine (CEPEL) - UMR5112 CNRS et Université Montpellier I 

pvalarie@wanadoo.fr 

Abstract will be communicated 


Oral sessions 

Mini symposium 1 l Drivers of the biodiversity in lagoon ecosystems 46 

Mini symposium 2 l POP 59 

1 l Impacts of climate variability and sea-level rise 67 

2 l Invasive species and Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB) 73 

3 l Ecological restoration of lagoon systems 77 

4 l Global approach 85 

5 l Sediment biogeochemistry 91 

6 l Sustainable aquaculture and fisheries 103 

7 l The aquatic continuum 111 

8 l Ecophysiological and life-cycle adaptations 120 

9 l Linking the scientific community with the coastal lagoon managers 132 

10 l Management and Governance objectives 137 


ORAL PRESENTATION l Mini symposium 1 l Drivers of the biodiversity in lagoon ecosystems 

Macrophyte communities variation within two habitats 

of eastern Mediterranean coastal lagoons: 

natural vs. anthropogenic processes 

Modifications de communautés de macrophytes au sein de deux habitats de lagunes côtières 

de Méditerranée orientale : processus naturels et anthropiques 

Orfanidis Sotiris 1 , S. Gounaris 1 , E. Tsiaga 1 , A. Basset 2 , K. Nakou 1 

1. National Agricultural Research Foundation (NAGREF), Fisheries Research Institute (FRI), 640 07 Nea Peramos, Kavala - Greece 

2. Di.S.Te.B.A., Centro Ecotekne, Prov. Lecce-Monteroni 7, University of Salento, 31 00 Lecce - Italy 

sorfanid@inale.gr 

The variation of benthic macrophyte dry biomass (gm -2 ) was studied in two different habitats: (a) mud with submerged 

angiosperms (MA), and (b) mud with macroalgae (MM), in three eastern Mediterranean coastal lagoons. 

Two lagoons were from northern Greece (Vassova and Agiasma, Nestos Delta, Eastern Macedonia region) and 

two from south-eastern Italy (Cesine and Margherita of Savoia, Apulian region). The aim was to test the consistency 

of community patterns across a gradient of biogeographical and eutrophication conditions. Eight different 

sites dominated by macrophyte communities characterized by two angiosperms (Ruppia cirrhosa and Ruppia 

maritima) and four macroalgae (Ulva sp., Cystoseira barbata, Gracilaria bursa-pastoris and Chaetomorpha linum) 

were quantitatively and destructively sampled twice (12 samples, 30 x 50 cm; 60 samples, 17 x 17 cm). Scale 

based differences in biomass and in number of taxa were analysed using nested analysis of variance (ANOVA). 

Asymmetrical multivariate analysis of variance based on permutations (PERMANOVA) was used, for each habitat 

separately, to examine differences in patterns of composition and abundance of taxa. Macrophyte data analyzed 

at species and functional group levels were related by Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) based on Monte 

Carlo permutations to key environmental factors measured in water column. An attempt to develop a framework 

within the “alternative stable states” theory that explains benthic vegetation dynamic by linking the variability 

to natural or anthropogenic processes will be presented. 


Species richness and trophic structure of coastal lagoons 

in contrasting climate zones: implications under a climate 

change scenario 

Richesse spécifique et structure trophique des lagunes côtières dans les conditions climatiques 

contrastées : les implications dans un scénario de changement climatique 

Brucet Sandra 1 , D. Boix 2 , X.D. Quintana 2 , S. Gascón 2 , E. Jeppesen 3 

1. European Commission, Joint Research Center, Institute for Environment and Sustainability, 21020 Ispra - Italy 

2. Institute of Aquatic Ecology and Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Girona, 

Campus de Montilivi, Facultat de Ciències, 17071 Girona - Spain 

3. National Environmental Research Institute, Department of Freshwater Ecology, Aarhus University, Vejlsøvej 25, 

8600 Silkeborg - Denmark 

sandra.brucet-balmana@jrc.ec.europa.eu 

The structure and the functioning of coastal lagoons might be affected by climate warming in several ways, 

either directly by the higher temperature or by changes in salinity and nutrient loading. With the aim of providing 

insight into the future situation of coastal lagoons in a warmer climate, we sampled zooplankton from lagoons 

at two contrasting temperatures, Mediterranean Spain and northern-temperate Denmark (35 and 42 lagoons 

respectively) and we performed a space-for-time substitution approach by comparing four similar lagoons located 

in each climate zone. We introduced artificial plants in eight lagoons with salinities ranging from 0.3‰ to 3.8‰. 

Zooplankton, fish and macroinvertebrates were sampled within the artificial plants and open water sites. Our 

results showed that salinity and fish predation have a prevailing control over temperature at shaping zooplankton 

richness and size structure. In both regions, richness of total zooplankton species, cladocerans and cyclopoids 

were negatively related with salinity. A shift occurred from dominance of large filter feeding cladoceran species 

at low salinities to copepods and small cladoceran species at higher salinities. In both regions, high densities of 

small planktivorous fish aggregated within the macrophytes reducing their refuge capacity for zooplankton and 

their potential for promoting water transparency. As a result, the zooplankton community structure of brackish 

lagoons resembled that found in subtropical and Mediterranean freshwater shallow lakes, which is often less 

diverse and composed of smaller sized individuals than in temperate freshwater lakes. Trophic structure in Mediterranean 

lagoons showed a more pronounced seasonal variation than in north temperate lagoons. In a global 

warming perspective, our results imply that the indirect effects of climate warming, such as changes in salinity 

and hydrology, will have a larger impact on brackish lagoon ecosystems than the increase in temperature per se. 



A CIRCLE-MED tool to address climate change influence 

on Mediterranean transitional waters: 

an information technology platform 

CIRCLE-MED un instrument pour l’étude des impacts du changement climatique sur les eaux de 

transition méditerranéennes : une plateforme de technologie d’information 

Basset Alberto 1 , E. Barbone 1 , N. Fiore 1 , L. Potenza 1 , D. Mouillot 2 , M. Troussellier 2 

1. Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, S.P Lecce-Monteroni, 73100 Lecce - Italy 

2. ECOLAG - UMR 5119, Université Montpellier 2 - CNRS, Place Eugene Bataillon cc093, 34095 Montpellier - France 

alberto.basset@unisalento.it 

The Mediterranean coastline is characterized by lagoon ecosystems, which have historically provided safe refugia 

and harbors, efficient waste-water treatment and a rich food supply to human societies. Lagoon goods and 

services are threatened in different ways by current climate change. Regional IPCC model scenarios suggest 

implications on key ecosystem abiotic niche dimensions, such as temperature, salinity, water turnover time, oxygen 

content, which may in turn influence biological structure, organization and functioning. The CIRCLE-MED 

project (acronym ClimBioMed) addressed these topics using spatial patterns at the Mediterranean scale as a 

proxy for the changes expected over time. The ClimBioMed project group has collected and organised published 

information on the lagoon ecosystems and their watersheds within a structured geo-database representing a 

Transitional Waters Platform (TWP). An inventory of Mediterranean lagoons has been compiled in the TWP. It 

comprises fields hierarchically organized and coded. These include geographical position and official nomenclature, 

physiographic and hydrological information, physico-chemical parameters of both water column and 

sediments, physiography, hydrology, demography, socio-economics and conservation status of the watershed, 

species occurrence, abundance, morphological and functional traits of individuals, and ecosystem processes. 

Spatially and temporally explicit data are nested within watersheds and lagoons. Information can be elaborated 

within the TWP and extracted at different levels of resolution, from metadata to qualitative and quantitative 

data, according to the intellectual property rules and agreements within the TWP project consortium. Currently 

the TWP is populated with information from 582 lagoon ecosystems. Examples of the application of TWP to 

describe patterns of variation of Mediterranean lagoon niche dimensions sensitive to climate changes are given 

at different spatial/temporal resolutions. 


Water quality and phytoplankton of two contrasting 

mediterranean lagoons: Nador lagoon (Morocco) 

and Canet Saint Nazaire (France) 

Qualité de l’eau et phytoplancton de deux lagunes méditerranéennes différentes par leurs 

caractéristiques physiques : la lagune de Nador (Maroc) et la lagune de Canet-St-Nazaire (France) 

Daoudi Mouna 1 , F. Vouvé 1 , L. Serve 1 , F. El Madani 2 

1. Institut de Modélisation et d’Analyse en Géo-Environnement et Santé (IMAGES-EA4218), 

Université de Perpignan, 52 avenue Paul Alduy, 66860 Perpignan Cedex - France 

2. Institut National de Recherche Halieutique, C/R de Nador - Morocco 

daoudi_mouna@yahoo.fr 

Nador Lagoon (NL) and Canet Saint Nazaire lagoon (CL) are two Mediterranean lagoons with contrasting physical 

characteristics, located on two opposite sides of the Mediterranean Sea and both threatened by increasing 

anthropogenic pressure. In order to assess the ecological health status of the two systems, four sampling campaigns 

(surface waters, phytoplankton sampling) were performed according to a seasonal survey from 2006 to 

2007. The goal of this work was to characterize the anthropogenic inputs (urban and agricultural) and their 

effects on lagoon water quality, in relation with phytoplankton biodiversity. Results allowed characterizing the 

heterogeneity of NL, in relation with its large area and active marine circulation due to an important exchange 

with the sea. In contrast, CL appears homogeneous, with smaller surface, restricted lagoon-sea communications, 

and progressive infilling. Eutrophication is global in CL, whereas localized in NL, close to freshwater inputs. Phytoplankton 

community structure is affected by pollution, with a trend to species scarcity. In Nador, this state was 

observed close to the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), and in the entire lagoon for CL. Common taxa were 

noticed at the most polluted station of NL and all CL stations: diatoms Navicula and Nitzschia, euglenophytes, 

prasinophytes, cyanobacteria etc. A quasi-specific population of Tetraselmis sp. (prasinophyte) was indicative of 

the negative anthropic impact of the Nador WWTP; phytoplankton diversity is reduced towards mono-specificity. 

In Canet Saint Nazaire lagoon, the anthropic impact resulted in the dominant development of the Chlorophyceae 

Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata all over the year. 

La lagune de Nador (LN) et la lagune de Canet-St-Nazaire (LC) sont deux lagunes méditerranéennes aux caractères physiques 

différents, situées sur deux rives opposées de la mer Méditerranée et menacées par une pression anthropique croissante. 

Afin d’évaluer l’état de la qualité de chaque écosystème lagunaire, quatre campagnes d’échantillonnages (eau de de surface, 

prélèvements de phytoplancton) ont été réalisées sur l’ensemble des deux lagunes (six stations LN, cinq stations LC) selon un 

cycle saisonnier entre 2006 et 2007. Le but de ce travail était de caractériser l’influence des apports anthropiques (urbains et 

agricoles) sur la qualité des eaux lagunaires en relation avec la biodiversité des populations phytoplanctoniques. 

Les résultats de cette étude ont permis de définir le caractère hétérogène de la LN en relation avec sa grande superficie et une 

circulation marine active due principalement à un échange lagune-mer important. Au contraire, le caractère homogène de LC 

est principalement lié à sa petite superficie, ses échanges très restreints avec la mer et à son comblement progressif. L’eutrophisation 

est généralisée à LC alors qu’elle est plus localisée à LN, près des débouchées des cours d’eau. La structure de la 

communauté phytoplanctonique des deux lagunes se trouve affectée par cette pollution et évolue vers un état de “monospécificité”. 

A Nador, cet état s’observe particulièrement au niveau de la station d’épuration alors qu’à Canet cet état est généralisé 

sur toutes les stations. Des taxons communs aux deux lagunes existent à la station la plus polluée de LN et sur toutes les 

stations de LC : Navicula, Nitzschia, euglénophycées, prasinophycées, cyanobactéries... Une population quasi-monospécifique 

de prasinophycées (Tetraselimis spp) trouvée au niveau de la station d’épuration de LN en été, révèle l’impact anthropique 

négatif. La communauté phytoplanctonique voit donc sa biodiversité diminuer et évoluer vers la monospécificité. Au niveau de 

LC, l’impact anthropique sur la communauté phytoplanctonique, généralisé sur toute la lagune, donne lieu au développement 

majoritaire d’une chlorophycée (Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata) tout au long de l’année. 



Aquatic macroinvertebrate communities in transitional waters: 

influence of the environment, response to disturbance and 

differences between habitats 

Communautés de macroinvertébrés aquatiques dans les eaux de transition : 

influence de l’environnement, réponse à des perturbations, et différences entre habitats 

Cañedo-Argüelles Miguel, M. Rieradevall 

Group F.E.M., Departamento de Ecología, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Cataluña - Spain 

mcanedo-arguelles@ub.edu 

Transitional waters are very dynamic and heterogeneous systems, subjected to multiple natural and humaninduced 

stressors. The Llobregat Delta is a good example of it, since it encloses a great variety of aquatic 

ecosystems, covering a wide range of environmental gradients and stress sources. During the present investigation 

severe modifications took place in the Delta, providing us the chance to study the response of aquatic 

macroinvertebrates to disturbance. A physico-chemical characterization of all the water bodies in the Llobregat 

Delta was performed over a seasonal scale, and four coastal lagoons were selected for a depeer exploration on 

a monthly scale. Macroinvertebrates were sampled in different habitats (multihabitat, Phragmites australis and 

sediment) of most of the water bodies on different time scales. Salinity and eutrophy were the main environmental 

gradients registered in the Delta’s water bodies, and the aquatic macroinvertebrate communities registered 

significant changes along the gradients. The more saline sites were the coastal lagoons, while the more eutrophic 

sites corresponded to the channels and the water bodies receiving higher freshwater discharges. A total of 

83 macroinvertebrate taxa were recorded, and the most diverse sites were those of new creation. Chironomidae 

was the most abundant and frequent taxonomic group and registered the highest number of species. The highest 

number of taxa was recorded in the multihabitat samples, but each habitat registered some exclusive taxa. There 

were also significant differences in how each habitat responded to disturbance. 


Biodiversity gradients across a scale of natural stress 

in transitional ecosystems 

Biodiversité le long d’un gradient de stress naturel 

dans des écosystèmes de transition 

Reizopoulou Sofia 1 , A. Nicolaidou 2 , N. Simboura 3 , E. Barbone 4 , F. Aleffi 5 , A. Basset 4 

1. Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Oceanography, 47km Athinon-Souniou Ave, 19013 Anavyssos - Greece 

2. Department of Zoology Marine Biology, School of Biology, University of Athens, 15784 Panepistimiopoli, Athens - Greece 

3. Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Oceanography, P.O.BOX 712, 19013 Anavyssos - Greece 

4. DiSTeBA, University of Salento, SP Lecce Monteroni 73100 Lecce - Italy 

5. ARPA Friuli Venezia Giulia, 33057 Palmanova, Udine - Italy 

sreiz@ath.hcmr.gr 

Soft bottom benthic communities were studied in two seasons in five transitional ecosystems in the Mediterranean, 

located in Albania (Narta), Greece (Logarou) and Italy (Grado-Marano, Grado Valli da Pesca and Margherita 

di Savoia), in order to investigate spatial and temporal biodiversity trends across a scale of natural stress. 

Fluctuations of abiotic parameters within each system were measured. Grado-Marano, Grado Valli da Pesca and 

Logarou presented the lower internal fluctuations of environmental parameters, while in Narta and Margherita 

di Savoia (saltmarsh) a stronger environmental gradient was observed, and was mainly reflected in salinity. The 

intercomparison among study sites indicated that the higher the seasonal water exchange, resulting into milder 

seasonal fluctuations of environmental parameters, the less marked is the zonation of benthic communities. 

Moreover, the sharper the spatial variations of environmental parameters within the study site, the lower the 

mean number of species and the diversity of the system. Species richness proved to be a sensitive parameter in 

expressing the degree of environmental stress, while any anthropogenic impact resulting to community modifications 

is added to the naturally stressed conditions. 



Loss of functional diversity in tropical fish communities 

after habitat degradation 

Perte de la diversité fonctionnelle des communautés de poissons tropicaux comme conséquence 

de la dégradation des habitats 

Villéger Sébastien 1 , J. Ramos Miranda 2 , D. Flores Hernandez 2 , D. Mouillot 1 

1. UMR5119, CNRS-IFREMER-IRD-UM2 Laboratoire Ecosystèmes Lagunaires, 

CC093, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier Cedex 05 - France 

2. Centro de Ecología, Pesquerías y Oceanografía de Golfo de México (EPOMEX) 

Universidad Autónoma de Campeche, Av. Agustín, Melgar s/n, 24030 Campeche - México 

sebastien.villeger@univ-montp2.fr 

Human activities have strong impacts on ecosystem functioning through their effect on abiotic factors and on 

biodiversity. There is also growing evidence that species functional traits link changes in species composition 

and shifts in ecosystem processes. Hence, it appears to be of utmost importance to quantify modifications in 

the functional structure of species communities after human disturbance. Despite this fact, there is still little 

consensus on the actual impacts of human-mediated habitat alteration on the components of biodiversity which 

include species functional traits. Therefore, we studied changes in taxonomic diversity, in functional diversity 

and in functional specialization of estuarine fish communities facing drastic environmental and habitat alterations. 

The Terminos lagoon (Gulf of Mexico) is a tropical estuary of primary concern for its biodiversity, its 

habitats and its resource supply, which has been severely impacted by human activities. Fish communities were 

sampled in four zones of the Terminos lagoon 18 years apart (1980 and 1998). Two functions performed by 

fish (food acquisition and locomotion) were studied through the measurement of 16 functional traits. Functional 

diversity of fish communities was quantified using three independent components: richness, evenness and 

divergence. Additionally, we measured the degree of functional specialization in fish communities. We used a 

null model to compare the functional structure of fish communities between 1980 and 1998. Amongst the four 

larges zones studied, three did not show strong functional changes. In the northern part of the lagoon, we found 

an increase of fish richness but a significant decrease of functional divergence and functional specialization. 

We explain this result by a decline of specialized species, i.e. those with particular combinations of traits, while 

new occurring species are redundant with those already present. The species that decreased in abundance have 

functional traits linked to seagrass habitats which regressed consecutively to increasing eutrophication. The 

paradox found in our study highlights the need of a multifaceted approach in the assessment of biodiversity 

changes in communities under pressure. 


Comparative mtDNA phylogeography 

of some Pomatoschistus gobies with a focus 

on French Mediterranean lagoon populations 

Phylogéographie comparée fondée sur l’ADN mitochondrial de populations de gobies du genre 

Pomatoschistus dans des lagunes méditerranéennes françaises 

Tougard Christelle, P. Berrebi 

Institut des Sciences de l’Evolution (ISE-M), UMR CNRS 5554, Université Montpellier II, 34095 Montpellier Cedex 05 - France 

christelle.tougard@univ-montp2.fr 

The Pomatoschistus gobies are small fishes of great interest because of their role in the aquatic ecosystem 

processes and in the food chain, and because of their high sensibility to ecological variations. They are adapted 

to European coastal and lagoon environments. Some species are even predominant in several Mediterranean 

lagoons: a migratory species, P. minutus (sand goby), and two cryptic sedentary species, P. microps (common 

goby) and P. marmoratus (marbled goby) . The use of several molecular markers (AFLP, enzymes, microsatellites) 

demonstrated that P. microps and P. marmoratus hybridize in some lagoons (Vaccarès), while the occurrence 

of one or the other species is almost exclusive in others lagoons (Thau and Mauguio). Studies on the genetic 

structure of P. microps populations allowed to identify a relatively high number of haplotypes. Despite a likely 

same origin, no haplotype is, however, shared by populations of the same species inhabiting neighbouring 

lagoons. A high level of isolation between these lagoons during several centuries is suggested. Several evolutionary 

scenarios have been proposed to explain this high degree of genetic differentiation as well as the 

distribution of the sedentary gobies in the Mediterranean lagoons. However, some points of their evolutionary 

history remain unsolved: what is the origin of the sedentary goby species? How did they disperse through 

time? How is the phylogeographic structure of the Mediterranean populations? Is this potential structure the 

result of Quaternary climatic changes or that of the recent lagoon formation (17-18th century)? An attempt of 

answer to these questions is provided by the investigation of the genetic structure of European P. microps and 

P. marmoratus populations from mitochondrial sequences (control region). From a mitochondrial standpoint, the 

preliminary results suggest that the populations of sedentary gobies are not so strictly isolated: identified 

lineages correspond to large geographic complex (Atlantic+Channel, Gulf of Lion, Adriatic Sea, Aegean Sea). On 

the other hand, no clear structure can be identified among populations of Mediterranean lagoons. 



Spatial environmental gradients, habitat zonation, 

and community composition in the lagoon of Marano 

and Grado (Northeast Italy) 

Gradients spatiaux des conditions environnementales et répartition des habitats dans la lagune 

de Marano et Grado (NE Italie) 

Gimona Alessandro 1 , G. Mattassi 2 , P. Rossin 2 , C. Ferrarin 3 , I. Scroccaro 2 , I. Aleffi 2 

1. Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, Aberdeen, AB15 8QH - Scotland United Kingdom 

2. Agenzia Regionale Protezione Ambientale FVG, via Cairoli, 14 - 33057 Palmanova (UD) - Italy 

3. Department of Oceanography ISMAR-CNR Castello 1364/A, 30122 Venezia - Italy 

a.gimona@macaulay.ac.uk 

Understanding the influence of spatial and temporal heterogeneity of environmental factors on community 

composition is crucial for predictions about future environmental change. The characterisation of existing 

environmental gradients is therefore necessary to classify different types of habitat and to understand the 

present and future spatial ecology of lagoons. We have developed geographic data bases describing the spatial 

and temporal patterns of important driving variables such as salinity, temperature, sediment type, and depth and 

parametrised a hydrological model of lagoon circulation. These were used to build a zonation of habitat types 

in the lagoon. We have also related the spatial pattern of community composition to this zonation using multivariate 

statistical methods. The results can be used as a baseline against which environmental change scenarios 

can be evaluated to inform environmental decision making in the lagoon. 


Taxonomic uncertainties in species-area relationships 

and implications for lagoons conservation 

Incertitudes concernant les relations entre le nombre d’espèces et la surface de l’aire considérée : 

implications pour la conservation des écosystèmes lagunaires 

Guilhaumon François, D. Mouillot 

ECOLAG - UMR 5119, Université Montpellier 2 - CNRS, Place Eugene Bataillon cc093, 34095 Montpellier - France 

francoisguilhaumon@gmail.com 

Species-area relationships (SARs), the change in species numbers with increasing area, are an essential tool 

used to estimate broad biodiversity patterns, to compare species richness when regions differ in area, and to 

predict extinction rates following habitat loss. In the main, applications of SARs have assumed the classical 

form of a power function, S =cA z , where S is species richness, A is area, and c and z are constants. If this 

assumption of a universal power SAR is released and if the underlying form of SARs actually differ markedly 

between environmental conditions and between taxonomic groups this would be of particular concern for 

conservation biology. Here we used data on the species richness of different biological components to conduct 

an analysis of SARs for Mediterranean lagoons. First, we calculated the probabilities of different models to best 

describe the SAR and determine whether those probabilities vary systematically across several taxa. Second, we 

conducted an identification of hotspots of richness incorporating the uncertainty about the best fit SAR model. 

Results about the concordance of richness hotspots will be highlighted, giving insights in the geographical 

concordance of the distribution of lagoon biodiversity and for the establishment of conservation priorities for 

Mediterranean lagoons. 



Ecological quality assessment of the coastal lagoon 

of Oualidia (Morocco, Atlantic) by using macrozoobenthos 

structure analysis 

Evaluation de l’état de la qualité écologique de la lagune de Oualidia (Maroc atlantique) 

par l’analyse des structures benthiques 

Azirar Asmae, B. Abdellatif 

Institut Scientifique, Unité OCEMAR,Université Mohammed V Agdal, Rabat - Morocco 

azirarasmae@gmail.com 

Macrobenthos is an essential component of biodiversity in coastal lagoon ecosystems. It is currently considered 

as a good descriptor for biological quality assessment of coastal benthic communities as it is a good integrator 

of environmental conditions due to its sedentary lifestyle. In the lagoon of Oualidia along the Atlantic coast 

of Morocco, a study of soft-bottom macrobenthos was carried out between March 2007 and March 2008. 

14 intertidal stations were sampled and their physico-chemical characteristics were measured. The lagoon of 

Oualidia is dominated by a strong land-ocean gradient governed by oceanic influence through tides and controlling 

temperature and salinity of lagoon waters. Macrobenthic fauna of the lagoon of Oualidia is comprised of over 

120 species and is qualitatively and quantitatively dominated by molluscs, polychaetes, annelids and crustaceans 

(mainly amphipods and isopods). Two macrozoobenthic communities have been identified by using 

complementary classification methods (CAH and MDS). The first is located on sandy and marine habitat on the 

oceanic part of the gradient and mainly dominated by the species Urothoe grimaldii and Scoloplos armigera 

while the other one is more lagoon type, settled in silty and land influenced zone and dominated by the molluscs 

Hydrobia Ulva, Nassarius pfeifferi and Scrobicularia plana. With reference to the European Water Framework 

Directive, a quality assessment of ecological status of this ecosystem was performed using several biotic indices. 

BOPA index classifies the majority of sampled stations as “non polluted” while AMBI and BENTHIX indices 

range some stations between “Normal to slightly polluted’’ status and others among “moderate / poor / bad” 

classes. These results are discussed with regards to the abundant literature on Moroccan and Mediterranean 

lagoons. 

Les lagunes côtières sont des écosystèmes sensibles dans lesquelles le macrobenthos est un constituant essentiel de sa 

biodiversité. Celui-ci est actuellement considéré comme étant un bon descripteur biologique pour l’évaluation de la qualité 

des structures benthiques côtières, car il intègre mieux les fluctuations des conditions environnementales, en raison de son 

mode de vie sédentaire. Dans la lagune de Oualidia, sur le littoral atlantique marocain, des recherches sur le macrobenthos 

des substrats meubles ont été menées entre mars 2007 et mars 2008. Ainsi, 14 stations intertidales ont été échantillonnées 

et leurs paramètres édaphiques et physico-chimiques ont été mesurés. La typologie de la lagune de Oualidia est dominée par 

un gradient aval-amont qui est étroitement lié aux influences océaniques par le biais des marées en contrôlant la température 

et la salinité de l’eau. La faune macrobenthique de la lagune de Oualidia est composée de plus de 120 espèces et elle est 

dominée qualitativement et quantitativement par les Mollusques, Annélides Polychètes et Crustacés (principalement Amphipodes 

et Isopodes). Deux peuplements macrozoobenthiques, identifiés par deux méthodes complémentaires (CAH et MDS), ont 

été mis en évidence. Il s’agit d’un peuplement marin installé sur substrat sableux localisé en aval et dominé essentiellement 

par Urothoe grimaldii et Scoloplos armiger et d’un peuplement lagunaire localisé plus en amont, occupant un substrat envasé 

et dominé par les Mollusques Hydrobia ulvae, Nassarius pfeifferi, et Scrobicularia plana. L’évaluation de la qualité de l’état 

écologique de cet écosystème en faisant référence à la Directive européenne cadre de l’eau s’était basée sur un certain nombre 

d’indices biotiques. L’indice BOPA indique que la majorité des stations prospectées sont qualifiées de “non polluées”, tandis 

que les indices AMBI et BENTHIX permettent de ranger les stations entre “Normales à faiblement polluées” et d’autres parmi 

les “modéré/pauvre/mauvais”. L’abondante littérature sur les lagunes marocaines et méditerranéennes ont permis de discuter 

les résultats obtenus à Oualidia. 


Analysis of macrocrustaceans diversity 

in Ghar El Melh lagoon (Tunisia) 

Analyse de la diversité de la macrofaune carcinologique de la lagune de Ghar El Melh (Tunisie) 

Mzoughi Issam, O.K Ben Hassine 

Unité de Recherche de Biologie, Ecologie et Parasitologie des Organismes Aquatiques, Département des Sciences Biologiques, 

Faculté des Sciences de Tunis,Campus Universitaire, 2092 Tunis - Tunisia 

mzoughi.issam@gmail.com 

Ghar El Melh lagoon, extend to an area of about 28 km 2 , is located in the North-East of Tunisia (in Tunis Gulf). 

It communicates with the Mediterranean through one permanent 70 m wide connection. Due to anthropogenic 

activities (agricultural drainage, sewage, etc.), it is characterized by a gradual deterioration of the quality of its 

water and sediments. In this study, a seasonal monitoring of physicochemical parameters and spatial distribution 

of the macrocrustaceans in Ghar El Melh lagoon were conducted at 5 stations: S1 (North-East), S2 (Near 

the area of exchange with the sea), S3 (lagoon’s center), S4 (West) and S5 (South-East) from September 2007 

to august 2008. So, for the macrocrustaceans, we collected, in total, 34 species (50% of decapods, 17.7% 

isopods, 14.7% amphipods; 8.8% mysidacea, 5.9% euphausiacea and 2.9% pantapoda). Constancy index has 

allowed us to distinguish 4 categories of species: “constant”, “very common”, “not very common” and “rare”. 

The fidelity estimation revealed that, among the species collected, 19 were exclusive: 16 to S2, 2 to S1 and 

1 to S3. The analysis of the spatial distribution of species encountered was conducted using the AHC and the 

FCA. It allowed discriminating three groups: the first, represented by the nearest lagoon entrance station S2, is 

characterized by the presence of several species of decapods. The second brings the typically lagoonal stations 

(S1, S3, S4 and S5), marked by the presence of Cymadusa hirsuta and Macropipus pusillus. The third, formed 

by the transitional station S1, is defined by Sicyonia carinata and Euphausia krohni. The analysis of variance 

between stations (ANOVA), applied to the physicochemical factors, showed a significant spatial variability (P < 

0.05). We then wanted to analyze the impact of spatial variability on the distribution of macrocrustaceans. The 

CPA has helped to isolate the station (S2), close to the area of exchange with the sea and highly oxygenated, 

from the other intra-lagoonal stations (S1, S3, S4 and S5), strongly haline. Thus, the structure of macrocrustacean 

communities is under the influence of physicochemical variables of the lagoon. 

Située au Nord-Est de la Tunisie (dans le Golfe de Tunis), la lagune de Ghar El Melh est caractérisée par une superficie de 28,5 km 2 

et une faible profondeur. Elle communique avec la mer par l’intermédiaire d’une passe permanente de 70 m de large. En raison 

de diverses actions anthropiques (drainage agricole, eaux usées, etc.), elle connaît une dégradation progressive de la qualité 

de ses eaux et de ses sédiments. Dans ce travail, un suivi saisonnier des paramètres physico-chimiques et une analyse de la 

distribution spatiale de la macrofaune carcinologique de la lagune de Ghar El Melh ont été effectués au niveau de 5 stations : 

S1 (Nord-Est), S2 (Proche du grau), S3 (centre de la lagune), S4 (Ouest) et S5 (Sud-Est), durant la période allant de septembre 

2007 à août 2008. Ainsi, pour la macrofaune carcinologique, nous avons récolté, au total, 34 espèces (50 % de décapodes; 

17,7 % isopodes; 14,7 % amphipodes; 8,8 % mysidacés; 5,9 % euphausiacés et 2,9 % pantapodes). Le calcul de l’indice 

de constance nous a permis de distinguer 4 catégories d’espèces : “constantes”, “communes”, “peu communes” et “rares”. 

L’estimation de l’indice de fidélité a révélé la présence, parmi les espèces collectées, de 19 espèces exclusives : 16 à S2, 

2 à S1 et 1 à S3. L’analyse de la distribution spatiale des espèces rencontrées a été effectuée au moyen de la CAH et de l’AFC. 

Elle a permis de distinguer trois groupes: le premier, représenté par la station à affinité marine S2, est caractérisé par la présence 

de plusieurs espèces de décapodes. Le second rassemble les stations à affinité lagunaire (S1, S3, S4 et S5), marquées 

par la présence de Cymadusa hirsuta et de Macropipus pusillus. Le troisième, formé par la station de transition S1, est défini 

par Sicyonia carinata et Euphausia krohni. L’analyse de la variance entre les stations d’étude (ANOVA), appliquée aux facteurs 

physico-chimiques, a montré une variabilité spatiale significative (P < 0,05). Nous avons alors voulu analyser l’impact de cette 

variabilité sur la distribution spatiale des représentants de la macrofaune carcinologique. L’ACP a permis d’isoler la station(S2), 

proche du grau et à forte oxygénation, des autres stations intra-lagunaires (S1, S3, S4 et S5), fortement halines. Ainsi, la 

structure des communautés de la macrofaune carcinologique est sous l’influence des variables physico-chimiques de la lagune. 



Comparison of benthic invertebrates community structure and diversity 

of two semi-enclosed Atlantic coastal ecosystems submitted to 

freshwater inputs: Arcachon Bay and Marennes-Oléron Bay (France) 

Comparaison de la structure et de la diversité des communautés d’invertébrés benthiques dans 

deux systèmes côtiers Atlantiques semi-fermés : Le Bassin d’Arcachon et Marennes-Oléron 

Blanchet Hugues 1 , P.G. Sauriau 2 , X. De Montaudouin 1 , I. Auby 3 , N. Lavesque 1 

1. Université de Bordeaux, UMR 5805 EPOC (CNRS-Université Bordeaux 1), Station Marine d’Arcachon, 2 rue du professeur Jolyet, 

33120 Arcachon - France 

2. CNRS, UMR LIENSS (CNRS-Université La Rochelle), Place Gaby Coll, BP 7, 17137 L’Houmeau - France 

3. IFREMER, LER Arcachon, Quai du Commandant Silhouette, 33120 Arcachon - France 

h.blanchet@epoc.u-bordeaux1.fr 

This study compared the benthic invertebrate communities of two semi-enclosed coastal ecosystems communicating 

with the Bay of Biscay: the Marennes-Oléron Bay (MOB) and the Arcachon Bay (AB). Both ecosystems 

are macrotidal semi-enclosed areas of similar dimensions (~180 km²) with shallow depth, large intertidal flats 

with oyster culture and are submitted to freshwater inputs. Our objectives were to compare the soft-bottom 

benthic invertebrate communities of both systems in terms of structure and diversity and to relate similarity 

or dissimilarity patterns to the environmental characteristics of both systems. The macrobenthic invertebrate 

communities were compared using two databases acquired following similar methodologies. In both ecosystems 

quantitative data (grab samples) were acquired during Spring period (1995 in MOB and 2002 in AB), following 

a stratified sampling strategy. Samples were all sieved through 1-mm mesh size screens. The databases consisted 

in 262 sampling stations in MOB and 182 stations in AB. A total of 408 species were identified in the 

whole databases among which only 32% were recorded in both systems. Analysis of historical data collected in 

both systems throughout the last two centuries by biologists raised the number of species in both sites to about 

1 thousand species and permitted to identify 60 to 70 species that were exclusively present in only one of the 

two areas. Analysis of biological and physico-chemical data showed that salinity, sediment characteristics and 

tidal level were the main structuring factors. It also showed that macrobenthic communities encountered in 

both ecosystems were generally different in terms of species assemblages, level of diversity and abundance. The 

presence of seagrass beds such as those constituted by the intertidal Zostera noltii was a structuring factor in 

AB only. It induced higher species richness in intertidal areas of AB compared to the subtidal bottoms whereas 

the opposite pattern was observed in MOB. It also induced a 10 to 15-times higher densities of invertebrates in 

the intertidal areas of AB in comparison with MOB. This study showed that in the same biogeographic context, 

benthic invertebrates communities vary in response to local differences in the biotic and abiotic forcing factors. 

ORAL PRESENTATION l Mini symposium 2 l POP 

Monitoring Endocrine Disruptors in coastal lagoons: 

comparison of levels in mussel, passive sampler and sediment 

Suivi des composés perturbateurs de l’activité endocrine dans les lagunes côtières : comparaisons 

des teneurs dans la moule, dans le sédiment et détectées par les échantillonneurs passifs 

David Arthur 1 , E. Gomez 1 , D. Munaron 2 , S. Aït-Aïssa 3 , C. Casellas 1 , H. Fenet 1 

1. UMR 5569 Hydrosciences Montpellier, Université Montpellier 1, Faculté de Pharmacie, 15 Avenue Charles Flahault, BP 14 491, 

34093 Montpellier Cedex 5 - France 

2. Ifremer LERLR, Laboratoire Environnement Ressources du Languedoc Roussillon, Bd Jean Monnet, BP 171, 34203 Sète - France 

3. INERIS, Unit of Ecotoxicology, Parc ALATA, 60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte - France 

david@msem.univ-montp2.fr 

Mediterranean coastal lagoons are particularly complex environments, often subjected to strong human impacts. 

Among them, there are industrial and domestic contaminations, such as effluents from waste water treatment 

plant, containing hydrocarbon and endocrine disruptors compounds, which tend to accumulate in sediments. 

The objective of the study was to evaluate the distribution of hydrocarbons and endocrine disruptors between 

the different lagoon compartments: sediment, biota (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and dissolved phase (passive 

sampler). Two sewage impacted lagoons were selected. Mussels and semi-permeable membrane devices (SPMDs) 

were exposed into the water column for one month and the sediment collected. Estrogen-, benzo[a]pyrene- and 

dioxin-like activities were determined with biological analysis in sediment, mussels and SPMD. Polycyclic aromatic 

hydrocarbons (PAH), polychlorinated biphenyls and alkylphenols were determined with chemical analyses 

in sediment, mussels and SPMD. PAH concentration was high in sediments (up to 1028 ng/g dry weight), however 

the aqueous PAH concentrations estimated from SPMD data could be considered below the levels inducing 

adverse effects according to the environmental quality standards proposed by the Water Framework Directive. 

Dioxin-like activity was observed in sediments but not in mussels and SPMDs. In the two sewage-impacted 

lagoons, nonylphenols could be quantified in sediments, SPMDs and mussels at concentrations among the 

highest found in the literature. However, since they contributed only to a small part of the estrogenic activities 

observed, natural or synthetic steroids originating from wastewater discharges could be also implicated in these 

responses. 



POCIS (Polar Organic Chemical Integrative Sampler), 

a novel tool for pesticide monitoring in lagoon systems; 

Application in the Arcachon lagoon 

POCIS (Dispositif d’échantillonnage intégré des composés organiques polaires), un nouvel outil 

pour le suivi des pesticides dans les systèmes lagunaires ; Utilisation dans le Bassin d’Arcachon 

Tapie Nathalie 1 , N. Mazzella 2 , F. Delmas 2 , B. Vrana 3 , H. Budzinski 1 

1. ISM/LPTC UMR 5255 CNRS, Université bordeaux 1, Talence - France 

2. CEMAGREF, Unité de recherche REBX Bordeaux - France 

3. Water Research Institute, Slovak National Water Reference Laboratory, Bratislava - Slovakia 

n.tapie@ism.u-bordeaux1.fr 

The coastal waters and the lagoons are used extensively and increasingly for a large number of activities. These 

multiple uses are not always compatible and may result in a wide array of problems for resource users and 

decision-makers. Among these problems, the pesticides are of particular concern. Until recently, measurement 

of pesticide levels in water has been based on the chemical analysis of spot samples of water taken at a defined 

frequency, followed by sample preparation steps in laboratory and instrumental analysis in ultra-clean conditions 

(in order to avoid contamination of samples during the sampling and the treatment). These techniques are time 

consuming and require qualified staff. Moreover spot sampling are not really efficient to follow pesticides contamination 

that could be fluctuating in water in general, and in littoral waters in particular (fluctuation increased 

by tide currents and tide intensity coefficients). Passive sampling methods are one of the new interesting tools, 

that allow to better consider the water contamination. POCIS (Polar Organic Chemical Integrative Sampler) 

presents a very interesting technique for sampling polar pesticides in water because it takes into account the 

temporal variability and integrate the pollutant contamination over the whole sampler deployment period. In 

the presented study, POCIS have been used in the Arcachon Lagoon to investigate the pesticides contamination 

(more than 50 compounds) at different sampling points during spring and summer. After field exposure, POCIS’s 

sorption phase was eluted by a mixture of dichloromethane/methanol and subjected to analysis of triazines, 

organophosphates, chloroacetanilides and pyrethroids by GC/MS. Phenylurea pesticides were analysed by LC/ 

MS. POCIS allows to detected and to quantify some pesticides not detectable by spot sampling, e.g. irgarol. 

Furthermore, the POCIS have been also used for determining the fate of some polar pesticides in complex 

freshwater-marine interfaces. This work shows the ability of POCIS to study pesticide contamination in marine 

waters characterised by low, but toxicologically relevant, concentrations of contaminants. POCIS seems to be a 

promising tool for decision-makers to follow marine water contamination. 


Development of algal biosensors for water quality monitoring 

of lagoons ecosystems and coastal waters 

Développement d’un biocapteur à cellules algales destiné à la surveillance 

de la qualité des écosystèmes lagunaires et côtiers 

Durrieu Claude 1 , L. Volatier 1 , H. Guedri 1 , T. Baussant 2 

1. Université de Lyon ENTPE, Rue Maurice Audin, 69518 Vaulx-en-Velin Cedex - France 

2. International Research Institute of Stavanger (IRIS) Biomiljo, Mekjarvik 12, 4070 Randaberg - Norway 

claude.durrieu@entpe.fr 

The harmful effects of toxic chemicals on natural ecosystems has led to an increasing demand for early-warning 

systems to detect those toxicants at very low concentration levels. Lagoons ecosystems and coastal water receive 

large volumes of pollutants from rivers, these ecosystems need continuous monitoring to control quality of water. 

Biosensors can respond to this requirement, as they can provide fast, sensitive and cost-effective measurements 

which can be operated for on-site monitoring. In the study presented hereafter, algal whole cell biosensors based 

on metabolic perturbation of immobilized algal cells in the presence of toxicants have been developed Three 

marine algal strains were used for the biosensor design: Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Dunaliella tertiolecta and 

Ostreococcus tauri. These algae were immobilized through physical entrapment on a quartz microfiber placed 

in front of an optical fiber bundle as optical transducer or by cross linking reactions with bovine serum albumin 

before transfer on to the sensitive area of a micro conductometric electrode for detection. Tests were carried out 

with solutions containing metal cations (Cd 2+ , Zn 2+ , Pb 2+ ) or Diuron and glyphosat, tested as pesticides. Results 

show toxic responses on photosynthetic and enzymatic (alkaline phosphatase and esterase) activities with limit 

detection at 0.1 ppb level. These encouraging findings permit to consider these biosensors as competitive tools 

to more traditional techniques used in toxicity assessment of saline water. 

Face à l’action délétère de la contamination chimique des écosystèmes naturels, on assiste à une demande croissante de 

systèmes d’alerte précoce permettant de détecter ces contaminants dès les plus faibles concentrations. Les écosystèmes lagunaires 

et côtiers, recevant de grandes quantités de polluants en provenance des rivières, nécessitent un monitoring continu 

pour contrôler la qualité des leurs eaux. Les biocapteurs peuvent répondre à cette demande car ils permettent un monitoring in 

situ avec des mesures rapides, précises et peu onéreuses. Le travail présenté ici concerne des biocapteurs à cellules algales entières 

pour lesquels nous considérons la perturbation métabolique des cellules immobilisées après exposition à des polluants. 

Trois espèces algales marines ont été utilisées pour la conception de ce capteur : Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Dunaliella 

tertiolecta and Ostreococcus tauri. Ces algues sont immobilisées par adsorption physique sur fibres de quartz à l’extrémité 

d’un faisceau de fibres optiques servant de transducteur ou dans un gel d’albumine de sérum de bœuf polymérisé à la surface 

d’une électrode conductimétrique. Des tests ont été réalisés avec des solutions contenant des cations métalliques (Cd 2+ , Zn 2+ , 

Pb 2+ ) ou des pesticides comme le Diuron et le glyphosate. Les résultats montrent une action toxique sur la photosynthèse ou 

les activités enzymatiques phosphatase alcaline et estérase avec une limite de détection de l’ordre de 0.1 ppb. Ces résultats 

encourageants permettent de considérer ces capteurs comme des outils compétitifs relativement aux techniques plus traditionnelles 

utilisées pour l’évaluation de la contamination toxique des milieux salins. 



Butyltin concentrations and imposex in the gastropod 

Hexaplex trunculus collected in three Tunisian lagoons 

during 2004 and 2007 

Charge corporelle en butyl-étain et imposex chez le gastéropode Hexaplex trunculus 

dans trois lagunes tunisiennes entre 2004-2007 

Lahbib Youssef 1 , S. Abidli 1 , J.F. Chiffoleau 2 , B. Averty 2 , N. Trigui El Menif 1 

1. University of 7th November at Carthage, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte. 

Laboratory of Environment Bio-monitoring, 7021- Zarzouna, Bizerta - Tunisia 

2. French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea (Ifremer), Laboratory of Biochemistry of metallic contaminants. 21105, 

44311 Nantes Cedex 3 - France 

elmunif2004@yahoo.fr 

Organotin has been used widely as biocide in several applications as antifouling paints of boats and for other 

purposes. Its use was restricted in 1980’s in many countries namely those contracted to the Antifouling System 

Convention (AFS 2001) of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). But in many other countries, this use 

still continued. We assessed for the first time the current status of tributyltin (TBT) contamination in Hexaplex 

trunculus from three Tunisian lagoons (Bizerta lagoon, Tunis north lagoon and Boughrara lagoon). Two sampling 

campaigns have been performed in July 2004 and July 2007 at four stations. The snails were analyzed for imposex 

status, i.e. Imposex incidence, Relative Penis Length Index (RPLI) and Vas Deferens Sequence Index (VDSI), 

followed by the quantification of butyltin in tissues of both sexes. Imposex was detected in all populations from 

the 2004 samples and in three populations from the 2007 samples. The imposex incidence ranged from 6.2 to 

100 %, the RPLI from 0.1 to 69.1 and the VDSI from 0.6 to 4.2 in 2004 against 0 - 100%, 0 - 4.2 and 0 - 45 

in 2007. TBT was also detected in all populations in 2004 and three populations in 2007. The concentrations 

ranged from 1.6 to 35.5 ng Sn g -1 dry weight (dw) in 2004 samples and from 2.0 to 23.9 ng Sn g -1 dw in 

2007 samples. Temporal comparison of the data indicates some evidence of imposex recovery in Bizerta lagoon 

and Tunis north lagoon but not in Boughrara where imposex indices significantly increased. Improvements in 

reduced body concentrations of TBT in both sexes were also seen in Bizerta lagoon and especially Tunis lagoon 

where TBT was under the limit of detection (


Concentration, fate and toxicities to phytoplanktonic 

species of diuron and glyphosate in coastal and lagoon waters 

of Mediterranean Sea 

Concentration, devenir et toxicité du diuron et glyphosate vis à vis du phytoplancton lagunaire 

et marin côtier en Méditerranée 

Leboulanger Christophe 1 , D. Munaron 2 , F. Joux 3 , M. Petit 3 , C. Bertrand 4 , D. Aspe 5 

1. IRD, Ecosystèmes Lagunaires, UMR 5119 CNRS Université Montpellier II Ifremer IRD, SMEL, 1 quai de la Daurade 34200 Sète - France 

2. Ifremer LER LR, Laboratoire Environnement Ressources du Languedoc Roussillon, Bd Jean Monnet, BP 171, 34203 Sète - France 

3. Observatoire Océanologique de Banyuls, Laboratoire d’Océanographie Biologique de Banyuls, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, 

CNRS UMR 7621 - France 

4. Centre de Phytopharmacie de Perpignan, Laboratoire de Chimie des Biomolécules et de l’Environnement, 

Université de Perpignan Via Domitia - France 

5. Centre d’Analyses Méditerranée-Pyrénées, Perpignan - France 

christophe.leboulanger@ird.fr 

Concentrations of pesticides have been monitored at different seasons in 2008-2009 in the Thau lagoon and 

at a coastal station off Banyuls/Mer (Western Mediterranean Sea). Thau Lagoon was found contaminated by 

diuron, glyphosate and its degradation product AMPA, whereas the coastal station remained unpolluted. Maximum 

concentrations were reported in the lagoon, during a flood event of the watershed main river (diuron: 0.06 

µg/l, glyphosate: 0.4 µg/l, AMPA: 0.5 µg/l). Kinetics of photo and biodegradation of glyphosate and diuron 

were studied. The half-life of diuron exposed to simulated solar radiation (UV/visible) was 4.8 and 9.1 days for 

coastal and lagoon waters, respectively. Under the same conditions, glyphosate half-life was 7.2 days in the 

lagoon water. Differences for diuron photodegradation between the two environments could be explained by a 

higher concentration of coloured dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in lagoon water, resulting in UV quenching. 

Microcosms biodegradation experiment allowed to calculate a glyphosate half-life of 22 (± 5) and 92 (± 23) 

days in coastal and lagoon waters, respectively. Higher biodegradation rate in coastal water could be explained 

by use of glyphosate as a source of phosphorus by marine bacteria limited by this element. Diuron was much 

less biodegradable in the two studied environments with a lack of significant decay over 33 d. Toxicity of related 

compounds was assessed on several marine phytoplankton species in culture: Thalassiosira weissflogii, Phaeodactylum 

tricornutum, Alexandrium catenella, Prorocentrum micans, and Dunaliella tertiolecta. Toxicity ranking 

was defined as DCPU


Development of plans to introduce a better use of pesticides 

in the communes of the “Syndicat Mixte des Etangs Littoraux” 

(SIEL) 

Développement de plans d’amélioration des pratiques phytosanitaires et horticoles 

sur les communes du Syndicat mixte des étangs littoraux (SIEL) 

Baudot Clément 

Syndicat Mixte des étangs littoraux, Siel, BP 308, 34113 Frontigan - France 

siel4@ville-frontignan.fr 

The étangs palavasiens constitute a string of coastal lagoons between Montpellier and Sète in the Hérault 

department (S. France). These lagoons are subjected to strong pressures related to urbanization. The syndicat 

mixte des étangs littoraux (SIEL) is a main responsible actor for the restoration, conservation and management 

of these lagoons. The monitoring of these lagoons has shown a moderate quality status in 2007. Considering 

these results, the SIEL and its adhering townships have decided to pursue a programme aiming to reduce the 

use of pesticides and fertilizers in the public areas. We will discuss the tools used to improve the quality of our 

lagoons. The pesticides (insecticides, herbicides and fungicides) are mainly of anthropogenic origin. Their use in 

the urban setting, where a lot of surfaces are made impermeable, implies an important transfer to surrounding 

natural environments. In these environments, these products are a nuisance and particularly so in the lagoon 

ecosystems. Among other impacts they contribute to destruction of seagrass meadows, mortality of crustaceans, 

reduction of reproduction in fishes, etc. A partnership has been developed with the SIEL townships in order to 

achieve reduction of pesticide use and leading to green areas more similar to Mediterranean ecosystems. Some 

examples of concrete actions undertaken by the townships are presented including a reorganization of services, 

planting of local species, reduction of water use and alternative weeding techniques. 

Les étangs palavasiens, site Natura 2000, sont un chapelet de lagunes côtières situées entre Montpellier et Sète, dans 

l’Hérault. Ils sont soumis à de fortes pressions liées à l’urbanisation. Le Siel, syndicat mixte des étangs littoraux, est un acteur 

de restauration, gestion protection et de mise en valeur de ces lagunes. 

Le suivi de l’état des lagunes en 2007 a montré un état de l’eau médiocre. Au vu de ces résultats, le SIEL et les communes 

adhérentes ont décidés de mener un programme de réduction de l’utilisation des produits phytosanitaires et engrais sur les 

espaces communaux. Les dix à quinze minutes de parole seront employées à la présentation rapide des enjeux sur le périmètre 

des étangs palavasiens et du programme : “Un outil pour l’amélioration de la qualité des eaux de nos lagunes”. Les produits 

phytosanitaires (insecticides, herbicides, fongicides) sont pour la plupart issus de l’activité humaine. Leur emploi en ville sur 

des milieux imperméables implique des transferts importants vers les milieux naturels. Dans l’environnement, ces produits 

sont particulièrement nocifs pour les écosystèmes lagunaires : destruction des herbiers, mortalité des crustacés, baisse de 

reproduction des poissons. Un partenariat est en place avec les communes du Siel vers une réduction des apports en produits 

phytosanitaires et vers des espaces verts proches des écosystèmes méditerranéens. Des exemples concrets seront présentés 

avec des actions entreprises par les communes : réorganisation des services, plantation d’espèces locales, réduction des 

dépenses en eau, désherbage alternatif... 

ORAL PRESENTATION l 1 l Impacts of climate variability and sea-level rise 

Late Holocene geomorphological and hydrological variations 

of the Maryut coastal lagoon, Nile delta (Egypt) 

Les variations géomorphologiques et hydriques de la lagune côtière Maryut (Delta du Nile, Egypte) 

pendant l’Holocène récent 

Flaux Clément 1 , C. Morhange 1 , M. El-Assal 1 , M. Torab 2 , N. Marriner 1 

1. CEREGE (Centre Européen de Recherche et d’Enseignement des Géosciences de l’Environnement), UMR6635, 

Europôle Méditerranéen de l’Arbois BP 80, 13345 Aix-en-Provence Cedex 04 - France 

2. Alexandria University, Damanhour branch, Geography department - Egypt 

flaux@cerege.fr 

Maryut Lake is a littoral basin at the western margin of the Nile Delta, Egypt. At the Holocene scale, its water 

budget evolution combines different factors such as sea level rise, Nile water inputs variability and channel 

lateral migration, a semi-arid climate and at last intervention of human society that have modified the hydrological 

scheme of this deltaic margin. The global scheme of Maryut basin evolution since 7000 years has been 

established by bio-sedimentological study of radiocarbon-dated borings. Here we focus upon two main changes 

of Maryut hydrology and ecology. A first change occurs from a nearly abiotic lagoon mud level to a rich-shells 

level. These lagoon shells have been deposited alternately with the nearly abiotic muds. A second change occurs 

with the historical drying-up of Maryut basin. Comparing with others geomorphological studies in the area and 

also with actual functioning of lagoon system, different factors are identified and discussed, responsible for 

modifications of a coastal system at the multi-secular scale. Balance between seawater and Nile water inputs 

into Maryut basin is likely the mechanism responsible for these changes, but the global geomorphological frame 

must be taken into account because it controls connections between Maryut basin and the sea or the Nile. 



Multiple scale variability of water temperature 

of two Mediterranean coastal lagoons: analysis of scales, 

processes and sensibility to global change 

Variabilité multi-échelle de la température de l’eau dans deux lagunes méditerranéennes : 

échelle, processus et vulnérabilité au changement global 

Sanchez-Badorrey Elena 1 , S. Zoccari, 1 M.A. Rodriguez 2 , E. G. Bautista 3 

1. Instituto del Agua, Departamento de Mecánica de Estructuras e Ingeniería Hidráulica, Universidad de Granada - Spain 

2. Department of Physical, Chemical and Natural Systems, Universidad Pablo Olavide, Sevilla - Spain 

3. Instituto Politécnico Nacional de México - México 

elenasb@ugr.es 

Water temperature of coastal lagoons is a key parameter of physical water quality because of its ecological 

importance, sensitivity to natural and human factors, and influence on biogeochemical and physical properties 

of the water body. Water temperature variability of coastal lagoons depends on the resulting balance of the 

specific multiple-time-scale processes of heat energy exchange between the lagoon, the atmosphere, the open 

sea and the sediments (Rodriguez-Rodriguez & Moreno-Ostos, 2006). 

This paper analyzes the impact of climate change on the variability of the water temperature of two coastal 

lagoons, with different geomorphologic characteristics: Laguna Nueva (a separated and homogeneous coastal 

lagoon) and the Mar Menor lagoon (a partially isolated and heterogeneous coastal lagoon), both in the Mediterranean 

semi-arid Southern Spain. Variability of the water temperature of the lagoons are modeled by coupling 

a depth-integrated hydrodynamic model with the heat governing equation. The model was calibrated using high 

resolution data of water temperature measured during the year 2003. Diffusive heat flux through the littoral 

barrier and water-sediment heat exchange are found to be important processes in the two embayments. The 

temporal evolution of the water temperature of the lagoons are modeled for different scenarios of sea level rise 

and sequences of storm events. Then, the variability of water temperature of the two lagoons is analyzed at longterm 

scales using a spatially integrated hydro- and heat models with a statistically generated climate forcing. 

The results show that, under similar climate change conditions, the water temperature of the two coastal lagoons 

are sensible to climate change, however they exhibit a quite different behavior. This confirms previous works 

about the vulnerability of coastal lagoons to global environmental changes, but warns about the diversity of the 

impact of these changes as function of the lagoon geomorphology. 


Effect of climate change on storm occurrence 

in the Gulf of Lions (W Mediterranean) 

Effets du changement climatique sur les tempêtes du golfe du Lion (Méditerranée occidentale) 

Gervais Mathieu 1 , Y. Balouin 1 , R. Belon 1 , S. Lecacheux 1 , C. VanRoye 2 

1. BRGM - Service Géologique Régional Languedoc Roussillon (SGR LRO). 1039 rue de Pinville, 34000 Montpellier - France 

2. DRE (Direction Régional de l’équipement) Languedoc Roussillon, 34000 Montpellier - France 

m.gervais@brgm.fr 

Coastlines and coastal plains, especially those suffering from long-term erosion, are particularly susceptible 

to the impact of high energy events. Among the morphological responses to storm energy, impacts like marine 

submersion, breaching of the barrier are mostly inclined to affect lagoon systems. In a context of climate change, 

the rise of the mean sea level will increase the impact of marine storms, and a possible variation in storm occurrence 

and/or storm intensity is to be determined. Within the European project MICORE (Morphological Impacts 

and Coastal Risks induced by extreme storm events), an analysis was undertaken to assess storminess trends 

along Europe for the last decades. Using available datasets, the magnitude and frequency of storms had been 

analyses in order to determine storm trends over a period spanning the last 30 year. Meteorological and marine 

data available were included in the analysis. Here the aim was to improve understanding of coastal responses 

to changes in storminess and only event above a locally defined storm threshold were considered. In the Gulf 

of Lion Region, backward modelling was undertaken to obtain wind and wave times series that were validated 

using the available datasets (wave series acquired by the Direction Régionale de l’Equipement). Quantitative 

and qualitative analysis was undertaken to determine the threshold for major morphological changes and for 

damages. The storm duration analysis performed for the Gulf of Lions Region did not find any statistically significant 

change during the studied period. Variability was observed in the storm occurrence and storm intensity 

but it was not possible to observe any clear association between storminess changes and changes in the global 

climate. This does not imply that global climate change consequences (e.g., sea temperature increase, sea level 

rise etc.) will not have an influence on European storminess and on storminess impacts in the future. However, 

for the existing and available data sets at a European level, those impacts have not been detected in this study. 



The deltaic - lagoonal systems of Acheloos and Evinos rivers 

(Western Greece): evolution and changes related 

to anthropogenic activities and sea-level rise 

Le système des deltas et des lagunes des rivières Archeloos et Evinos (O. Grèce) : évolution 

et changements en rapport avec les activités humaines et la montée du niveau de la mer 

Anagnostou Christos 1 , A. Karageorgis 1 , G. Hatiris 2 , P. Drakopoulou 1 

1. Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Oceanography, 46.7 km Athens-Sounio Avenue, 19013 Anavyssos - Greece 

2. Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Hydrobiological Station of Rhodes, Ko Street, 85100 Rhodes - Greece 

chanag@ath.hcmr.gr 

The purpose of this presentation is to study the geomorphological dynamics and the evolution of the deltaic - 

lagoonal systems of the Acheloos and Evinos rivers (Western Greece) during the late Holocene. Anthropogenic 

activities influencing the dynamic of the complicated natural system will be also considered, as well as threats 

related to sea level rise. The Acheloos and Evinos rivers spring from the main Greek mountain chain and 

discharge into the Ionian Sea and the Patraikos Gulf. Extended deltaic plains are developed by the rivers, 

especially the Acheloos River, which is characterized by significant bed load discharge. The landscape in the 

western river system (Acheloos) exhibits several islands - like bedrock hills, which rise out of the deltaic plain. 

Between the deltaic plains of the two rivers complicated lagoonal systems are formed (Etoliko lagoon, Messolonghi 

lagoon, Klisova lagoon). The Acheloos River flows nowadays into the sea forming meandering channels. 

Different abandoned meandering channels can be recognized, which are related to different evolution stages of 

the depositional formation of the deltaic plain. Due to the longshore sand transport resulting from the SW winds 

and the predominant wave regime, large barrier beach systems are formed, which separate the subsided parts of 

the deltaic plain from the open sea and form shallow lagoons. Similar but in smaller space scale is the evolution 

of Evinos deltaic system. 

The dynamic of the complicated deltaic - lagoonal systems is influenced from anthropogenic activities. Water 

extraction from the river channels, river bed, and river mouth deviations and canalizations, have changed the 

dynamics of the river discharge systems leading to erosional procedures, threatening the sand barriers and the 

lagoonal systems. The same sensitive coastal systems are threatened from sea level rise. 


Effects of increased temperature on a shallow-water sediment 

system: a spring situation 

Effets de l’augmentation de la température sur un système sédimentaire par petits fonds : 

une situation printanière 

Sundbäck Kristina 1 , C. Alsterberg 1 , S. Hulth 2 

1. Dept of Marine Ecology, University of Gothenburg, Box 461, SE 405 30 Gothenburg - Sweden 

2. Dept of chimistry, University of Gothenburg, Box 461, SE 405 30 Gothenburg - Sweden 

kristina.sundback@marecol.gu.se 

A global-warming scenario on a shallow-water sediment system on the west coast of Sweden was simulated in 

an experiment for 1.5 months during March-April (ambient water temperature 4 13 °C). Intact sediment cores 

were connected to a flow-through system, under close to natural light conditions, with the possibility to raise 

and keep seawater temperature constantly 4 ± 0.3 °C above that of ambient surface water. Oxygen and inorganic 

nutrient sediment water fluxes and bacterial production were measured. Samples for benthic microalgal and 

meiofaunal biomass and diversity were also taken. Algal mats, consisting mainly of colony-forming diatoms, 

quickly developed in cores with elevated water temperature, affecting sediment water oxygen and inorganic 

nutrient fluxes. Effects on fluxes and bacterial production were mainly observed during the first weeks of the 

experiment (when ambient water temperature was below 10 °C), with fewer significant effects found at the end. 

Raised temperature doubled bacterial production. Primary production and uptake of nutrients were stimulated 

in March, while community respiration increased later. Net oxygen fluxes over 24 hours showed that the sediment 

system remained net autotrophic throughout the experiment, although the level of autotrophy dropped at 

higher temperature in late spring. The fact that temperature effects diminished at the end of the experiment, 

along with increasing ambient water temperature, suggests that functional effects of elevated temperature on 

shallow-water sediment systems in cool temperate microtidal areas could be largest in early spring. Preliminary 

results from a second, 2-factor experiment (temperature x toxicant), showed diminished toxicant effects at 

raised temperature. 



The sedimentary infill of the Thau lagoon 

(Western Gulf of Lions, Mediterranean sea, France) 

a record of climatic changes and sea level rise 

Apports sédimentaires dans la lagune de Thau (Golfe du Lion, Méditerranée occidentale, France) ; 

Enregistrement du changement climatique et de l’élévation du niveau de la mer 

Ferrer Pierre 1 , M. Benabdellouahed 2 , R. Certain 2 , B. Tessier 2 , J.P. Barusseau 2 

1. IMAGES, Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, 52 avenue Paul Alduy, 66860 Perpignan Cedex - France 

2. Université de Caen, UMR CNRS 6143 M2C, 24 rue des tilleuls, 14000 Caen - France 

pierre.ferrer@univ-perp.fr 

Wave-dominated coastal systems present back-barrier lagoons with a preserved sedimentary infill which is used 

to determinate the different stages of lagoon evolution and barrier construction. This study has been performed, 

using VHR seismic data and sediment cores into the Thau lagoon. Seismic data provide 3 units (U0, U1, U2). 

The unit U2 has been defined as the main infilling unit, above the rocky basement U0 and a composite unit U1. 

It can be divided in 2 sub-units, U2-1 and U2-2. On topographic highs of the basement and on the seaward edge 

of the lagoon, a marked unconformity between the 2 sub-units is observed. Inside U2, 7 elementary sequences 

have been defined. According to the core data, these sequences are mud-dominated, with shell fragments 

dispersed at the base. These sequences are supposed to be a record of climatic changes and barrier evolution 

during the Holocene. The vertical distribution of the fauna into U2-1 and U2-2 reveals a lagoonal environment. 

Datation provides 3 ages: ~ 6000 cal y. BP in the lower part of U2-1, ~ 5400 y. BP just above the boundary 

between U2-1 and U2-2, ~ 3000 cal y. BP in the middle of U2-2. 

A scenario to explain the lagoon infill stratigraphy is proposed. The beginning of the lagoon infill occurred with 

the barrier construction between 7000-6000 BP at the beginning of the highstand sea level. Infill began into the 

back-barrier lagoon, with a high rate of sedimentation according the U2-1 age data. At 5400 y BP the lagoon is 

assumed to be totally closed, leading to the deposition of U2-2. The unconformity between U2-1 and U2-2 is 

interpreted as the result of a rapid landward retreat of the barrier which could be related to climate forcing and/ 

or brutal change in sediment discharge driven by the Rhone River. In this framework, the repetitive sequences 

observed in U2-2 through sedimentary and seismic facies, could be related to high frequency climate changes 

of about 1000-1500 y periodicity according 14 C dates. 

ORAL PRESENTATION l 2 l Invasive species and Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB) 

Invasion by the polychaete Marenzelleria viridis 

in Odense Fjord, Denmark and its potential impact 

on ecosystem functioning 

Invasion du Odense Fjord (Danemark) par le polychète Marenzelleria viridis, 

et son impact potentiel sur le fonctionnement de l’écosystème 

Kristensen Erik 1 , C.O. Quintana 2 , M. Delefosse 1 , T. Hansen 1 , G.T. Banta 3 

1. Institute of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5230 Odense M - Denmark 

2. Instituto Oceanográfico, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo - Brazil 

3. Department of Environmental, Social and Spatial Change, Roskilde University, Roskilde - Denmark 

ebk@biology.sdu.dk 

Species composition and functional diversity of benthic fauna are known as major regulators of sediment biogeochemistry 

and microbial dynamics, with major implications on ecosystem functioning. The invasive polychaete 

Marenzelleria viridis from North America arrived in Odense Fjord, Denmark, around 2002-2003 and is now a 

dominating feature of all shallow sandy sediments. The associated changes of macrobenthic species composition 

are likely to influence key ecological and biogeochemical processes. This presentation aims at describing 

effects of M. viridis on infaunal species composition and sediment biogeochemistry in Odense Fjord. The interactions 

between M. viridis and native species will first be evaluated with emphasis on functional groups. Based 

on autecological studies (behavior and bioturbation activities), we then provide evidence for how the observed 

changes in species composition and associated impact on sediment biogeochemistry may affect ecosystem 

functioning in shallow sandy lagoons. 



Impact of an invasive species proliferation: Crepidula fornicata, 

on the functioning and the structure of the benthic microbial 

community in the Bay of Brest 

Impact de la prolifération d’une espèce animale invasive : Crepidula fornicata, sur 

le fonctionnement et la composition de la communauté microbienne benthique en rade de Brest 

Candela Noémie 1 , R. De Wit 1 , G. Thouzeau 2 


2. UMR 6539 CNRS/UBO/IRD (LEMAR), Institut Universitaire Européen de la Mer, Technopole Brest-Iroise, Place Nicolas Copernic, 

29280 Plouzane - France 

noemie.candela@gm.univ-montp2.fr 

Crepidula fornicata is an invasive species from USA, which has proliferated on the Atlantic coast of France since 

the end of the 2 nd world war. The bay of Brest is a lagoon type environment in France Brittany where the biomass 

of C. fornicata has proliferated particularly since 1995. We don’t know the reasons of this recent proliferation in 

Brest, although many different impacts on the sea bottom, on other macrozoobenthic species and on the global 

ecosystem functioning have been identified. In contrast, so far, we have not found any published results in the 

literature with respect to the modifications of the benthic microbial community structure and functioning linked 

with the proliferation of this invasive species. These questions are currently being addressed by the multidisciplinary 

MicroCrep programme. The first objective of the microbiological studies was to analyze the distribution 

and spatial variability of the O 2 repartition in sediment, related with the presence of C. fornicata. This analyze 

has been conducted with electrochemical microelectrodes. Results showed a low O 2 penetration depth and 

relatively high microorganism metabolism in colonized sites. This invasive species stimulates the respiration of 

the microorganism and favors the distribution of anoxic zones in sediment. In a 2 nd time we have analyzed the 

composition and structure of the benthic microbial communities and how these are related to the presence of 

C. fornicata, with biology molecular techniques. We wanted to see if the species modified the phylogenetic 

diversity of the microbial community. DGGE have revealed differences in microbial communities between colonized 

and non colonized sites by C. fornicata. The entire results of the study showed that the invasive species 

has an impact on the functioning and the structure of the benthic microbial community in the Bay of Brest. 

Crepidula fornicata est une espèce invasive originaire des Etats-Unis, en forte prolifération en France sur la façade Atlantique 

depuis le débarquement allié. La rade de Brest est un environnement de type lagunaire en Bretagne où la crépidule est en 

forte prolifération depuis 1995. Si les raisons de l’accélération récente du processus de prolifération en rade sont toujours 

inconnues, les impacts, sur les fonds, les autres espèces macrozoobenthiques, et le fonctionnement de l’écosystème dans sa 

globalité ont commencé à être identifiés. Concernant les modifications de la communauté microbienne benthique vivant dans 

le sédiment, il n’existe aujourd’hui aucune donnée sur l’évolution de leur structure et de leur fonctionnement liés à la prolifération 

des espèces invasives dans la littérature. Ces questions ont été traitées par le programme multidisciplinaire MicroCrep. 

Le premier objectif de l’étude microbiologique a été d’analyser la distribution et la variabilité spatiotemporelle de la répartition 

de l’O 2 dans le sédiment en liaison avec la présence de C. fornicata. Cette analyse a été effectuée à l’aide de microélectrodes 

électrochimiques. Les résultats ont montré une faible pénétration d’O 2 et une respiration plus forte dans les zones colonisées 

par la crépidule. Cette espèce stimule la respiration des microorganismes et favorise ainsi la distribution des niches anoxiques 

dans le sédiment. Dans un second temps, nous avons analysé la composition et la structure de la communauté microbienne par 

des techniques de biologie moléculaire, en présence ou non de crépidules afin de se demander si ces dernières provoquaient 

un changement dans la diversité phylogénétique de la communauté microbienne. Il se trouve que les DGGE ont révélé des 

différences dans les communautés microbiennes entre les sites colonisés et non colonisés. Les résultats ont montré un impact 

de la crépidule sur le fonctionnement et la structure de la diversité microbienne benthique en rade de Brest. 


Impact of the invasive macroalgae Gracilaria vermiculophylla 

on growth and survival of Zostera marina under different 

temperature regimes 

Impact d’une macroalgue, l’espèce Gracilaria vermiculophylla, sur la croissance et la survie 

de Zostera marina dans différentes conditions de température 

Holmer Marianne 1 , H. Höffle 2 , M.S. Thomsen 3 

1. Institute of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M - Denmark 

2. DTU Aqua, National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, Charlottenlund Slot, Jægersborg Allé 1, 

DK- 2920, Charlottenlund - Denmark 

3. Department of Marine Ecology, National Environmental Research Institution, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000, Roskilde - Denmark 

holmer@biology.sdu.dk 

Possible effects of increasing densities of the invasive drift macroalgae Gracilaria vermiculophylla on growth and 

survival of the native eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) were examined under a scenario of increasing temperatures. 

Three weeks laboratory experiments were conducted combining three algae densities (control, low 1.9 kg WW 

m -2 , high 4.5 kg WW m -2 ) with normal summer temperatures (18 °C) and elevated temperatures (21 °C, 27 °C). 

There was a significant effect of temperature on shoot survival with 12-80 % mortality in the high temperature 

treatment but almost no mortality at the two lower temperatures. The higher mortality was most likely caused by 

high sulphide levels in the sediment porewater (0.6 mmol l -1 at 18 °C to 3.7 mmol l -1 at 27 °C). Aboveground 

growth of the surviving shoots was also significantly affected by temperature, with leaf elongation rates being 

negatively affected, while leaf plastochrone intervals were enhanced. Relative growth rate was significantly 

higher at 21 °C than at 18 °C or 27 °C, whereas rhizome elongation was significantly lower at 27 °C. Elemental 

sulphur content in the plant tissues increased significantly with temperature and was up to 49 times higher 

(S 0 in rhizomes) at 27 °C compared to the lower temperatures. In contrast to the significant temperature effects, 

cover by G. vermiculophylla did not cause any significant effects. However, non-significant, negative effects 

of algal cover on all Z. marina response variables were found, but only at the highest temperature, where the 

seagrass is already stressed. These results emphasize the importance of testing for interaction effects between 

temperature and other anthropogenic stressors given that temperature are predicted to increase in the nearfuture. 



Intraspecific variability in growth rate and other physiological 

parameters in Alexandrium tamarense 

Variabilité intraspécifique du taux de croissance et autres paramètres physiologiques 

chez Alexandrium tamarense 

Collos Yves, I. Hadjadji, B. Plisson, P. Cecchi, M. Laabir, E. Masseret 

ECOLAG - UMR 5119, Université Montpellier 2 - CNRS, Place Eugene Bataillon CC093, 34095 Montpellier - France 

yves.collos@univ-montp2.fr 

Alexandrium tamarense strains isolated in spring 2007 from a single bloom have been grown in media of 

increasing complexity (ESAW, ESAW plus humic acid, ESNW based on natural seawater from Thau lagoon). 

Twelve strains were able to show significant growth (0.02 to 0.28 d -1 ) in totally artificial (ESAW) medium. Seven 

strains grew on ESAW plus humic acid medium showing growth rates between 0.14 and 0.64 d -1 . The six strains 

grown on ESNW did not grow faster than those on ESAW plus humic acid (0.06 - 0.34 d -1 ). Lag phases were 

extremely variable between strains in all media (and more scattered in ESAW : 2 - 32 days), suggesting a large 

variability in acclimation. Irrespective of medium composition, growth curves followed three models: (1) a classical 

shape, (2) a population crash followed in some cases (3) by growth recovery which can interpreted either 

by a predator-prey model, or by the cells ability to use organic nutrients coming from degraded cells, or finally 

by diauxic growth. Photosynthetic capacities, measured in ESAW medium only, were optimal in the exponential 

phase. For some strains showing large oscillations in biomass, a significant relationship was found between 

changes in cell densities (as in vivo fluorescence) and changes in nitrate concentrations. Increases in cell densities 

were accompanied by decreases in nitrate, while decreases in cell densities corresponded to increases in 

nitrate, presumably due to nitrification. However, algal cells recoveries following population crashes indicate that 

bacteria do not compete for nutrients or do not hamper algal growth under those conditions. 

ORAL PRESENTATION l 3 l Ecological restoration of lagoon systems 

Planning and restoration of coastal landscapes: 

a critical perspective on the Venice lagoon 

within the Veneto region 

La planification et la restauration des paysages côtiers : une perspective critique sur la lagune 

de Venise dans la Région de Venise (Veneto) 

Zampieri Laura, D. Patassini, G. Gissi, L. Mosca, E. Orlandin 

Iuav University, Santa Croce 191, 30135, Venice - Italy 

egissi@iuav.it 

The study of the Venice lagoon coastal system requires a multidisciplinary approach which operates through a 

permanent interchange between planning practices, protection and design at different scales. The aim of our 

research is to assess scenarios involving a regulatory management of tides, a complex governmental framework, 

and the strategies of actors and stakeholders that operate within the legal, human and natural environment of 

the Lagoon. The research focuses on issues that arise from the interaction of landscape design, tourism development 

and environmental compatibility of the Venice Lagoon. The coastal areas are considered a continuity within 

the coastal system of Veneto Region, becoming an interface between the Lagoon and the Adriatic Sea. Landscape 

design, according to the statutes which have recently been defined at European and national level, seems 

to be a suitable instrument to face the complexity of the selected scenarios. The outcomes will be assessed 

alongside other ongoing large-scale projects and implementations of plans and programs. The present research 

is part of the M.A.V. (Magistrato alle Acque di Venezia, Venice Water Authority) study program developed through 

the CO.RI.LA (Consortium for Coordination of Research Activities Concerning the Venice Lagoon System) titled 

“Climate Changes and the Venice Lagoon: mitigation and adaptation in planning practices”, research section 

n° 7, “the Venice Lagoon: planning and restoration of inlet areas regulated by tide interventions”. 


ORAL PRESENTATION l 3 l Ecological restoration of lagoon systems ORAL PRESENTATION l 3 l Ecological restoration of lagoon systems 

Comparative evaluation of naturalistic and sociologic data 

and public policies for a better knowledge and rehabilitation 

of lagoon and dune landscapes 

Analyses croisées des données naturalistes, sociologiques et des politiques publiques 

pour une meilleure connaissance et réhabilitation des milieux lagunaires et dunaires 

Audouit Christelle 1 , A. Audurier-Cros 1 , B. Sirot 2 

1. Laboratoire Art-Dev (ex MTE) - FRE 3027, Université Paul Valéry, Route de Mende, 34199 Montpellier cedex 5 - France 

2. Conservatoire des Espaces Naturels LR, 474, allée Henri II de Montmorency, 34000 Montpellier - France 

ch.audouit@wanadoo.fr 

The coastline of Languedoc-Roussillon has been attractive for more than fifty years and support mass pressure 

of human activities. This pressure can often result in damages of natural areas (dunes and surrounding areas, 

grasslands etc.), their fauna and flora. These human activities are, currently, not controlled in most of coastal 

lagoons and dunes. The assessment of these attractive recreation activities can be studied by analysis of human 

activities at a local level. These studies enable to quantify the number of people and to know identities of these 

places based on observations, uses, general public types and research of perception. Impacts created by human 

activities on biodiversity can be measured by several ecological diagnostics (assessment of the state of natural 

areas conservation, analysis of vegetable and animal group etc.). It would be particularly effective to cross data 

of human activities on a zone with data of fauna and flora taken by natural scientists. Landscaped heritage stepby-step 

become a basement of a more overall reflection on interfaces “human activities and kinds of general 

public pressure - scales of natural areas sensitivity - landscape representation)”. Methods and tools used force 

to explore complex systems with transversal plans (new regulations, short and middle term management plan, 

“opening” and “closing” of zones strategies), according to the more or less rapid progress of their deterioration 

or their regeneration. 

Le littoral du Languedoc-Roussillon est attractif depuis plus de cinquante ans, et subit une forte pression humaine. Celle-ci 

se traduit souvent par une dégradation des milieux naturels (dunes, arrières-dunes, pelouses, etc.), de leur faune et de leur 

flore. Cette fréquentation, à l’heure actuelle, est non maîtrisée dans la plupart des espaces lagunaires ou dunaires. L’évaluation 

de cette attractivité peut être envisagée par le biais des études de fréquentation à l’échelle d’un site. Elles permettent de 

quantifier le nombre de personnes et de connaître les identités des lieux à partir des observations, des pratiques, des types 

de publics et des enquêtes de perception. Les impacts ainsi générés sur la biodiversité par la fréquentation humaine peuvent, 

quant à eux, être mesurés via divers diagnostics écologiques (évaluation de l’état de conservation d’habitats naturels, analyses 

des communautés animales et végétales, etc.). Il semblerait particulièrement efficace de croiser les données de fréquentation 

d’un site avec celles relevées sur la faune et la flore par des experts naturalistes. 

Le patrimoine paysager devient ainsi progressivement une base de réflexion plus globale sur les interfaces “fréquentation et 

types de pression du public - échelles de sensibilité des milieux - représentations du Paysage)”. Les méthodes et outils mobilisés 

obligent à explorer des systèmes complexes par des dispositifs croisés (réglementations nouvelles, plans de gestion à court 

moyen terme, stratégies “d’ouverture” et de “fermeture” des secteurs), en fonction de l’évolution plus ou moins rapide de leur 

dégradation ou de leur régénération. 

Linear lagoon edge ecotones: 

their functions and integrated management 

Les écotones linéaires, l’exemple du rivage lagunaire : 

leurs fonctions et gestions intégrées 

Povilanskas Ramunas 1 , P. Breber 2 , A. Armaitiene 1 , J. Taminskas 3 

1. Klaipeda University, H. Manto g. 84, LT-92294, Klaipeda - Lithuania 

2. Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Pola, 4, I-71010 Lesina (FG) - Italy 

3. Vilnius Pedagogical University, g. 39, LT-08106 Vilnius - Lithuania 

ramunas.povilanskas@gmail.com 

The presentation addresses the key issues, which are pertinent to the integrated management of the linear edge 

ecotones of the Curonian Lagoon (Lithuania/Russia) and Lesina Lagoon (Italy). The linear lagoon edge ecotones 

are transitional habitats situated between a coastal lagoon and its terrestrial rim. They are characterized by 

1) a rather vast longitudinal range compared to a very thin width (usually ranging between 5 and 20 m), and 

2) by very steep shore-normal change gradients of physical and ecological conditions. These two characteristics 

interlace with the asymmetry of interaction between neighbouring strips of a linear edge ecotone. The asymmetry 

of interaction means that the vectors of physical and ecological impact between the neighbouring strips point 

“downstream” regarding the resulting long-term direction of the longshore energy flow and sediment drift. The 

linear lagoon edge ecotones are important for the preservation of the biological diversity in both a lagoon and 

adjacent terrestrial areas. They also serve many important economic functions. Yet they are extremely vulnerable 

to any human impact, particularly, to the “coastal squeeze” effect, which cannot be mitigated easily. Hence, the 

main challenges in the integrated management of the linear edge ecotones are: 1) to ensure their longitudinal 

integrity and 2) to prevent the coastal squeeze. 



Functional ecological patterns and the effect of anthropogenic 

disturbances on a recently restored Mediterranean coastal 

lagoon; needs for a sustainable restoration 

Patterns d’écologie fonctionnelle et des effets des perturbations anthropiques sur une lagune 

récemment restaurée ; nécessité d’une restauration durable 

Camacho Antonio, R. Peinado, A. Picazo 

Instituto Cavanilles de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva & Departamento de Microbiologia y Ecología, Edificio de Investigación, 

Campus de Burjassot. Universitat de València, Burjassot E-46100, Valencia - Spain 

antonio.camacho@uv.es 

The Senillar de Moraira is a small coastal lagoon located at the outlet of a small temporary stream in the Mediterranean 

Spanish coast (Province of Alicante, Spain). The lagoon is separated from the sea by a sand bar and 

a beach, and is regularly fed by groundwater. Mostly due to the strong anthropogenic pressure this lagoon was 

degraded, and a restoration process, consisting mostly on the rebuilt of hydrogeomorphological features, was 

accomplished at the beginning of this decade. After the restoration project, ecological monitoring was performed 

to reveal the recovery of the ecological integrity of the ecosystem, mainly focusing on the restoration of ecological 

processes and biological communities. Biological communities, rates of autotrophic (primary production) 

and heterotrophic (respiration) processes, sediment inputs and wash-out, and other ecological features were 

monitored during one and half year a couple of years after the restoration works finished, and the ecological 

patterns of the current functioning of this ecosystem were determined in order to suggest management strategies 

for its conservation. However, the maintenance of most anthropogenic pressures, namely strong urbanisation 

of the surroundings, occasional inflows of wastewaters, and heavy impacts of sediment inputs increased by 

catchments uses, hardly allows the sustainability of natural processes to preserve the ecological health of the 

ecosystem. According to our results, the success of the restoration process is strongly compromised by the 

maintenance of most pressures, and subsidies should be maintained to allow the preservation of a somewhat 

natural condition of the ecosystem. This gives again the lesson that attempts for ecological restoration without 

removing the causes of degradation result on the lack of self-sustainability of ecosystem functioning and drives 

to a perennial need for maintenance measures. 


Remediation and management of eutrophic lagoon 

environments: an innovative approach 

Assainissement et gestion de milieux lagunaires eutrophiques : 

une approche innovante 

Lenzi Mauro, R. Roffilli, D. Solari 

Lagoon ecology and aquaculture laboratory (LEALab) - Orbetello pesca lagunare srl - Italy 

lealab1@gmail.com 

After a severe prolonged dystrophic crisis in the 1990s, Orbetello lagoon (Tuscany, Italy) was assigned to an 

Italian ministerial authority for remediation. The solutions used in this highly anthropized area were: 1) removal 

of macroalgal masses, harvested with special boats; 2) nutrient reduction of man-made effluent discharge 

through phyto-treatment ponds or direct discharge into the sea; 3) excavation of submerged lagoon channels 

and installation of pumps where the lagoon joins the sea to improve water turnover, especially in summer. 

These measures, the effects of which on various ecosystem components are analyzed, led directly or indirectly 

to successful remediation with abundant return of marine Angiosperms. However, as they must be consistently 

applied, they are onerous for the community and involve logistic difficulties which do not always permit prompt 

actuation. Continuing nutrient input and the trophic potential of the sediment still sustain the development of 

large masses of pleustophytic macroalgae. Two solutions at two ecosystem levels, that can be applied to any 

eutrophic basin with similar characteristics, are proposed: introduction of low trophic level fish in the lagoon and 

phyto-treatment ponds, and disturbance and resuspension of superficial sediment of the lagoon to trigger oxidative 

mineralization. Sediment resuspension also increases sediment redox, blocking sulphate-reducing bacterial 

activity and reducing availability of orthophosphates to macroalgae through bonding with ferric oxy-hydroxides, 

clays and carbonate detritus. In support of these solutions, we report an analysis of the lagoon fish production 

of the last fifty years as well as published and unpublished results of recent experimental studies conducted in 

Orbetello lagoon and the nearby coastal lake of Burano on the sediment resuspension effects. 



Ecological status and macroinvertebrate-community structure 

in Tunis North lagoon after management 

Statut écologique et structure des communautés de macroinvertébrés de la lagune nord de Tunis 

après son aménagement 

Tlig-Zouari Sabiha, O.K. Ben Hassine 


Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, Campus Universitaire, 2092 Tunis - Tunisia 

s.zouaritlig@gmail.com 

Located at the east of the capital, Tunis north lagoon communicates with the Gulf of Tunis through Kheireddine 

channel. The lagoon has undergone considerable restoration works after its hypereutrophication. Currently, it has 

a surface area of approximately 2600 ha (Van Berk & Oosting, 1992) and an average depth of 2 m (Osment et 

al., 1991). The present study deals with monitoring the evolution of macro-benthic communities of Tunis north 

lagoon with the aim to assess its ecological status after management. To do so, a spatial-temporal monitoring 

of environmental factors and distribution of benthic macro-fauna components was carried out at five stations 

spread from the north to the south-east of the lagoon as follows: A2 in the north at the proximity of entrance 

locks, A1 at the east of A2, B at the east of the lagoon, C1 and C2 at the south close to exit locks. The present 

study showed an evident improvement of the water quality; this would be related to the establishment of a new 

system of water circulation and intensification of exchanges with the Sea. A total of 90 macro-invertebrate 

species belonging to six different taxa were collected. The analysis of abundances, on the basis of trophic 

level, showed a dominance of detritus feeders within the stations A2 and A1 and deposit feeders at B and C2. 

Moreover, the estimation of ecological groups revealed the existence of a high proportion of sensitive species (GI) 

within the stations A2, A1, and C1 and tolerant species (GIII) in B. Otherwise, biotic indicators (H’, J, AMBI, 

BENTIX, BOPA, and ITI) showed different ecological status with respect to each considered ecological index. 

Combining the results of these indicators, the majority of stations (A2, A1, and C2) were reported to be of good 

ecological status, with however some slight disturbances of communities. Stations B and C1 were found, however, 

as having a moderate ecological status and slightly-disturbed communities. Multivariate analyses (Bray- 

Curtis clustering & MDS) enabled to distinguish the station A2, of high marine influence, from the intra-lagoon 

station C1. As for A1, B and C2, they were clustered in one homogenous group. The impact of environmental 

factors on the spatial distribution of macro-invertebrates (CCA) would suggest that the distribution of some 

species is correlated to the values of some environment parameters. 

Située à l’Est de la capitale, la lagune nord de Tunis communique avec le golfe de Tunis par le canal Kheireddine. Suite à 

son hypereutrophisation, ce plan d’eau a subi d’importants travaux d’aménagement. Actuellement, sa superficie est d’environ 

2600 ha (Van Berk et Oostinga, 1992) et sa profondeur moyenne est de 2 m (Osment et al, 1991). Dans ce travail, nous 

avons entrepris le suivi de l’évolution des communautés macrobenthiques afin de connaître le statut écologique de la lagune 

après son aménagement. Pour cela, un suivi spatio-temporel des facteurs d’ambiance et de la distribution des composants 

de la macrofaune benthique a été effectué au niveau de cinq stations de la lagune, échelonnant du nord est au sud est (S2 

au Nord près des écluses d’entrée, S1 à l’est de S2, B à l’est de la lagune, C2 et C1 au Sud est à proximité des écluses de 

sortie). Il a révélé une nette amélioration de la qualité des masses d’eau. Ceci serait lié au nouveau système de circulation et à 

l’intensification des échanges avec la mer. 90 espèces de macroinvertébrés, réparties en six taxons, ont été, au total, récoltées. 

L’analyse des abondances, selon le niveau trophique, a révélé une dominance des détritivores au niveau des stations A2 et A1 

et des déposivores au niveau des stations B et C2. L’estimation des groupes écologiques a montré l’existence d’une importante 

proportion d’espèces sensibles (GI) au niveau des stations A2, A1 et C1 et d’espèces tolérantes (GIII) au niveau de la station B. 

Quant aux indicateurs biotiques (H’, J, AMBI, BENTIX, BOPA, ITI), ils ont révélé un statut écologique différent selon l’indice 

écologique considéré. En croisant les résultats de ces indicateurs, le statut écologique de la majorité des stations (A2, A1, C2) 

est considéré comme un bon statut avec toutefois une légère perturbation des peuplements. Les stations B et C1 présentent 

cependant un statut modéré et un peuplement modérément perturbé. Les analyses multivariées (cluster de Bray-Curtis et MDS) 

ont permis de distinguer la station A2, à forte influence marine, de la station intra-lagunaire C1. Quant aux stations A1, B, et 

C2, elles forment un groupe homogène. L’impact des facteurs d’ambiance sur la distribution spatiale des macroinvertébrés 

(ACC), suggérerait que la distribution de certaines espèces est corrélée aux valeurs des certains paramètres d’ambiance. 


Support for a global plan aiming at decontamination 

and environnemental protection of the Nador Lagoon (Morocco) 

Appui à la mise en œuvre d’un plan global de dépollution et de protection 

de la lagune de Nador (Maroc) 

Fatine Najia 

Fondation Mohammed VI pour la protection de l’environnement, Km 3,2 Route de Zaers BP 5679 Rabat - Morocco 

n.fatine@fm6e.org 

Since its foundation in June 2001, the Mohammed VI foundation for Environmental Protection, under the 

presidency of Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa, has been engaged in many projects that particularly 

include: i) the conservation of the coastal environments (clean beaches program, Blue Flag, Intercontinental 

Biosphere, Lagoon of Nador), ii) Environmental education, iii) Sustainable Tourism, iv) Citizens Enterprises, 

v) Oasis and Palme Grooves, vi) Air and Climate. Therefore, we accompany and support the local operators of 

these programs by increasing public awareness, by public consultation and mobilization, which helps to clarify 

the roles of the different stakeholders and to guarantee the durability of the actions undertaken. For these reasons, 

the French Global Environment Facility (FGEF) in collaboration with the French Agency of Development 

(Agence Française de Développement, AFD) has requested the support of the Mohammed VI Foundation for 

Environmental Protection to accompany the realisation of a global plan for decontamination and protection of 

the Nador coastal lagoon financed by a project for the cleansing of the Great Nador. The actions of the foundation 

have the following aims i) to favour the participation of the different stakeholders and stimulate concerted 

actions, ii) propose a coherent framework for the different actions that aim at reducing the current pollution 

charges and cleanse past contamination, iii)contribute to a better knowledge and understanding of the biotopes 

and ecosystem functioning in the lagoon.Through this project, the Foundation is engaged in a general program 

for education and outreach, raising awareness of the different stakeholders for the conservation issues and 

accompany the local and regional authorities in their objective of decontamination of the Nador lagoon.The 

main objectives consist in realizing actions for the protection of the environment and for promoting the natural 

heritage of the Nador lagoon and its natural environment. This will allow the Foundation to progressively develop 

a general vision on the protection and conservation of the Moroccan coast. This general aim is composed 

of four components: i) The creation of the conditions that favour dialogue and participation of stakeholders, ii) 

The development of a coherent framework for public policies for the spatial planning and management of the 

lagoon, iii) The acquisition and data management for improving the knowledge of the current situation and the 

ecosystem functioning of these environments, iv) The development and use of instruments for communication, 

raising awareness and for dissemination of results. 

Depuis sa création en Juin 2001, la Fondation Mohammed VI pour la Protection de l’Environnement , sous la présidence de 

Son Altesse Royale la Princesse Lalla Hasnaa, a engagé plusieurs projets dont notamment : Sauvegarde du Littoral, Education 

Environnementale, Tourisme durable, Entreprise citoyenne, Restauration des Jardins Historiques, Palmeraies et Oasis, Air et 

Climat..., en accompagnant les opérateurs locaux par un travail de sensibilisation, de concertation et de mobilisation permettant 

de clarifier les objectifs et les tâches de chacun afin d’assurer la durabilité des actions entreprises. C’est ainsi que le 

FFEM, en concertation avec l’AFD, dans le cadre du financement du projet d’assainissement du grand Nador a sollicité l’appui 

de la Fondation pour l’accompagnement de la mise en uvre d’un plan global de dépollution et de protection de la Lagune de 

Nador. Les actions de la Fondation ont pour objectif de favoriser la concertation entres les acteurs, l’émergence d’une mise 

en cohérence des interventions visant la réduction des pollutions actuelles et passées ainsi qu’une meilleure compréhension 

de l’état de fonctionnement des biotopes de la Lagune. Au travers de ce projet, la Fondation engage un programme global 

d’éducation, de sensibilisation de différents publics et d’accompagnement des Départements Ministériels et des Collectivités 

Territoriales dans leur volonté de dépolluer la Lagune de Nador. Son objectif principal consiste en la concrétisation d’actions 

de protection et de promotion du patrimoine naturel de la Lagune de Nador et de son environnement, permettant ainsi de 

développer progressivement une vision globale de protection du littoral marocain. Cet objectif est décliné, par le projet, en 

quatre composantes : i) la création des conditions de dialogue et de concertation entre les acteurs ; ii) la mise en cohérence 

des politiques publiques autour de l’aménagement et de la gestion de la lagune ; iii) l’acquisition et gestion des connaissances 

sur l’état et le fonctionnement des milieux ; iv) les outils de communication, sensibilisation et diffusion des résultats. Cette 

approche fera ensuite l’objet d’une large diffusion afin d’étendre cette approche de dépollution, de protection et de valorisation 

à l’ensemble de la façade méditerranéenne et les autres lagunes du Royaume. 


ORAL PRESENTATION l 3 l Ecological restoration of lagoon systems ORAL PRESENTATION l 4 l Global approach 

Coastal Ecosystem Restoration 

in West Coast of India 

La restauration des écosystèmes côtiers sur la côte ouest de l’Inde 

Sannadurgappa D 

Centre for Sustainable Technologies, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012 - India 

durgesh@astra.iisc.ernet.in 

In complex coastal ecosystems, strategies for restoration can become equally complicated. Our tendency to 

want to predict and establish performance targets for the charismatic megafauna which populate the higher 

trophic levels of an ecosystem may reduce our ability to actually implement restoration plans. Populations of the 

majority of fish species showed drastic reduction over the past five decades in west coast of India. Conducted 

an intensive study of Aghanashini estuary for water quality and fish diversity in west coast of India. Coastal 

ecosystems are impacted by many stressors and are continually subjected to threats from multiple stresses 

imposed mostly by human activities predominantly as a result of increased population growth in India. The 

most significant categories of threats derive from water pollution from numerous sources including thermal 

effluents, heavy metals, oil, sewage, pesticides, pulp mills, habitat loss and degradation: overexploitation: eutrophication 

and misguided human perceptions. Wide array of prohibited fishing methods are rampant by using 

of insecticides as poisons, destruction and modification of habitats, dynamiting, using chemical and herbal 

poisons. Due to deteriorated water quality from anthropogenic activities fish diversity has drastically reduced. 

The problem confronting coastal resource managers in the west coast of India is analogous to the question of 

whether economic policy makers in India. should be focusing on restoring the the fundamentals of capitalism. 

Pragmatic monitoring and prediction capabilities must also be built to provide further confidence that human 

impacts are being minimized. There is a need to develop a framework to integrate biodiversity effects methods 

with risk assessment methodology. Such integration will improve the basis for risk-based assessment of coastal 

health. To protect estuary and coastal ecosystems and the health of communities effectively, management 

infrastructure requires the tools and resources necessary to detect damage to estuary and coastal ecosystems 

and their components, identify causative agents, impose remedial action, and demonstrate that measures have 

been effective. In contrast, bottom-up restoration strategies not only simplify planning, but they recognize that 

basal ecological mechanisms are what define coastal ecosystems. Conceptual models can help to identify the 

hierarchically nested nature of complex systems. Strategies should then be developed to restore or maintain 

dominant, large-scale, slow-moving variables. 

Integration of the System Approach Framework (SAF) 

and the DPSIR framework for coastal lagoons 

Intégration du Cadre de l’Approche Systémique (SAF) et du schéma DPSIR (Forçages, Pressions, 

Etats, Impacts, Réponses) pour l’étude des lagunes côtières 

Newton Alice, J. Icely 

IMAR- University of Algarve, FCT- Gambelas Campus, Faro, 8005-139 - Portugal 

anewton@ualg.pt 

The paper proposes a combination of the “System Approach Framework” and the “D-P-S-I-R framework”, 

(driver-pressure-state-impact-response) OECD, 1993 and the application for coastal lagoons. Why merge the 

SAF and DPSIR? Both these frameworks are used to link complex Social-Ecological Systems (SES) in the coastal 

zone. The DPSIR framework links economic Drivers through to the Impacts on the environment, on the ecology, 

on the economy, on society and health. Societal Responses are also being categorized in governance responses, 

policy responses, management responses, technological and engineering responses, educational and scientific 

responses. Neither the SAF or the DPSIR methodologies are new, but they are sometimes applied in a different 

way by different authors. The System Approach Framework methodology proposed is being developed in the 

SPICOSA project. It includes steps such as system definition, system design and formulation, social appraisal, 

economic appraisal of nartural resources including ecosystem goods and services, stakeholder identification and 

mapping, problem definition and policy relevance. The DPSIR framework has also been modified and expanded 

to make it more relevant in the context of global change. 


ORAL PRESENTATION l 4 l Global approach ORAL PRESENTATION l 4 l Global approach 

The Approach of System Dynamic Method to develop an integrated 

watershed management system in order to protect the 

environmental quality of the Segara Anakan lagoon, Indonesia 

L’approche méthodologique de l’étude de la dynamique des systèmes pour développer 

un système de gestion intégrée de bassin versant en vue de préserver la qualité 

environnementale de la lagune de Sefar Anakan, Indonésie 

Dirgantara Gan Gan 

Laboratoire GESTER, Université de Montpellier III, 17, rue Abbé de l’Epée, 34090 Montpellier - France 

gangan.dirgantara@yahoo.com 

The coastal area is very important for Indonesia as an archipelagic country. Since that zone becomes the basis 

for domestic, commercial and industrial activities, natural changes and development activities occur rapidly. 

One of important problems in the coastal area development in Indonesia is the case of the Segara Anakan 

lagoon. This lagoon is an extensive mangrove lagoon in the Citanduy watershed on the Java Island. It used to 

be very productive to support coastal economic activities such as fishery, transportation and tourism. Recently, 

the lagoon suffers a rapid physical and biological change. The sedimentation problem, as a result of increased 

sediment yields brought by the rapid erosion of soils in the watershed, has caused a serious degradation of its 

functions both economically and ecologically. Since 1903 to 2006 the Segara Anakan area has decreased from 

6450 to 834 hectares. The problem becomes very complex because it is influenced by physical, economical, 

social, political and institutional factors. The system dynamic method, which is defined as a method to help 

understanding complex systems and is fundamentally interdisciplinary, is applied to analyze this problem and 

to develop an integrated watershed management system. A dynamic model that describes the watershed-lagoon 

system is built by considering important elements in the physical, economical, social, political and institutional 

factors and also the relations among them. Based on that model, the simulation will be run by using the 

Powersim Constructor software in order to understand the system characteristics, the system tendency and the 

effects of certain policies. Furthermore, the understanding of the whole system will lead to the development 

of an optimum integrated watershed management system as a guideline for a better watershed development in 

that region. 

Patterns in nutrient limitation and chlorophyll-a along 

an anthropogenic eutrophication gradient in French 

Mediterranean coastal lagoons 

Modèles de limitation par les nutriments dans les lagunes de méditerranée française 

à partir des relations entre nutriments et chlorophylle-a 

Souchu Philippe 1 , B. Bec 2 , V. Smith 3 , T. Laugier 1 , A. Fiandrino 1 , L. Benau 1 

1. Ifremer LERLR, Laboratoire Environnement Ressources du Languedoc-Roussillon, Bd Jean Monnet, BP 171, 34203 Sète - France 


3. Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas, Lawrence 66045 - USA 

yves.collos@univ-montp2.fr 

A cross-ecosystem comparison of data obtained from 20 French Mediterranean lagoons with contrasting eutrophication 

status provided the basis for investigating the variables that best predict chlorophyll a concentrations 

(Chl-a) and nutrient limitation of phytoplankton biomass along a strong nutrient enrichment gradient. Summer 

concentrations of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and phosphorus (DIP) comprised only a small fraction of 

total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP). Summer median DIN remained close to 1 µmol l -1 in most lagoons 

regardless of their trophic state, and were completely uncorrelated with Chl-a. In contrast, median DIP increased 

from 1 µmol l -1 in eutrophic and hypertrophic lagoons, 

and a weak but significant positively correlation was observed between DIP and Chl-a. The most oligotrophic 

lagoons appeared to be phosphorus-limited; however, there was a tendency towards the development of 

nitrogen limitation as eutrophication increased, as evidenced by low DIN:DIP and low TN:TP ratios. A very weak 

but significantly positive relationship was also found between dissolved silicate (DSi) and Chl-a, reflecting DSi 

accumulation in the water column along the trophic state gradient, and implying a progressive shift away from 

potential Si-limitation of phytoplankton growth. Observed concentrations of Chl-a were far better explained by 

TN and TP than by dissolved inorganic N and P concentrations, suggesting that a total nutrient-based approach 

is likely to be the most appropriate for managing eutrophication in Mediterranean lagoons and other coastal 

waters. These findings also give credence to the idea that marine and freshwater environments respond in a very 

similar fashion to nutrient enrichment. 


ORAL PRESENTATION l 4 l Global approach ORAL PRESENTATION l 4 l Global approach 

Hydrosedimentary processes and geochemistry 

of the sediments of the Somone (Senegal) 

Processus hydro-sédimentaires et géochimiques 

dans les sédiments de la Somone (Sénégal) 

Mesnage Valerie 1 , I. Sakho 1 , J. Deloffre 1 , R. Lafite 1 , I. Niang 2 , G. Faye 3 

1. UMR CNRS 6143, Morphodynamique Continentale et Côtière, Université de Rouen, 76821 Mont-Saint Aignan - France 

2. Département de Géologie, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar - Sénégal 

3. Département de Géographie, Faculté des Lettres et Sciences Humaines, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar - Sénégal 

valerie.mesnage@univ-rouen.fr 

The lagoonal-estuarine ecosystem of Somone, located 70 km south of Dakar (Senegal), is under the influence 

of a dry tropical climate characterised by an annual long dry season (October to May) and a short rainy season 

(June-September). Despite its small area (7 km 2 ), it has a varied geomorphology: estuary, mangrove, mudflats, 

hypersaline environments, sandy bank, and sandy spit. The mangrove virtually disappeared between 1978 and 

1992, due to natural factors (drought, closure of the sandy spit) and human impact. However, the reforestation 

policy implemented since 1992 has allowed the recovery of mangrove area to 70% of the area measured in 

1946. The aim of the work is to study, the hydrosedimentary and geochemical processes at the sediment-water 

interface in the short-term, and the multi-decadal evolution of the morphological components and the facies 

of the ecosystem. The strategy for this study comprises (i) a high resolution monitoring using a high-frequency 

altimeter / pressure / temperature / turbiditometer implanted in situ and (ii) use of specific tools for the physicochemical 

characterization of sediment-water interface (diffusion chambers with dialyses membranes for porewater 

profile measurements, pH-redox electrodes). Equilibration of dialysis chambers was performed to determine the 

equilibration under dry tropical climate. Initial results show a homogenization of the sediment surface (0-2 cm): 

The deposit is not significant (no significant mudflat accretion) for the time scale of this monitoring study, 

namely a year. The in situ instrumentation is still recording in order to complete the current data set for a second 

year. The equilibration test of the dialyses chambers employed in situ highlighted the heterogeneity of the chemical 

processes in the sedimentary column, which were influenced by the tide and the temperature. As a matter 

of fact, an equilibration time of 10 days seemed sufficient for the top 10 cm of sediment, but not enough for the 

rest of the sedimentary column (10-35 cm). Validation of these results will be compiled with a 1-D numerical 

model, which includes the porosity and temperature of clean sediment sediment Somone. 

L’écosystème laguno-estuarien de la Somone, situé à 70 km au sud de Dakar (Sénégal), est sous l’influence du climat tropical 

sec : longue saison sèche (Octobre-Mai), puis courte saison pluvieuse (Juin-Septembre). Malgré sa petite surface (7 km 2 ), il 

possède une richesse géomorphologique : estuaire, mangrove, tanne, bancs et flèche sableux, vasières. La mangrove a quasiment 

disparu entre 1978 et 1992, à cause de facteurs naturels (sécheresse, fermeture de la flèche sableuse) et anthropiques. 

Les politiques de reboisement mises en place dès 1992 ont permis que la mangrove retrouve 70 % des surfaces mesurées 

en 1945. L’objectif de ce travail est l’étude des processus à court-terme hydro-sédimentaire et géochimique à l’interface 

eau-sédiment, ceci dans un contexte fort d’évolution pluridécennale tant des composantes morphologiques que des faciès de 

l’écosystème. La stratégie d’étude choisie est (i) un suivi haute résolution et haute fréquence avec un altimètre/pression/température/turbidité 

implanté in situ et (ii) des outils physico-chimique pour la caractérisation de l’interface eau-sédiment (profils 

d’eau interstitielle par dialyseurs, mini-électrodes pH-redox). Une équilibration des dialyseurs a été réalisée pour déterminer 

le temps de réponse de ces dispositifs sous climat tropical humide. Les premiers résultats montrent une homogénéisation du 

sédiment de surface (0-2 cm) : le dépôt n’est pas significatif (pas d’engraissement de la vasière) à l’échelle de temps de ce 

suivi à savoir une année hydrologique. L’instrumentation in situ est toujours fonctionnelle et les enregistrements d’une seconde 

année viendront compléter le set de données actuelles. Le test d’équilibration des dialyseurs met en évidence l’hétérogénéité 

des processus chimiques sur la colonne sédimentaire, influencée par la marée et la température. En effet un temps d’équilibration 

de 10 jours semble suffisant pour les 10 premiers cm de sédiment; mais largement insuffisant pour le reste de la colonne 

sédimentaire (10-35 cm). La validation de ces résultats de terrain sera effectuée avec un modèle numérique de diffusion 1-D 

qui intègre la porosité et la température des sédiments propres des sédiments de la Somone. 

Carbon cycling in a highly-productive coastal lagoon dominated 

by macrophytes: seasonal and annual carbon budgets in the 

Albufera des Grau (Balearic Islands, Western Mediterranean) 

Cycle du carbone dans une lagune fortement productive dominée par les macrophytes : bilan du 

carbone saisonnier et annuel dans l’Albufera des Grau (Iles Baléares, Méditerranée occidentale) 

Obrador Biel, J.L. Pretus 

Departament d’Ecologia, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, E-08028 Barcelona - Spain 

obrador@ub.edu 

The pools and fluxes of both organic (OC) and inorganic (IC) carbon, were studied during three years in a Mediterranean 

coastal lagoon with highly productive meadows of Ruppia cirrhosa (Albufera des Grau, Balearic 

Islands). We quantified the main carbon compartments and performed seasonal and annual carbon budgets from 

estimates of whole-system fluxes, and the results were complemented with a stable isotope description of the 

food web to evaluate the fate of organic matter production. The observed seasonal cycle of dissolved IC (DIC) 

was explained by several fluxes that were much higher in magnitude than the resulting net balance. The DIC 

cycling was extremely intense in comparison with the water residence time (between 13 and 65 times higher). 

The pCO 2 dynamics was clearly related to the production and decomposition cycle of the macrophyte meadows, 

but hydrological perturbations and phytoplankton peaks highly perturbed its dynamics. The lagoon was a sink 

of atmospheric CO 2 during the vegetated period, and a source during the unvegetated one. The net emission 

of CO 2 was more related to internal metabolism (likely due to the decomposition of macrophytic biomass) than 

to a heterotrophic activity fueled by allochthonous inputs of OC. The water inputs were occasionally responsible 

for the development of phytoplankton peaks and altered the water column stability and oxygenation, what highly 

affected the carbon budgets in the lagoon. The watershed and marine water inputs did not represent a net input 

of OC, and neither did the lagoon export organic matter produced within the system. The high macrophytic 

production in the lagoon did not play a significant role in the food-web, which apparently relied on other organic 

matter sources. The decomposition of macrophytic biomass appeared to be the main destiny of the high 

macrophytic production, together with burial in the sediments, which represented the 15-30 % of the annual 

macrophytic production. 


ORAL PRESENTATION l 4 l Global approach 

The lagoon complexe of Ghar El Melh and its “Ramli” territory: 

impact of constructions on the coastline and risks caused by 

hydrological perturbations and sea level rise 

Le complexe lagunaire de Ghar El Melh et son terroir Ramli : l’impact des aménagements 

de front de mer et les risques liés au dérèglement hydrologique et à l’élévation du niveau marin 

Oueslati Ameur 

University of Tunis, Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, CGMED, 94 Bd 9 avril, Tunis - Tunisia 

oueslatiameur@yahoo.fr 

Ghar El Melh and Sidi Ali El Mekki lagoons are located on the Northwestern part of the Gulf of Tunis and are remains of the 

ancient Utique Bay, which represented an open Coastal bay in the Mediterranean Sea during the 2 nd century AD. Siltation and 

filling-up of the bay was caused by the discharge of Oued Majerda tributary. The lagoons are nowadays isolated from the sea 

by a sandy spit. Part of the lagoon shoreline is exploited using anoriginal approach the so-called “Ramli” technique. This corresponds 

to land reclamation using polderisation where crops are irrigated close to the roots following tidal induced variations 

of the height of a freshwater groundwater lens that develops in the artificial soil on top of saline intrusion. This resulted in a 

unique territory of high patrimonial value, whose creation is several centuries old. The spit has been strongly modified following 

the building of a fishing harbour in 1974. This harbour changed the sediment dynamics, which in certain areas resulted in 

beach erosion while in other places it resulted in beach accretion. These changes have caused different impacts on the hydrological 

dynamics in the lagoon and thus have also influenced the freshwater lens, which constitute the key element for the durability 

of the Ramli territory. The situation may become more complicated in view of sea level rise and it is particularly important 

that the local farmers, i.e. the fellahs, are correctly informed and trained to cope with the changing situation. The situation is 

particularly difficult as the threats to the area, and especially for the Ramli territory are already increasing for socio-economic 

reasons. This has been revealed by socio-economic polls, i.e. particularly by the questions related to tendencies, environmental 

perception by the local population, attachment of local populations to their territories and questions related to existing and 

expected future problems. Problems that are already encountered by the landowners include low yields, cost of labour, lack 

of materials requested for maintaining and renovating soil qualities. In addition, threats are related to the socio-demographic 

characteristics of these populations, which in at least a part of the territory express a new perception of spatial use privileging 

touristic developments at the expense of farming and fishing activities. Contributions to a solution can be found in part among 

the land users in particular among the elder people, who are both landowners and natives of the region. The polls have shown 

that these landowners have been able to adapt the exploitation techniques to the changing environmental conditions, and that 

younger people also may possess this savoir-faire. However, the population that has strong links of attachment and a traditional 

perception of this environment are becoming rarer. We make some recommendations on how to prevent further degradation of 

this territory and how to conserve its originality and attractiveness. 

La lagune de Ghar El Melh et son annexe la lagune de Sidi Ali El Mekki appartiennent à la partie nord-ouest du golfe de Tunis et sont interprétées 

comme des plans d’eau résiduels de l’ancienne baie d’Utique qui était encore largement ouverte sur la mer au II ème après J.-C. Le colmatage a 

été assuré par les apports de Oued Majerda. Aujourd’hui, elles sont séparées de la mer par un cordon littoral sableux. Une partie de leurs berges 

est exploitée par une technique originale ; la technique Ramli qui correspond à une forme de poldérisation permettant des cultures maraîchères 

où les plantes sont irriguées à partir des racines suite aux variations, en fonction de la marée, du niveau d’une lentille d’eau douce qui se forme 

dans le sol artificiel. Il s’agit en fait d’un terroir unique et de valeur patrimoniale puisque sa mise en place remonte à au moins quelques siècles. 

Le cordon littoral a subi des transformations importantes suite à la création, en 1974, d’un port de pêche. Outre, les conséquences liées au 

dérèglement de la dynamique sédimentaire matérialisées, selon la position par rapport aux structures du port, par l’érosion ou la progradation de 

la plage, de telles transformations n’ont pas été sans impact sur la dynamique des eaux dans les lagunes et partant sur le comportement de la 

lentille d’eau douce qui constitue l’élément clé de la pérennité du terroir Ramli. Le site étant d’une grande vulnérabilité aux variations du système 

hydrologique, les choses risquent de se compliquer dans une perspective d’élévation du niveau marin surtout si les fellahs ne sont pas informés 

ou encadrés. La situation est d’autant plus délicate que les menaces qui pèsent sur le site, plus particulièrement le terroir Ramli, commencent 

à se multiplier, déjà à l’état actuel, pour des raisons socio-économiques ainsi que l’a révélé une enquête menée récemment et dont les résultats 

n’ont pas été toujours rassurants. Ceci apparaît surtout à travers les questions relatives aux tendances, à la perception de la population de son 

environnement et à son attachement au terroir ainsi qu’aux différents risques naturels actuels ou annoncés pour les prochaines décennies. Outre 

des problèmes et difficultés rencontrés par les propriétaires (rendements, coût de l’exploitation, main d’œuvre, pénurie en matériaux nécessaires 

au renouvellement et à l’entretien du sol, ...), les menaces viennent des caractéristiques sociodémographiques de la population directement 

impliquée ainsi que du développement, au moins dans certains secteurs du terroir, d’une nouvelle perception de l’espace qui tend a privilégier la 

vocation touristique du site au détriment de l’activité agricole et de la pêche. 

Des éléments de solution peuvent être déjà recherchés chez les intervenants dans le terroir, surtout les vieux d’entre eux et qui sont à la fois 

propriétaires et natifs de la région. L’enquête révèle qu’ils ont été jusque là capables d’adapter leurs techniques aux modifications survenues au 

niveau de la dynamique du milieu. Elle révèle aussi que le savoir faire peut exister même chez les moins âgés. Mais la population encore vraiment 

attachée au sol, bien expérimentée et ayant une bonne perception de son environnement est de plus en plus rare. Quelques recommandations 

seront avancées en vue de permettre à ce terroir d’échapper à la déprise totale et de conserver son originalité et son attrait. 

ORAL PRESENTATION l 5 l Sediment biogeochemistry 

Ecosystem engineering: influence of invertebrate 

bioturbation on physical and biogeochemical functioning 

of the water-sediment interface 

L’ingénierie des écosystèmes : influence de la bioturbation par les invertébrés 

sur le fonctionnement physique et biogéochimique de l’interface eau-sédiment 

Nogaro Geraldine 1 , F. Mermillod-Blondin 2 , F. François-Carcaillet 3 , J. Gibert 4 

1. Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Wright State University, Brehm Lab 260, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, 

OH 45435 - USA 

2. Université Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5023, Laboratoire d’Ecologie des Hydrosystèmes Fluviaux, 69622, Villeurbanne - France 

3. UMR5119, CNRS-IFREMER-IRD-UM2 Laboratoire Ecosystèmes Lagunaires, CC093, Place Eugène Bataillon, 


4. Université Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5023, Laboratoire d’Ecologie des Hydrosystèmes Fluviaux, 69622, Villeurbanne - France 

Personne décédée 

geraldine.nogaro@wright.edu 

In soft-bottom sediments, organisms that modify the physical structure of environment through non-trophic 

activity and act on resource availability for other species have been deemed as ecosystem engineers. Bioturbation 

activities of invertebrates in the sediment (feeding, digging of galleries, excavations, bio-irrigation) that can 

strongly affect physical, biogeochemical and microbial processes in aquatic ecosystems is a classical example 

of ecosystem engineering. The main objective of the present study is to address how bioturbation by benthic 

invertebrates interacts with sediment composition to dictate physical and biogeochemical functioning of aquatic 

ecosystems. To investigate these aspects, laboratory experimental mesocosms were used in which bioturbation 

mode and sediment properties were manipulated to address how these features may interact to determine 

water-sediment interface structure and function. The results showed that the potential for benthic invertebrates 

to affect the biogeochemical functioning of aquatic sediments was linked to their specific mode of bioturbation 

and the physico-chemical characteristics (e.g., particle size, OM content) of the sedimentary habitat. Other 

intrinsic features of the sediment (i.e., pollutant contents) are also expected to influence how fauna alter the 

ecological processes in aquatic sediments. Results from this work emphasize the continued need to integrate 

animals with their habitats in studies of invertebrate influences on ecosystem processes by recognizing the 

importance of factor interaction between benthos and soft-bottom sediments. Since human activities continue 

to alter aquatic systems, investigations should be extended to assess how contaminated sediments present 

unique intrinsic features that may interact with the potential for invertebrate bioturbation. 


ORAL PRESENTATION l 5 l Sediment biogeochemistry ORAL PRESENTATION l 5 l Sediment biogeochemistry 

Effect of eutrophication and bioturbation 

on the ecosystem functioning of intertidal flats 

Effets de l’eutrophisation et de la bioturbation 

sur le fonctionnement d’une zone intertidale (estran) 

Rossi Francesca 1 , B. Gribsholt 2 , F. Gazeau 3 , J. Middelburg 4 

1. ECOLAG - UMR 5119, Université Montpellier 2 - CNRS, Place Eugene Bataillon CC093, 34095 Montpellier - France 

2. Department of biological Science, Aarhus UniBygning 1540, Ny Munkegade 114 DK - 8000 Århus C - Denmark 

3. Laboratoire d’Oceanographie de Villefranche, 06234 Villefranche-sur-Mer Cedex - France 

4. NIOO-KNAW Korringaweg 7, 4401 NT Yerseke - The Netherlands 

francesca.rossi@univ-montp2.fr 

Eutrophication will increase as an effect of increasing temperature and human pressure on coastal systems. A 

well-demonstrated effect of eutrophication is the increased frequency and intensity of macroalgal blooms and 

their effects on community structure and sediment biogeochemistry, due to the excess organic matter released 

in the sediment during decomposition. Macrofauna may greatly affect the response of ecosystems to this organic 

matter decomposition through bioturbation and feeding. We studied how the bioturbating worm Arenicola 

marina affected the recycling of macroalgal carbon and the response to excess macroalgal detritus of sediment 

biogechemical processes, microalgal biomass and macrofauna species composition. In an intertidal flat of the 

Oosterschelde estuary (The Netherlands), we excluded A. marina from 1 x 1 m sediment patches and added 

400 and 1200 g WW of Ulva detritus. At selected plots, we added 13 C-labelled Ulva. The loss of Arenicola accelerated 

Ulva decomposition rate and increased the mineralisation through benthic respiration, especially during 

the first phase of decomposition. Arenicola loss also changed the response of the snail Hydrobia ulvae to organic 

enrichment, which decreased in abundance when A. marina was present. Since this snail greatly contributed 

to macroalgal carbon incorporation, its response to organic enrichment, together with the changes in benthic 

respiration at an early phase of decomposition may explain why decomposition rate changed when A. marina 

was excluded. 

Benthic processes with special emphasis 

on nitrogen transformations in the surface sediments 

of the Curonian lagoon (Lithuania) 

Processus benthiques dans la lagune Curonienne (Lituanie) : 

focus sur les transformations de l’azote à l’interface eau-sédiment 

Bartoli Marco 1 , D. Nizzoli 1 , M. Zilius 2 , R. Pilkaityte 2 , A. Razinkovas 2 , D. Longhi 1 

1. Department of Environmental Sciences, Parma University, 43100 Parma - Italy 

2. Coastal Planning and Research Institute, Klaipeda University, 92294 Klaipeda - Lithuania 

marco.bartoli@unipr.it 

Benthic fluxes of oxygen, dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and nitrogen forms and denitrification rates were 

measured in the light and in the dark in intact sediment cores collected from 4 sites in the Lithuanian part of 

the Curonian lagoon (Baltic Sea). This lagoon, among the widest in Europe with a surface of ~1600 km 2 , has 

very limited intrusion of low salinity water from the Baltic sea, is hypertrophic and experiences summer blooms 

of cyanobacteria resulting in mass fish mortality and collapse of the system. The town of Klaipeda (200000 

AE) and the Nemunas River represent the main point sources of nutrients and organic matter to the northern 

part of the lagoon. Measurements were performed in March and July 2009 at two shallow sandy sites and at 

two relatively deep muddy sites. In March, microphytobenthos activity (GPP=1.3-2.1 mmol O 2 m -2 h -1 ) and low 

sediment oxygen demand (0.3-0.7 mmol O 2 m -2 h -1 ) resulted in net autotrophy and daily oxygen evolution to the 

water column (6.2-11.4 mmol O 2 m -2 h -1 ) at the two shallow sites. In July, higher water temperature and input 

of labile organic particles increased by a factor 3 sediment respiration (1.4-1.7 mmol O 2 m -2 h -1 ) whilst benthic 

primary productivity was limited by light availability in the turbid lagoon water; three out of four investigated 

sites resulted net oxygen sinks (7.5-13.6 mmol O 2 m -2 h -1 ). Dissolved oxygen and inorganic carbon pathways were 

only partially coupled as in March and July surface sediments at all sites were net sinks of DIC. In March nitrate 

concentrations were elevated (80-200 µM) and resulted in a significant nitrate uptake by surface sediments. 

Nitrogen loss via denitrification varied between 300 and 1500 µmol N m -2 h -1 and sustained an important fraction 

of organic carbon oxidation. In July the picture was different as nitrate concentrations dropped to 2-10 µM 

and denitrification was a minor process for the benthic system. 



In situ N 2 O production and denitrification in sediment 

of Palmones River estuary, a shallow temperate estuary 

in Southern Europe (Spain) 

Production de N 2 O et dénitrification in situ dans les sédiments de l’estuaire de Palmones, 

un estuaire tempéré peu profond du sud de l’Europe 

Moreno Sonia, F.X. Niell 

Department of Ecology and Geology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, 29071 Málaga - Spain 

msonia@uma.es 

In situ nitrous oxide (N 2 O) production and denitrification (N 2 production) were studied in the sediment of 

Palmones River estuary, a shallow temperature estuary in Southern Europe. The measurements were carried 

out in three representative areas of the estuary (intertidal, low salt marsh and high salt marsh) in winter, spring 

and summer. The dynamic of these gases showed a seasonal distribution depending on the area studied due 

to the process of dominant organic matter decomposition in each site (sulphate reduction, denitrification and 

methanogenesis). In the intertidal zone, sulphate reduction is the dominant process of organic matter decomposition 

and no intermediary and final product of denitrification, N 2 O and N 2 , were appreciated at any time of 

the year. In the salt marsh, denitrification prevails over sulphate reduction and the sediment produced N 2 and 

emitted around 5% of this produced N 2 into the atmosphere during summer. In the estuary, N 2 O production was 

determined by the sediment temperature and nitrate availability. The sediment temperature eventually can be 

30 ºC or above from May to September and nitrate concentration rarely exceeds 50 µM. We have experimentally 

demonstrated that N 2 O production only takes place when the sediment temperature is equal or above 30ºC and 

when nitrate concentrations are higher than 100 µM. The estuary could produce and emit 16 and 5 kg per year 

of N 2 O, respectively, with these temperature range and nitrate concentration. Denitrification represented 0.23% 

of the total N loss in the estuary, a very modest role compared to other estuaries. 

Mineralisation of phosphorus in marine sediments enriched 

with eelgrass roots and macroalgae thalli: 

two microcosm experiments 

Minéralisation du phosphore dans des sédiments marins enrichis avec un apport en racines 

de zostères et en thalles de macroalgues : deux expérimentations en microcosmes 

Giordani Gianmarco 1 , R. Azzoni 1 , B. Lomstein 2 , K. Finster 2 , P. Viaroli 1 

1. Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Parma, via USberti 33/A, I-43100 Parma - Italy 

2. Institute of Biology, University of Aarhus - Denmark 

giordani@nemo.unipr.it 

In coastal aquatic ecosystems, macroalgae and rooted phanerogams effect sedimentary biogeochemical processes, 

benthic fluxes and speciation of nutrients. During biomass decomposition, phosphorus cycling is assumed 

to be controlled by both direct mineralisation and changes in pH and redox equilibria. Two experiments 

were carried out in 8 plexiglass chambers each of which were filled with homogenised sieved sediment and were 

flushed with phosphorus-free artificial seawater. In the first experiment, half of the chambers were amended 

with Ulva thalli positioned on the sediment surface. In the second experiment Zostera roots were added at 4 cm 

depth in the sediment. The other chambers served as controls. Incubations were performed in the dark, at 15°C 

for about 30 days. Zostera roots were readily decomposed, and changes in Eh, microbial processes and P speciation 

were observed in a narrow zone around the root layer. Recycling of P from sediment to the water column was 

almost negligible. There was a time lag in the decomposition of Ulva thalli of 10 days, after which the biomass 

decay led to a rapid P leaching within the sediment and from the sediment to the overlying water. On average, 

P mineralisation in the root chambers was slower than in the Ulva chambers. In the latter, biomass decay and 

P release were sudden and rapid, with a significant impact on the water quality. P fluxes among compartments 

and pools were estimated and discussed. Evidence of temporal bacterial retention of inorganic P suggest that 

benthic bacteria might be important in delaying benthic-pelagic coupling. 



Self-fertilization of P, a reason to maintain a high plankton 

biomass in hypereutrophic lagoons (L’ Albufera, Spain) 

Auto-fertilisation par le phosphore, une raison pour maintenir une forte biomasse 

phytoplanctonique dans des lagunes hypereutrophes (l’ Albufera, Espagne) 

Niell F. Xavier, R. Carmona, M.A. Arrojo, R. Muñoz, M. Ruiz-Nieto, S. Moreno 


fxn@uma.es 

The hypothesis to be tested in this study is that high production in coastal Mediterranean lakes leads to the system 

to a strong reduced sediment which receives sinking phytoplankton in considerable amounts. This situation 

has been analyzed under the P-cycle knowledge. The basin has a mean content of 0.39 mg l -1 of total P (62% 

soluble reactive phosphorus, SRP) which reaches the lake, however SRP-concentration in the lake is very low 

because more than a 90% of total P is organic intracellular contained in phytoplankters (Lyngbya sp.). Taking 

into account the sediment-water gradient of P and the theoretical Fick’s Law, the corrected diffusion rate of P 

from sediment to the water has been calculated and the rate of input to the photic zone accounts for a serious 

increase of production. A model to describe this positive feedback is presented and discussed. 

Spatial heterogeneity of diagenetic parameters 

in the coastal environment of Arcachon Bay 

Hétérogénéité spatiale des paramètres diagénétiques dans l’environnement côtier 

du Bassin d’Arcachon 

Mouret Aurélia 1 , P. Anschutz 1 , J. Deborde 2 , M. Canton 1 , P. Polsenaere 1 , D. Poirier 1 

1. UMR CNRS 5805 EPOC, Avenue des Facultés, 33405 Talence cedex - France 

2. IRD, Centre de Nouméa, 101 Promenade Roger Laroque - Anse Vata, BP A5, 98848 Nouméa Cedex - New-Caledonia 

a.mouret@epoc.u-bordeaux1.fr 

The Arcachon Bay is a 156 km² mesotidal lagoon located on the French Atlantic coast, where intertidal zone 

covers more than 66% of the surface area. Previous studies have demonstrated that seasonal dynamics is the 

predominant factor on variability of such diagenetic parameters in vegetated tidal mudflats, whereas in bare 

sediments, spatial heterogeneity, inducing by bioturbation, topography and granulometry, seems to be predominant. 

The distinction between temporal and spatial heterogeneity would allow to better interpret redox profiles 

and have a better understanding of diagenetic processes in this highly dynamic ecosystem. Recently, a study 

has been carried out to characterize this spatial heterogeneity for each redox species in superficial sediments of 

two unvegetated tidal mud-flats. At each site, five 1m-side squares have been randomly delimited at low tide. 

In each square, 3 cores of 10 cm of diameter have been randomly collected. Statistical analysis has been used 

to study spatial variability at metric and decametric scales and determine which factors drive this heterogeneity. 

The objective of this work is to determine the best sampling strategy to study diagenetic parameters in this 

environment. 

Le Bassin d’Arcachon est une lagune mésotidale de 156 km 2 , située sur la côte Atlantique française. 66% de la surface de 

cette lagune est intertidal. Des études ont montré que la dynamique saisonnière est le facteur principal de la variabilité des 

paramètres diagénétiques dans les platiers tidaux végétalisés, alors que dans les platiers de vase nue, c’est l’hétérogénéité 

spatiale, induite par la bioturbation, la topographie, la granulométrie, qui domine. Faire la distinction entre variabilité spatiale 

et temporelle permettrait de mieux interpréter les profils d’éléments redox et d’avoir une meilleure compréhension des processus 

diagénétiques dans cet écosystème très dynamique. C’est pourquoi, récemment, une étude a été menée afin de caractériser 

l’hétérogénéité spatiale pour chaque espèce diagénétique dans les sédiments superficiels de deux platiers tidaux non végétalisés. 

Sur chaque site, à marée basse, des carrés de 1 m de côté ont été délimités de manière arbitraire. Dans chaque carré, trois 

carottes de 10 cm de diamètre ont été collectées aléatoirement. Par la suite, des analyses statistiques ont été utilisées pour 

étudier la variabilité des paramètres à l’échelle métrique et décamétrique, et déterminer quels sont les facteurs qui induisent 

cette hétérogénéité. L’objectif final de cette étude est de déterminer la stratégie d’échantillonnage la plus adaptée pour étudier 

les paramètres diagénétiques dans cet environnement. 



Meiobenthic communities of hypoxic sediments 

from the sewage discharge locations 

(Ria Formosa lagoon, Southern Portugal) 

Communautés de méiobenthos dans les sédiments hypoxiques des sites d’épandages 

(la Ria Formosa, Sud du Portugal) 

Ivanova Kateryna 1 , H. Adão 2 

1. Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro - Portugal 

2. IMAR-Institute of Marine Research-CIC, Biology Department, Évora University, Évora - Portugal 

katy.iva@gmail.com 

Ria Formosa lagoon has the sources of treated and untreated domestic waste, as well as agricultural run-off 

contribute to episodic eutrophication and affects on benthic fauna. While macrobenthos shown widely in environmental 

studies, responds of meiofauna to sewage pollution is poorly studied comparison to macrofauna. 

Domestic sewage discharges produce organic pollution which can influence the meiobenthic community structure 

in two ways: (1) by generating changes in organic matter and nutrient concentration in the sediment, and 

(2) by stimulating microbial heterotrophic activity and hence causing hypoxia or even anoxia in the sediment and 

interstitials waters (Schratzberger & Warwick, 1998, Adao, 2003). This study presents the results of meiobenthic 

community changes in variety of waste stressing. Sediment samples were collected at four stations under 

different sewage loading and analyzed for meiobenthos community structure. Redox potential values and total 

organic matter measurements were done. A total of 12 meiofauna taxons were registered with Nematoda were 

dominated (> 89 %). The maximum of total meiobenthos density were shown 31372 ind./10 cm 2 , minimum 

403 ind./10 cm 2 at the station of sewage outfall. The total meiobenthos density lowly fluctuated except at the 

point of untreated waste discharge where the fauna was almost completely absent. The redox potential values 

here were registered as critical for meiofauna existing (-350 mV). Meiobenthic communities shown clearly the 

taxonomic and biodiversity distinctness of different Ria Formosa parts depends on anthropogenic and natural 

factors. 

Bottom sediment enrichment with pelagic plant material 

in Baltic coastal lakes and lagoons: an important aspect 

of sediment quality and biogeochemistry 

Enrichissement des sédiments de fond avec les plantes pélagiques dans les lacs côtiers et les 

lagunes de la Mer Baltique : un aspect important de la qualité des sédiments et de sa biogéochimie 

Radziejewska Teresa, B. Wawrzyniak-Wydrowska, O. Osadczuk, R.K. Borówka 

Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Szczecin, ul. Mickiewicza 18, Szczecin - Poland 

tera@univ.szczecin.pl 

Sedimentation of plant material (living phytoplankton and phytodetritus) is an important component of pelagicbenthic 

interactions in aquatic systems and a pathway of transfer of chemical species to the bottom sediment. 

The process is particularly intensive in eutrophic water bodies such as coastal lagoons and lakes of the Baltic 

Sea, and is responsible for a major share of organic enrichment, and possibly pollution, in such water bodies. 

In 2008-2009, we followed dynamics of water column and sedimentary biogeochemistry (plant pigment 

contents, trace metals) in two types of coastal lakes (the Jamno and the Dobie) and in a coastal lagoon (the 

Szczecin Lagoon) of the Baltic Sea. In the presentation we will explore the patterns and peculiarities of the 

phytal material supply to the bottom of those water bodies and the ensuing effects in the bottom sediment. 



Reed decomposition through the Mediterranean 

and the Black Sea: an evaluation of the role 

of key ecosystem characteristics 

Composition des débris végétaux de roselière à travers les lagunes de la Méditerranée 

et de la Mer Noire : une évaluation d’un processus clé pour l’écosystème 

Sangiorgio Franca 1 , A. basset 1 , S. Orfanidis 2 , D. Koutsoubas 3 , S. Moncheva 4 , L. Georgescu 5 

1. Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, SP Lecce-Monteroni 73100 Lecce - Italy 

2. National Agricultural Research Foundation, Kavala - Greece 

3. Department of Marine Sciences, University of the Aegean, Mytilini - Greece 

4. Institute of Oceanology, BAS, Varna - Bulgaria 

5. European Excellence Centre for the Environment, University “Dunarea De Jos”, Galatii - Romania 

franca.sangiorgio@unisalento.it 

In aquatic ecosystems, plant litter decomposition is related to biotic agents and environmental factors. Field 

experiments were carried out during spring 2005 in 16 ecosystems, using the litter bag technique to investigate 

the influence of abiotic factors on patterns of reed (Phragmites australis [Trin ex Steud.]) litter breakdown in 

different physiographic, hydrological and physico-chemical gradients occurring in lagoons in the Eastern Mediterranean 

and Black Sea. Significant differences in leaf litter decomposition were observed among the studied 

ecosystems along univariate gradients of tidal range, water temperature, salinity and sinuosity index. Overall, 

71% of variance in the litter breakdown rate was explained by the hydrological, physico-chemical and physiographic 

components. Specifically, tidal range, salinity and sinuosity index are among the key factors in the most 

commonly used typological schemes for classifying transitional water ecosystems (i.e. Confinement and Venice 

System), due to their influence on abundance and distribution of benthic macroinvertebrates and other guilds. 

The patterns observed at the regional scale of the study suggest that certain key abiotic factors are likely to play 

a major role as drivers of plant detritus decomposition, through their influence on the overall metabolism of 

microorganisms and benthic macroinvertebrates. These observations have implications for the identification of 

reference conditions for ecosystems in the studied area, on which all processes of classification and conservation 

of their ecological status are based. 

Impacts of the invasive gastropod, Crepidula fornicata, on benthic 

fluxes in the Bay of Brest: quantification of the respective contributions 

of micro- and macro-organisms to benthic respiration 

Impacts du gastéropode invasif Crepidula fornicata, sur les flux benthiques dans la Baie de Brest : 

quantification des contributions respectives des micro et macro-organismes sur la respiration 

benthique 

Thouzeau Gérard 1 , J. Clavier 1 , C. Lepron 1 , R. De Wit 2 , N. Candela 2 , S. Schmidt 3 

1. CNRS, UMR 6539 (LEMAR), IUEM, Technopôle Brest-Iroise, Rue D. d’Urville, 29280 Plouzané - France 


3. CNRS, UMR 5805 (EPOC), Avenue des Facultés, 33405 Talence - France 

gerard.thouzeau@univ-brest.fr 

The American slipper limpet, Crepidula fornicata, is an invasive gastropod which has spread through Europe 

from the Baltic Sea to the French Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts. Populations are particularly well developed 

in sheltered and shallow areas such as bays or estuaries and the proliferation phenomenon is still going on. In 

the Bay of Brest, the species has been first introduced during WW II shipping operations from Great Britain or 

directly from the USA. A second massive importation occurred during the 1970’s together with the introduction 

of Japanese oyster spat from Japan and the west coast of the USA. Slipper limpet proliferation really started in 

the mid-eighties in the Bay; some of its impacts have been identified: (i) negative socio-economic consequences 

on scallop and oyster farming, (ii) coastal fishing activities endangered, (iii) decreases in pelagic primary production 

and macrozoobenthic biodiversity, (iv) overall sediment silting due to filtration and biodeposition activities 

and to shell-related roughness changes, and (v) changes of benthic biogeochemical cycles (e.g. Crepidula is an 

active coastal silicate pump). However, invasion-related changes in the structure and functioning of both microbial 

and macrobenthic communities had never been studied until 2008. This issue is addressed in the ongoing 

MICROCREP-EC2CO French project; in particular, the present study investigates the impact of slipper limpet 

biomass on oxygen, carbon and nutrient benthic fluxes from benthic chamber experiments. In situ incubations 

were realised seasonally in 4 sites along a density gradient of slipper limpets. The quantification of overall benthic 

respiration, together with the determination of the respective contributions of the slipper limpets and micro 

organisms (Candéla et al. oral communication in session 2) allowed determining invasion-related changes in 

benthic respiration rates. Seasonal changes in the other benthic fluxes are also discussed. 


ORAL PRESENTATION l 5 l Sediment biogeochemistry ORAL PRESENTATION l 6 l Sustainable aquaculture and fisheries 

Silica early diagenesis in estuarine sediments 

of the Bay of Brest: experiments and modelling 

Diagenèse des silicates dans les sédiments estuariens de la Baie de Brest : 

expérimentation et modélisation 

Raimonet Mélanie 1 , O. Ragueneau 1 , K. Soetaert 2 , F. Andrieux 2 , X. Philippon 3 , X. Leynaert 1 , A. Moriceau 1 , 

B. Michaud 1 , E. Czamanski 1 , L. Mémery 1 

1. UMR CNRS/UBO/IRD 6539, Institut Universitaire Européen de la Mer, Technopôle Brest-Iroise, 29280 Plouzané - France 

2. 2NIOO-KNAW, Centre for Estuarine and Marine Ecology, P.O. Box 140, 4400 AC Yerseke - The Netherlands 

3. Laboratoire DYNECO, IFREMER centre de Brest, 29280 Plouzané - France 

melanie.raimonet@univ-brest.fr 

In coastal environments, rivers are the major pathway to bring nutrients to coastal waters. During the transit 

from land to sea, many processes transform dissolved and particulate matter brought by these rivers, affecting 

the balance between nutrients. In particular, the availability of Si relative to N and P, which plays a fundamental 

role in coastal phytoplankton dynamics, can be strongly modified during estuarine transit. 

Benthic-pelagic coupling can play a quite important role as sediments result in accumulation of matter and 

constitute an important pool of nutrients like silicic acid. This role is generally enhanced i) in summer when 

river discharge is low and temperatures are high, and ii) in estuarine zones of deposition of fine particles where 

organic matter and biogenic silica contents are higher. We studied at different scales, the spatial and temporal 

variations in the standing stocks of dissolved and particulate Si in the sediments and in silicic acid fluxes at the 

sediment-water interface. Here, we focus on the coupling between observations conducted seasonally at three 

stations along salinity gradients, the implementation of a Si early diagenetic model and experimental studies 

(silica dissolution, microphytobenthos, bioturbation) devoted to its parameterization. 

Monograph on shellfish culture: from the perception 

of a control system to one of a tool for managing, legitimising 

and exploring shellfish culture activity 

Monographie de la conchyliculture : de la perception d’un système de contrôle 

à un outil de gestion, de légitimation et d’exploration de l’activité conchylicole 

Mathé Syndhia, H. Rey-Valette 

LAMETA, Université Montpellier 1, Faculté de sciences économique, 

Site Richter, Avenue de la Mer, CS 79 606, 34960 Montpellier Cedex 2 - France 

syndhia.mathe@montp1.fr 

As for many artisanal activities, the issue of data availability for shellfish culture is often a problem because 

of the partial, discontinuous and frequently unreliable nature of the information. In the French Mediterranean, 

shellfish culture data is collected through occasional studies in response to sanitary, economic or regulatory 

crises. These studies meet the need for information related to new or cyclical events as well as to regulatory 

changes. The only data collected continuously to monitor the industry are administrative data. They focus on 

monitoring concession holders and are insufficient for an understanding of the economic and social evolution of 

the sector. Several attempts have been made to collect data in order to improve monitoring, in particular through 

the publication of a sectoral monograph, but these have not always found the support network in the industry 

necessary to establish a long term and broad-based information system. However the situation has recently 

evolved due to several factors. To begin with, repeated crises have raised awareness of the need for information 

as a factor of professional structuring and maturity as well as for the image and the territorial integration of 

the sector. Moreover, various institutional injunctions advocate improving monitoring and sharing information, 

such as Council regulation (EC) No199/2008 of 25 February 2008 concerning the establishment of a regulatory 

framework for fishery and aquaculture data collection. The authors begin by looking at the evolution of 

objectives and information systems concerning Mediterranean shellfish culture as a function of the evolution 

of management policies, and key events and use conflicts which have defined the sector’s evolution, with a 

particular emphasis on the Thau lagoon which represents some 90% of the production and of the enterprises. 

They then discuss the building of an appropriate dashboard, in the current context of sustainable development 

and integrated management policies for the coastal zone, which require a territorial and systemic approach to 

shellfish culture. 

Comme beaucoup d’activité artisanale, la conchyliculture est sous une comptabilisation inadéquate et ne fait pas l’objet d’un 

suivi pérenne et régulier. En Méditerranée française, le recueil de données en conchyliculture se fait à travers des études ponctuelles 

qui répondent à des crises sanitaires, économiques ou règlementaires. Ces études permettent de répondre à des besoins 

d’informations liés à des phénomènes nouveaux ou cycliques ou encore à des changements de réglementation. Les seules 

données de suivi en continu de la profession sont des données administratives de suivi des concessionnaires qui ne permettent 

pas d’appréhender les évolutions économiques et sociales du secteur. Plusieurs tentatives de collecte de données ont été mises 

en uvre un suivi à travers l’édition d’une monographie du secteur. Cependant, la profession se représente cette collecte de 

données comme une perte de temps voir une menace car elle se présente comme un cheval de Troie pour un éclaircissement 

fiscale de la profession. Les crises à répétition ont eu comme conséquence d’accroitre la maturité des professionnels et des 

gestionnaires qui voit la collecte de données comme un moyen de se positionner, de faire reconnaître la professionnalisation du 

secteur, de faire des projections sur le secteur. Dans ce sens, le règlement (CE) N° 199/2008 du conseil du 25 février 2008 

a permis de dressé un cadre règlementaire pour la collecte de données de pêche et d’aquaculture. Dans un premier temps les 

auteurs exposerons un historique de l’évolution de la collecte d’information sur la conchyliculture en Méditerranée française 

en mettant l’accent sur la Lagune de Thau qui représente 86 % de la production en 2004. Dans un second temps, ils discuteront 

des principales évolutions dans les besoins liés à la collecte d’information. Puis enfin, ils exposeront les modalités de 

construction d’un tableau de bord de la profession notamment dans le cadre d’une activité soumises à des conflits d’usage. 


ORAL PRESENTATION l 6 l Sustainable aquaculture and fisheries ORAL PRESENTATION l 6 l Sustainable aquaculture and fisheries 

Effect of filter-feeding mollusks on nutrient cycling and growth 

of macroalgae (Ulva sp.) in a coastal lagoon 

Impact des mollusques filtreurs sur le recyclage des sels nutritifs et sur la croissance 

des macro-algues dans une lagune côtière 

Naldi Mariachiara, D. Nizzoli, P. Viaroli, M. Bartoli 

University of Parma, Department of Environmental Sciences, Viale Usberti 11/A, 43100 Parma - Italy 

mariachiara.naldi@unipr.it 

An increasing number of coastal lagoons are being exploited for intensive aquaculture and farming of bivalve 

filter-feeders. In the Sacca di Goro lagoon (Po River Delta, Italy), that is affected by high nutrient loads and 

extensive blooms of green seaweeds of the genus Ulva, clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) farming activities 

occupy about half of the lagoon area. In these conditions, it is hypothesized that the filtration of suspended 

particulate matters by farmed clams could enhance inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus recycling, thus fostering 

macroalgal growth. A growth experiment with Ulva was conducted in flow-through mesocosms containing lagoon 

sediments with and without clams. The experiment lasted seven days; on day 1, 4 and 7 macroalgal biomass and 

thallus composition, water dissolved and particulate nutrients and chlorophyll concentrations were determined. 

Sediment-water fluxes of nutrients were determined on sediment cores sampled from each mesocosm at the 

end of the experiment. The presence of clams had a significant effect on both Ulva growth and nutrient cycling. 

Ulva growth rates were 1.6 times higher in mesocosms with clams than in mesocosms with only sediment 

(0.25 vs. 0.15 d-1). Furthermore, Ulva grown in mesocosms with clams had a higher chlorophyll, nitrogen 

and phosphorus content. Sediments showed a net release of both soluble reactive phosphorus and ammonium 

nitrogen only when clams were present, while, in contrast, the sediments were a sink for both nitrogen and 

phosphorus in the mesocosms without clams. Although these results were obtained with simplified experimental 

systems, there are indications that intensive clam farming over a wide lagoon area can significantly affect 

nutrient cycling and macroalgal blooms. 

Participative-action research and co-management: toward 

new forms of partnership for ecosystem approach of fisheries; 

Case study of a clam fishery in Thau lagoon 

Recherche, action et co-management : une nouvelle forme de partenariat pour une approche 

écosystémique des pêches ; Le cas de la pêcherie de palourdes de l’étang de Thau 

Rey-Valette Hélène 1 , N. Gaertner-Mazouni 2 

1. LAMETA Université Montpellier 1, Faculté sciences économiques CS 79606, 34960 Montpellier Cedex 1 - France 

2. Cépralmar, Strategie concept Bat 1, 1300 avenue Albert Einstein, 34000 Montpellier - France 

helene.rey-valette@univ-montp1.fr 

Natural clam standing stocks constitute, by their low mobility, excellent candidates for fisheries management 

theory. However, analysis of the clam fishery of the Thau lagoon highlights a strong variability of the fishery 

activity, with a situation of collapse at the beginning of the 1990’s. One of the main factors responsible for this 

collapse was the inability of the management system to adapt to the expanding markets and the involved parties, 

and to the geographical extension of the whole fishery system. More generally the evolution of ecosystem functions 

(which focuses on services) required to develop frameworks and management practices, more based on 

ecosystem approach to improve partnerships with stakeholders and to develop sustainable management policies 

that are no longer focused on business and industry but rather on the territorial dimension of this exploitation. 

While the coastal local authorities seek to enhance the weight of productive activities face of urbanization and 

the growth of residential functions of these areas, fishermen must learn to fit into these forums and to develop 

their business. Policies for sustainable development and integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) offer to 

the fisheries sector the opportunity to review its functions and strengthen its role and territorial heritage. The 

appropriation of these new benchmarks, however, requires collective learning based on a renewed relationship 

with research. After a reminder of the evolution of the fishery and its management, the authors present new 

conditions for the sustainable management of fishery and the interests of ICZM repository for fisheries activities. 

The analysis of new forms of interaction between research, professional and manager will be made by 1) 

recalling the contributions of action research program conducted in the late nineties and 2) by studying learning 

conditions and monitoring needed to ensure the sustainability of this type of interaction in a context where the 

territorial dimension is advocated by both the European Development Fund and Foresight works. 

Par leur caractère de ressource peu mobile, les stocks de palourdes présentent des conditions favorables à leur gestion selon les 

théories de la gestion rationnelle des ressources halieutiques. En dépit de tels atouts, l’évolution de la pêcherie de palourdes 

dans l’étang de Thau témoigne d’importantes fluctuation, voire de crises avérées, telle que l’effondrement des stocks enregistrés 

au début des années quatre vingt dix. Une des causes de cet effondrement tient à l’incapacité du système de gestion 

traditionnel à s’ouvrir à l’élargissement des marchés et des parties prenantes et à l’ouverture spatiale du système halieutique 

de la pêche de palourdes. Plus généralement l’évolution des fonctions des écosystèmes qui met l’accent sur les services rendus 

nécessite de faire évoluer les cadres et les pratiques de gestion, non seulement vers des logiques d’approche écosystèmiques 

mais aussi vers le renforcement des partenariats avec les acteurs pour élaborer des politique de gestion durable qui ne sont 

plus centrées sur l’activité et la filière mais au contraire qui mettent l’accent sur la dimension territoriale de cette exploitation. 

Alors que les collectivités territoriales littorales cherchent à renforcer le poids des activités productives face à l’urbanisation 

et à la croissance des fonctions résidentielle de ces territoires, les professionnels doivent apprendre à s’insérer dans ces 

forums de discussion et faire évoluer leur activité. Les politiques de développement durable et de gestion intégrée des zones 

côtières (GIZC) offrent ainsi à la pêche l’opportunité de revoir ses fonctions et de renforcer son rôle patrimonial et territorial. 

L’appropriation de ces nouveaux référentiels suppose cependant des apprentissages collectifs s’appuyant sur des relations 

renouvelées avec la recherche. A près un rappel de l’évolution de la pêcherie et de sa gestion, les auteurs présenteront les 

nouvelles conditions de gestion durable et territoriale de la pêcherie et l’intérêt du référentiel de GIZC pour les activités halieutiques. 

L’analyse des nouvelles modalités d’interaction entre recherche, profession et gestionnaire sera ensuite effectuée en 

rappelant les apports du programme de recherche action mené à la fin des années quatre vingt dix et en étudiant les conditions 

d’apprentissage et de suivi pour pérenniser ce type d’interaction dans un contexte où la dimension territoriale est prônée à la 

fois par le FED et par les travaux de prospective. 



Lagoons and fish stocks management by professionnal 

organizations in the Languedoc-Roussillon region (S France) 

La gestion des lagunes et des ressources exploitées par les organisations professionnelles 

de la pêche en Languedoc-Roussillon 

Guyot Clotilde 

Comité Régional des Pêches Maritimes et des Élevages Marins du Languedoc Roussillon 

Maison des métiers de la mer et des lagunes - Rue des Cormorans - Le Barrou - 34200 Sète - France 

crpmem.lr@wanadoo.fr 

The management of lagoons fisheries by professional organization of the Languedoc-Roussillon (L-R) region is 

effective with three levels of representation: “prud’homies” (local structures with juridical and statutory means 

concerning resources access), local committees and the regional committee of fisheries of the Languedoc-Roussillon. 

Synergies of skills and means between those three levels of representation contribute to a sustainable 

and pragmatic management of fish resources of lagoons. In 2009, fisheries in lagoons represent an important 

part of the L-R region fisheries and represent socioeconomic mainstay of territories. Conscious that their activity 

depends on good ecological conditions and fish stock levels, professionals work actively on elaborating 

management measures (licenses, management plan, etc.), and participate in spatial planning or environmental 

approaches (Natura 2000, Marine Protected Areas etc.). Due to their proactive involvement the fisheries professionals 

appear like sentries of lagoons’ quality and as essential stakeholders. Moreover, the need of stronger 

collaboration with the scientific community meets the will of fishermen to reinforce their lagoon managing role 

in accordance with all the stakeholders and concerned structures. Facing increasing difficulties like problems 

of economic profitability, professionals want to sustain their actions to mitigate environmental risks (eutrophication, 

invasive species, etc.) and on another hand, to diversify their activity (local development, ecotourism, etc.). 

The objective of this presentation is to present current management elaborated by professionals’ organizations, 

and also innovative actions or measures. It will be particularly interesting to expose to the attendance, actual 

problems in order to make appear ideas or alternative solutions with management structures or scientists. We 

propose for this presentation a double outlook (professional organization, plus a commercial fisherman from a 

“prud’homie” or a local manager). 

La gestion lagunaire par les professionnels en Languedoc-Roussillon (S France) est opérationnelle grâce à l’articulation de trois 

échelons, à savoir les prud’homies, les comités locaux et le comité régional des pêches. La synergie de nos compétences contribue 

à une gestion pérenne et pragmatique des ressources halieutique des lagunes à l’échelon local. La pêche lagunaire représente 

en 2009 une part importante de la pêche régionale et constitue un segment essentiel à l’économie locale. Conscients 

de leur dépendance du bon état écologique et de l’état des stocks halieutiques, les professionnels œuvrent donc activement 

à l’élaboration de mesures de gestion régulant l’effort de pêche sur les lagunes (licences, plans de gestion, etc.), participent 

aux démarches environnementales (Natura 2000, Aires Marines Protégés) ou de planification (ex. volet littoral et maritime du 

SCOT). Forts de leur statut de sentinelles, ils représentent une force de propositions aux vues des problématiques auxquelles 

ils sont confrontés. La nécessité d’une collaboration renforcée avec les scientifiques constitue aussi une volonté prégnante des 

secteurs halieutiques pour les années à venir, afin de renforcer leur rôle de gestionnaire des lagunes, en concertation avec les 

organismes concernés. Confrontés à des difficultés croissantes notamment en termes de rentabilité économique, les professionnels 

souhaitent d’une part pérenniser leurs actions pour pallier aux risques environnementaux (eutrophisation, développement 

d’espèces envahissantes, etc.) et d’autre part diversifier leurs métiers (développement local, écotourisme, etc.). L’objectif 

de cette intervention est de présenter la gestion quotidienne mise en œuvre par les professionnels, leurs actions novatrices. Il 

s’agit également d’expliquer les problématiques actuelles afin de proposer des pistes de réflexion ou des solutions alternatives 

à mener avec les scientifiques et les gestionnaires. Nous souhaiterions mener cette intervention à deux voix (CRPMEM et un 

prud’homme/un gestionnaire). 

Trophic structure in the Cabras lagoon (Sardinia, Italy): 

variability in the isotopic composition of primary producers, 

detritus and benthic macroinvertebrates 

Structure trophique dans la lagune de Cabras (Sardaigne, Italie) : variabilité dans la composition 

isotopique des producteur primaires, des détritus et des macroinvertébrés benthiques 

Como Serena 1 , P. Magni 2 , G. Van Der Velde 3 , F.S. Blok 3 , M.F.M. Van De Steeg 3 

1. LIENSs - UMR6250 Institut du Littoral et de l’Environnement, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17042 La Rochelle - France 

2. IMC - International Marine Centre, Loc. Sa Mardini, Torregrande, 09072 Oristan - Italy 

3. CNR IAMC, National Research Council, Institute for Coastal Marine Environment, Loc. Sa Mardini, Torregrande, 09072 Oristano - Italy 

and 

Radboud University Nijmegen, Department of Animal Ecology & Ecophisiology, Institute for Wetland and Water Research, 

6525 ED Nijmegen - The Netherlands and National Natural History Museum Naturalis, P.O. Box 9517, 

2300 RA Leiden - The Netherlands 

serena.como@ifremer.fr 

The objective of the present study was to investigate the heterogeneity of ! 13 C and ! 15 N values of primary 

producers (PP), detritus (D), and the most abundant benthic macroinvertebrates (BM) in the Cabras lagoon 

(Sardinia, Italy). PP, D and BM were collected in two different areas of the lagoon (Littoral and Off-shore), known 

to be characterized by different sedimentological and hydrological conditions. Littoral and Off-shore D and BM 

were sampled at two sites (North and South) and in three dates in 2006. Three distinct ! 13 C and ! 15 N values 

were found for different trophic groups. Deposit feeders (Sphaeroma serratum, Hydrobia ulvae and Gammarus 

aequicauda) had enriched ! 13 C values and depleted ! 15 N values, while filter feeders (Ficopomatus enigmaticus 

and Balanus amphitrite) were characterized by depleted ! 13 C values and enriched ! 15 N values, and omnivores 

(Neanthes succinea and Palaemon sp.) by enriched ! 13 C and ! 15 N values. All these animals had more depleted 

! 13 C in March than in May and August, following the temporal trend observed for halophytes, seagrass and 

macroalgae and littoral detritus. In addition to this temporal variability, deposit feeders had more enriched ! 13 C 

values in Littoral than in Off-shore, encompassing the spatial differences found for ! 13 C signature of detritus. 

We demonstrated a large variability in the isotopic signatures of organic sources and BM in the Cabras lagoon. 

We conclude that this variability should be taken into account to reconstruct the structure of the trophic web 

in similar systems. 



Shooting a moving target: reconstruction of the lagoon food web 

by stable isotope approach 

Viser une cible mobile : la reconstitution du réseau trophique d’une lagune 

à l’aide des isotopes stables 

Gasiunaite Zita 1 , J. Lesutiene 1 , E. Gorokhova 2 , A. Razinkovas 1 

1. Coastal Research & Planning Institute, Klaipeda University, H. Manto 84, LT-92294, Klaipeda - Lithuania 

2. Department of Systems Ecology, Stockholms University SE-106 91 Stockholm - Sweden 

zita@corpi.ku.lt 

Stable isotope (e.g., ! 13 C and ! 15 N) analysis has become a useful tool for reconstruction of the food webs, in 

particular, for identification of primary organic matter sources and calculation of the trophic levels. However 

there are still few examples of reconstructed food webs coping with large temporal variability of stable isotope 

composition at the producers and primary consumers levels. We investigated seasonal dynamics of the ! 13 C and 

! 15 N in particulate organic matter (POM) in the river and the lagoon as well as in primary consumers. Rapid 

changes of stable isotope composition in the POM of the lagoon were associated with increase of total phytoplankton 

(which resulted in increase of ! 13 C in POM) and dominance of N 2 -fixing cyanobacteria (that lowered 

! 15 N in POM). Stable isotope changes in POM were reflected in primary consumers, but with varying time lag: 

most rapid response was in fast growing species, moderate/or no response in slow growing species. This resulted 

in difficulties in attributing consumers to primary organic matter sources and puzzled calculation of the trophic 

levels. The estimates of fish trophic levels calculated using traditional baseline of long living and slow growing 

bivalves were non-realistic. These findings suggest using different baseline species with faster isotopic turnovers 

in eutrophic basins characterized by high N 2 -fixation during the growth season. We strongly recommend to take 

the high temporal variability of the stable isotope composition and “isotopic memory” effect in to account while 

reconstructing food webs. 

Investigating an avian source of shellfish microbial 

contaminations in Thau lagoon during dry weather conditions 

Hypothèse d’une origine aviaire des contaminations microbiologiques des coquillages 

de la lagune de Thau par temps sec 

Derolez Valérie 1 , O. Serais 1 , M.P. Caprais 2 

1. IFREMER LERLR, Laboratoire Environnement Ressources du Languedoc-Roussillon, Bd Jean Monnet, BP 171, 34203 Sète - France 

2. IFREMER, Pointe du diable, 29200 Plouzane - France 

vderolez@ifremer.fr 

Thau lagoon shellfish are regularly impacted by microbial contaminations. Between 1997 and 2006, 16.8% of 

the analysis realised during dry weather exceed 230 Escherichia coli / 100 g of bivalve (Ifremer REMI - Microbial 

monitoring network), leading the Administration to take restrictive measures on the shellfish harvest area, 

including production closures. OMEGA Thau project (Environmental Management Tool and Alert Management) 

aims at a better knowledge of the microbial pollution sources on the Thau watershed and a better understanding 

of their transfer mechanisms and impact on shellfish quality. Data collected in 2008, during dry weather, 

simultaneously on the watershed (pollution inputs) and the lagoon (hydrological and microbial monitoring, 

seabirds counts) showed shellfish microbial contaminations under oyster farming traditional structures used by 

seabirds as resting area especially at night, without watershed inputs or lagoon resurgence. Shellfish contamination 

levels were significantly higher under resting areas than under control structures. The initial results of 

F + RNA genotyping in shellfish suggested contamination from animal origin. However, the hypothesis that avian 

source contributes to shellfish contamination during dry weather needs to be confirmed by the implementation 

of Microbial Source Tracking methods and the tracking of avian pathogens in shellfish. 

La lagune de Thau est soumise à des dégradations récurrentes de la qualité microbiologique des coquillages. En moyenne, 

16.8 % des résultats acquis par temps sec au cours de la période 1997-2006 dans cette zone d’élevage dépassent 230 

Escherischia coli dans 100 g de C.L.I. (données REMI), certains conduisant l’administration à prendre des mesures de gestion 

restrictives de la zone. Le projet OMEGA Thau (Outil pour le Management Environnemental et la Gestion des Avertissements) 

vise à mieux connaître les sources de pollutions microbiologiques sur le bassin versant de la lagune et à étudier leur mode de 

transfert et leur impact sur la qualité de l’eau et des coquillages. Des campagnes de mesures par temps sec, mises en œuvre en 

2008 simultanément sur le bassin versant (suivi des apports) et la lagune (suivis hydrologiques, microbiologiques, comptages 

d’oiseaux) montrent, qu’en l’absence d’apports du bassin versant et de résurgence dans la lagune, des contaminations microbiologiques 

sont observées dans les coquillages en élevage sous les tables conchylicoles constituant des dortoirs pour d’importants 

regroupements d’oiseaux marins. Les niveaux de contamination des coquillages mesurés au niveau des tables dortoirs 

sont significativement plus élevés que ceux des tables témoins. Les premiers résultats des génotypages des bactériophages 

F + ARN dans les coquillages orientent également vers une origine animale des contaminations. L’hypothèse d’une source 

aviaire des contaminations par temps sec des coquillages demande cependant à être confirmée par la mise en œuvre de 

méthodes de Microbiological Source Tracking et la recherche de pathogènes portés par les oiseaux. 


ORAL PRESENTATION l 6 l Sustainable aquaculture and fisheries ORAL PRESENTATION l 7 l The aquatic continuum 

Metazoan predators as driving force of microbial food web: 

a modeling approach 

Les métazoaires prédateurs comme facteur déterminant des réseaux trophiques microbiens : 

une approche par modélisation 

Pete Romain, B. Mostajir, M. Trousselier 

Laboratoire Ecolag, UMR 5119 CNRS, Université de Montpallier 2, Place Eugéne Bataillon, Bat. 24, 34095 Montpellier - France 

romain.pete@univ-montp2.fr 

The most important control of microbial food web (MFW) is often considered as nutrients availability (bottom up 

control), where the nutrient in the least proportion will limit the growth of microbial organisms. More rarely, predation 

pressure from higher trophic levels (metazoans, e.g., fish and oysters) is investigated in order to highlight 

dynamics of micro-organisms within microbial food web. In this study, we investigated the potential for oyster 

and fish to modulate the main components of the MFW (bacteria, pico and nano-phytoplankton, heterotrophic 

flagellates, ciliates and meso-zooplankton), nutrients (phosphate, silicate and dissolved organic carbon) in term 

of quantities and interactions. Data were obtained from a mesocosm experiment (“Oyster & Fish”) carried out 

in 2005. This modeling study pointed out the effect of single or associated effects of these two filter feeders/ 

predators on the autotrophic and heterotrophic components of the MFW and in agreement with observations. 

The presence of fish revealed to be in favor to autotrophic components. This trend appeared to be inverse when 

oysters were introduced. These driving forces may then modify the microbial food web dynamics and therefore 

be used in ecological management. 

Sediment infilling in Mediterranean lagoons: 

a multidisciplinary approach 

Le comblement sédimentaire des lagunes méditerranéennes : 

une approche pluridisciplinaire 

Castaings Jérome 1 , L. Dezileau 1 , A. Fiandrino 2 , R. Verney 3 

1. Laboratoire Géosciences Montpellier, UMR 5243 - CC 60, Université Montpellier 2, Place E. Bataillon, 


2. Ifremer - Pôle “Mer et Lagunes”, Boulevard Jean Monnet, BP 171, 34203 Sète Cedex - France 

3. Ifremer - DYNECO / PHYSED, Technopôle de Brest-Iroise, BP 70, 29280 Plouzané - France 

j.castaings@gmail.com 

Coastal lagoons have a high value for their natural heritage and economic activities (tourism, fisheries, etc.) but 

these ecosystems are disappearing slowly due to sediment infilling. The study of scientific and historical publications 

on several Mediterranean coastal lagoons (Italy, France, Spain, Morocco, Tunisia) leads to a review about 

processes involved. The main factors in the morphological evolution of the lagoons are (i) watershed sediment 

supply, (ii) biological production, (iii) marine inputs, (iv) eolian inputs. Locally, the relative importance of each 

of these processes appears to be related with climatic conditions, including the importance of extreme events, 

and anthropic influences (rivers channelization, eutrophication, land reclamation, etc.). Accurate knowledge 

of these processes remains limited. In order to understand better these phenomena and the future evolution, 

a multidisciplinary approach is carried out on the coastal lagoons system “étangs palavasiens - étang de l’Or” 

(Hérault, France). This work is based on the sedimentological and geochemical study of cores and identification 

in the historical archives of events such as floods, intense storms, construction of artificial waterways. At the 

same time, the development of a numerical hydrosedimentary model will simulate the morphological changes 

in short and medium term. This innovative approach should lead to a better understanding on the evolution of 

Mediterranean lagoons and may help to future integrated management. 

La valeur patrimoniale et économique (tourisme, pêche...) des milieux lagunaires est considérable, cependant, ces plans d’eau 

littoraux semblent disparaître lentement sous l’effet du comblement sédimentaire. L’étude de travaux scientifiques et historiques 

menés sur plusieurs lagunes du littoral méditerranéen (Italie, France, Espagne, Maroc et Tunisie) a permis de réaliser 

une synthèse des processus en jeu. Les principaux facteurs participants à l’évolution morphologique des lagunes sont (i) les 

apports du bassin versant, (ii) la production biologique, (iii) les apports marins, (iv) les apports éoliens. Localement, l’importance 

relative de chacun de ces phénomènes semble liée aux conditions climatiques, notamment l’importance des évènements 

extrêmes, ainsi qu’à des actions anthropiques (artificialisation des cours d’eau, eutrophisation, remblaiements artificiels...). La 

connaissance précise de ces processus reste aujourd’hui limitée. Dans l’objectif de mieux comprendre ces phénomènes et leur 

évolution future dans le contexte du changement climatique global, une approche pluridisciplinaire est menée sur le complexe 

lagunaire des étangs palavasiens - étang de l’Or (Hérault, France). Ces travaux se basent sur l’étude sédimentologique et géochimique 

de carottages sédimentaires ainsi que sur l’identification dans les archives historiques d’évènements marquants tels 

que les crues, les tempêtes ou les aménagements de fleuves et canaux. En parallèle, la mise au point d’un modèle numérique 

hydrosédimentaire permettra de simuler les variations morphologiques à court et moyen terme. Cette approche innovante 

devrait permettre de mieux cerner l’évolution des lagunes méditerranéennes et de participer à l’aide à la décision en matière 

de gestion des milieux. 


ORAL PRESENTATION l 7 l The aquatic continuum ORAL PRESENTATION l 7 l The aquatic continuum 

Nutrient load reduction measures in a river basin 

and efficiency for coastal lagoon management 

Réduction des apports en nutriments du bassin versant et efficacité 

pour la gestion des lagunes côtières 

Kramer Inga 1 , G. Schernewski 1 , B. Horst 2 , T. Neumann 1 , S. Nardine 1 

1. Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde, Seestrasse 15, D-18119 Rostock - Germany 

2. Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Mueggelseedamm 310, D-12857 Berlin - Germany 

inga.kraemer@io-warnemuende.de 

Eutrophication management is still one of the major challenges in the Baltic Sea region. Estuaries or coastal 

waters linked to large rivers cannot be managed independently. Nutrient loads into these coastal ecosystems depend 

on processes, utilisation, structure and management in the river basin. In practice this means that we need 

a large scale approach and integrated models and tools to analyse, assess and evaluate the effects of nutrient 

loads on coastal water quality as well as the efficiency of river basin management measures on surface waters 

and especially lagoons. We present an example where linked river basin and coastal water models were applied 

to analyse the effects of an optimal nutrient management scenario in the Oder/Odra river basin on water quality 

in the Oder (Szczecin) Lagoon and the Baltic Sea. This scenario would reduce e.g. nitrogen loads into the coastal 

waters by about 35 % (compared to the mid 1990’s), a level which is similar to the late 1960’s. The comparison 

between the late 1960’s and the mid 1990’s shows that an optimal nitrogen management has positive effects 

on coastal water quality and algae biomass. However, this realistic scenario is by far not sufficient to ensure a 

good coastal water quality according to the European Water Framework Directive. A good water quality in the 

river will not be sufficient to ensure a good water quality also in the coastal waters. Nitrogen load reductions 

further bear the risk of increased potentially toxic, blue-green algae blooms. However, to achieve water quality 

improvements in lagoons and inner coastal waters, nitrogen cuts are necessary. A mere focus on phosphorus is 

not sufficient. Against this background we give an overview about possible nutrient retention measures in the 

river basin and their efficiency. 

Bacterial dynamics in an intermittent river, during a flood 

(September 2006) and its impact on the downstream waterbody 

(Vène river and Thau lagoon) 

Dynamique bactérienne dans une rivière temporaire en période de crue (septembre 2006) 

et son impact en aval sur la rivière “La Vène” et la lagune de Thau 

Tournoud Marie-George 1 , P. Got 2 , J.L. Perrin 3 , A. Caro 2 , C. Rodier 4 , C. Salles 1 

1. Université Montpellier 2, HydroSciences Montpellier, UMR 5569 (CNRS - IRD - Université Montpellier 1 - UM2), 

Place Eugène Bataillon CCMSE 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5 - France 


3. IRD, HydroSciences Montpellier, UMR 5569, Université Montpellier 2, place Eugène Bataillon CCMSE 


4. CNRS, HydroSciences Montpellier, UMR 5569, Université Montpellier 2, place Eugène Bataillon CCMSE 


marie-george.tournoud@univ-montp2.fr 

Intermittent Mediterranean rivers are subject to long duration dry season and intense rainfall events. In summer, 

the river course dries up but some pools remain downstream from direct anthropogenic inputs. Therefore, 

pollutants, and especially faecal bacteria, are stored in the riverbed, downstream from the inputs, creating 

reservoirs of pollutants. At the end of summer, intense rainfall events generate flash floods. A significant part 

of the accumulated pollutants is remobilized from the riverbed reservoir and flushed away in some hours. So, 

these flash floods could have a harmful effect on the downstream waterbody. This study addresses the Vène river 

(67 km² catchment area, South of France), which is the main tributary of the Thau lagoon. In situ experiments, 

conducted during 2006 dry period, showed high rates of accumulation in the bed sediments in terms of thermotolerant 

coliforms (TTC) and faecal streptococci (FS). Lab experiments, conducted in microcosms, showed long 

term survival of TTC in riverbed sediments. So accumulation and survival of TTC in the sediments are proved. 

Sampling of September 2006 flood (volume of 0.4 Mm 3 ; duration 37 hours) showed high TTC concentrations 

during the rising period (> 5.7 log (ufc/100mL)), concentrations decrease then, due to dilution effects. The high 

TTC concentrations are concomitant with high concentrations of suspended solids: the rewetting of the river 

course flushed particulate material from the riverbed and the attached contaminants, here TTC. The moment the 

flow reached the lagoon, TTC concentrations increase sharply in the vicinity of the river outlet, modifying significantly 

the sanitary status of the lagoon. The contamination of the lagoon lasts more than the flood duration. Self 

purifying processes are not able to take place in intermittent rivers, so permanent anthropogenic inputs are very 

harmful in these environments and may produce harmful effects on the receiving waterbody during flood events. 



Bacteria and phytoplankton nitrogen uptake 

during the autumnal season in a mediterranean coastal lagoon 

(Thau lagoon, France) 

Absorption de l’azote par les bactéries et le phytoplancton en automne dans une lagune côtière 

méditerranéenne (étang de Thau, France) 

Trottet Aurore 1 , E. Fouilland 1 , C. Leboulanger 1 , M. Bouvy 2 

1. UMR 5119 ECOLAG, Station Méditerranéenne de l’Environnement Littoral, 1 quai de la Daurade, 34200 Sète – France 

2. Laboratoire ECOLAG “ECOsystemes LAGunaires” UMR 5119, Université Montpellier 2, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, CC 093, Place E. Bataillon, 


auroretrottet@gmx.fr 

Understanding microbial food web dynamics is hampered by the multitude of trophic interactions between 

organisms involved in material and energy flows. Metabolic inhibitors can be used to gain information on the 

degree of competition for nutrients between bacterial and phytoplanktonic components of aquatic microbial 

communities. The combination of 15N-tracers addition together with the use of specific inhibitors was performed 

during a weekly sampling in Thau lagoon from 11 September to 19 November 2008, before and after a heavy 

river flash flood. Simultaneously, bacteria and phytoplankton biomass and production were also measured, 

using flow cytometry, chlorophyll a concentration, and 3H-thymidine and 13C-Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen (DIC) 

- + incorporation methods. Preliminary results show that total nitrogen uptake (!NO + !NH4 ) varied between 31.8 

3 

and 193.5 nmol.l-1 .h-1 during the survey. Contribution of heterotrophic bacteria to the total uptake rates ranged 

between 25 and 60 %, whereas the phytoplankton contribution was higher averaging 65 %. Maximal bacterial 

and phytoplankton N uptakes rates coincided with high bacterial and phytoplanktonic production (0.05 and 

1.63 nmol.l-1 .h-1 - + , respectively). The bacterial biomass specific uptake rates of NO and NH4 were generally 

3 

higher than those calculated for phytoplankton except after the river flood, where phytoplanktonic biomass 

+ specific uptake rates of NH was much higher. Determination of the relative preference index (RPI) clearly 

4 

- showed that NO was the least preferred source of inorganic nitrogen for both bacteria and phytoplankton, 

3 

+ implying that it would be incorporated only if NH was not available. 

4 

A comparison study of 6 Mediterranean lagoons 

with numerical modeling 

Etude comparative de six lagunes méditerranéennes par la modélisation numérique 

Umgiesser Georg 1 , Ch. Ferrarin 1 , A. Cucco 2 , A. Perez Ruzafa 3 , F. De Pascalis 1 , M. Ghezzo 1 , D. Bellafiore 1 , 

M. Bajo 1 

1. ISMAR-CNR, Castello 1364/A, 30122 Venezia, Italy 

2. IAMC-CNR, Oristano Unit, Loc. Sa Mardini, 09072 Oristano, Italy 

3. Department of Ecology and Hydrology, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain 

georg.umgiesser@ismar.cnr.it 

A numerical model (SHYFEM) has been applied to 6 Mediterranean lagoons and a comparison study between the 

lagoons has been carried out. The lagoons are the Venice lagoon and the Marano-Grado lagoons in the Adriatic 

Sea, the Taranto basin in the Ionean Sea, The Cabras lagoon in Sardinia, the Mar Menor in Spain and the Nador 

lagoon in Morocco. These lagoons give a representative picture of the lagoons situated around the Mediterranean 

basin. The model has been applied in its 2D version in order that the results can be easily compared with 

each other. The model is a finite element model, especially suited to shallow water basins with complicated 

geometric and morphologic variations. The model can compute the basic hydrodynamics, dispersion of tracers, 

temperature and salinity evolution, sediment transport and ecological parameters. This study has been mainly 

focused on hydrodynamics, exchange rates and residence time description. The lagoons range from a leaky type 

of lagoons to a choked type. The number of inlets ranges from just one in the Nador lagoon to 6 in the case of the 

Marano-Grado lagoons. Tidal range is from micro-tidal to meso-tidal. The depth ranges from an average depth 

of 1 m to up to 6 meters. All lagoons show strong impact of wind forcing. In most lagoons fresh water input is 

small, but it is relatively strong in the Marano-Grado case. Wind and tidal stirring normally prevent the lagoons 

from developing stratification which justifies the application of the 2D version of the model. The exchange rate 

depends mainly on the inlet configuration, but also on the wind regimes in the case of multi-inlet lagoons. The 

exchange rate is also the most important factor determining the residence time distribution inside the lagoons. 

Residence time is a powerful concept that allows lagoons to be characterized with a time scale. Apart from 

residence times also the transit time has been used to characterize the basins. Both time scales can be easily 

computed through a Eulerian and Lagrangian approach. In the case of the studied lagoons the residence time 

ranged from some days in the Marano-Grado lagoon to up to one year in the case of the Mar Menor. The numerical 

study proved to be a powerful tool for the inter-comparison of the lagoons. The study will be enlarged in the 

future in order to comprise also ecological applications. 



Groundwater inputs in the Vaccares lagoon (South France) 

estimated from 222 Rn budget 

Apports en eaux souterraines dans la lagune du Vaccarès (France Sud) 

estimés à l’aide du budget 222 Rn 

Radakovitch Olivier 1 , A. Mayer 1 , P. Chauvelon 2 , J.C. Parisot 1 , D. Hermitte 1 , C. Vallet-Coulomb 1 

1. CEREGE (Centre Européen de Recherche et d’Enseignement des Géosciences de l’Environnement), UMR6635, 

Europôle Méditerranéen de l’Arbois BP 80, 13345 Aix-en-Provence Cedex 04 - France 

2. Station Biologique la Tour du Valat, Le Sambuc, 13200 Arles - France 

radakovitch@cerege.fr 

Groundwater discharges (GD) in coastal zones are easily identifiable in karstic areas but they are more difficult 

to evidence when groundwater and seawater are exchanged across sand sediment. However, this exchange could 

bring excess nutrients or dissolved pollutants to the coastal sea. GD studies recently improved with the use of 

natural radionuclides to estimate the input of fresh or brackish water into the coastal zone. Radon-222 is a 

suitable nuclide for that because it is conservative and highly enriched in groundwater due to in situ production 

in the aquifer, and thus even a small input in the coastal zone may be evidenced. One objective of the GIZCAM 

project on the shallow Vaccares lagoon (surface 65 km 2 ; maximum water depth = 2 m) of the Rhone deltaic 

plain was to improve the hydrological and salt budgets of the system with a particular attention to the potential 

groundwater inputs. A RAD7 system was used to measure 222 Rn activities in water samples collected in June 

2006 and June 2008 within the lagoon and from adjacent aquifers. Inputs of 222 Rn to the lagoon are due to 

diffusion from the sediment, in situ production from 226 Ra, irrigation canals and GD, whereas outputs correspond 

to the exchange with the atmosphere and in situ decay. In June 2008, stronger wind induced a higher output 

flux to the atmosphere. By assuming a steady state balance for both period, GD can be estimated from the other 

terms. The flux of 222 Rn associated to GD required to sustain the water column inventories range from 14 to 17 

Bq m-2 d-1. Using the mean 222 Rn activity of GD end-member, it corresponds to a groundwater input of 1.3-1.5 

m 3 /s., i.e. 25% of the inputs by drainage canals or 0.15 % of the lagoon volume. This input probably occurred 

in the northern part where the surface aquifer is in contact with the lagoon and where temporal variations of 

groundwater salinity, attesting of a possible exchange, have been observed in sub-surface by profiles of electrical 

resistivity tomography. 

Exhaustive sampling is also performed monthly since autumn 2008 in the lagoon system to analyse 18O, 2H 

and 226 Ra in order to better define the influence of evaporation and drainage canals inputs, relation with the 

sea and groundwater inputs on a yearly time scale (HYDROCCAM project). The first results are presented here. 

Loadings and nutrient stoichiometry under changing 

hydrological conditions in the Po River watershed: 

possible impacts on coastal lagoons 

Apports et stœchiométrie des nutriments dans un contexte de changements hydriques 

dans le bassin versant du Po : conséquences possibles sur les lagunes côtières 

Viaroli Pierluigi 1 , M. Naldi 1 , E. Pierobon 1 , R. Azzoni 1 , G. Giordani 1 , F. Tornatore 2 

1. Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Parma, Viale G.P. Usberti 33A, 43100 Parma - Italy 

2. Autorità di bacino del Fiume Po, Via Garibaldi 75, 43100 Parma - Italy 

pierluigi.viaroli@unipr.it 

In the Po river Delta and surroundings coastal zones, approximately 300 km 2 of transitional water bodies, mainly 

brackish lagoons, are under the influence of freshwater and nutrient loadings delivered from the Po river watershed. 

In the last decade, frequent summer drought and flood events have occurred with significant changes 

in both timing and amount of water discharge. This study aimed at analysing the effects of such changing 

hydrological conditions on nutrient loadings, nutrient speciation and stoichiometry. A monitoring programme 

was carried out from 2003 to 2007 at the gauging station of the closing section. Here, during flood events water 

was sampled every 12 hours, whilst at baseline flow samples were collected fortnightly. In the considered period, 

water discharge ranged from 29.10 9 m 3 yr -1 in dry years to 44.10 9 m 3 yr -1 . Accordingly, nutrient loadings were 

5-10,000 tons yr -1 of total phosphorus (TP) and 100-170,000 tons yr -1 of total nitrogen (TN). In dry years, 

30-40% of TP loading was delivered in less than 40 days by flash-flood events. Up to 90% of TP was in the 

suspended particulate fraction, of which 50% was organic, 25% was as insoluble Ca-bound and only a small 

fraction was in the exchangeable pool. Nitrogen loadings were not related to floods, and were delivered mainly 

as dissolved nitrate. The potential impacts of composition and timing of the P and N loadings in coastal lagoons 

has been further assessed with algal assays with the green seaweed Ulva sp. Preliminary experiments showed 

that only a small fraction of TP is promptly available for macroalgal growth. P and N availability was also evaluated 

considering the saline wedge and the inherent changes in salinity which can potentially influence P and 

N speciation. This project was funded by the Po River Basin Authority 



Impact of a solid waste disposal 

on the continuum catchement/aquifer/lagoon 

Impact d’un centre de stockage de déchets 

le long du continuum bassin versant/aquifère/lagune 

Canton Mathieu 1 , V. Naudet 2 , P. Anschutz 1 , D. Poirier 1 , F. Naessens 2 

1. UMR EPOC, University Bordeaux 1, Av. des Facultés, Bat B18, 33400 Talence - France 

2. GHYMAC, University Bordeaux 1, Av. des Facultés, Bat B18, 33400 Talence - France 

canton.mathieu@gmail.com 

The Arcachon lagoon (France SW) is a sensitive environment to biogenic material (N, P, Si) originating from 

land. It is due to the high residence time of the lagoon water up to 20 days. Domestic wastes are well regulated 

at the catchment scale and farming impact is moderated. We have found a high supply of ammonia in a small 

catchment, originating from a solid waste disposal. An original association of biogeochemical and geophysical 

methods allow us to constraint the ammonia dynamic through the aquatic continuum. A contamination plume 

spread in the unconfined aquifer that we have delineated with Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and Self 

Potential (SP) profiles. The study of the river continuum and the aquifer/river interface show that the river drains 

the ammonia plume toward the lagoon. Ammonia contamination sustains a high nitrification rate in the riverbed 

sediment and in the estuary. Nowadays the lagoon is not impacted by the contamination. Nevertheless, underground 

water flow may be faster than the entire plume drainage by the river. 

La lagune d’Arcachon (SW France) est un environnement sensible aux apports continentaux d’éléments biogènes (N, P, Si) 

à cause d’un long temps de renouvellement des masses d’eau, atteignant 20 jours. Les effluents domestiques sont très bien 

maitrisés à l’échelle du bassin versant, et les effluents agricoles modérés. Dans un petit bassin versant, nous avons identifié 

une source d’ammonium importante, issue d’un centre de stockage de déchets. Une association originale de techniques biogéochimiques 

et géophysiques nous a permis de bien contraindre la dynamique de l’ammonium dans le continuum aquatique. 

Un panache de contamination s’est développé dans l’aquifère libre, que nous avons pu délimité par la réalisation de profils 

de tomographie de résistivité électrique (ERT) et de potentiels spontanés (PS). L’étude du continuum fluvial et de l’interface 

aquifère/rivière par des carottages d’interface montre que ce panache est drainé par la rivière, vers la lagune d’Arcachon. La 

contamination en ammonium de la rivière favorise une intense nitrification dans le sédiment de rivière ainsi que dans la partie 

estuarienne. Actuellement, l’impact de cette contamination sur la lagune est donc négligeable. En revanche, l’écoulement 

souterrain du panache vers la lagune pourrait être plus rapide que le drainage complet du panache par la rivière. 

Nutrient response modelling 

in the Curonian lagoon, Lithuania 

Modélisation de la réponse de la lagune Curonienne (Lituanie) 

aux apports en nutriments 

Erturk Ali 1 , G. Umgiesser 2 , P. Zemlys 3 , A. Razinkovas 3 

1. Istanbul Technical University, Department of Environmental Engineering, 34469 Maslak, Istanbul - Turkey 

2. ISMAR-CNR, Castello 1364/A, 30122 Venezia - Italy 


erturkal@gmail.com 

The estuarine lagoons are very complex ecosystems characterized by the permanent exchange between the fresh 

water and saline environment. The influences from these dynamic environments can become decisive for the 

state of estuarine lagoon ecosystem. Models have proven to be useful for studies of complex systems and they 

are powerful tools for estuarine lagoons by quantifying the effects of variations of the forcing factors such as 

nutrient fluxes, climate change, etc. The Curonian Lagoon that is located along the Lithuanian and Russian 

coast, is a large and shallow estuarine lagoon. It is an important water body for Lithuania, especially for the 

Western part because of its productivity, contribution to fishery and the recreational value. In this study, an 

ecological model called ALUKAS, which was developed mainly for estuarine environments, is applied to the 

Curonian Lagoon using different levels of detail in terms of hydrodynamics and transport. The SHYFEM model 

has been used in this study to serve as the hydrodynamic underlying model for the transport and dispersion of 

the ecological state variables. The SHYFEM model uses the finite element method for the spatial discretization 

of the domain and this allows the resolution of the complex morphology of the coastal environments. For the 

Curonian Lagoon a dedicated model has been created that can resolve all the important morphological features 

including the Nemunas river delta and the Klaipeda strait zone. In this study two series of simulations have 

been carried out; one using the full resolution of the hydrodynamic model, and one where the solution of the 

ecological state variables are based on a grouped box model ESTAS with water fluxes computed by the hydrodynamic 

model. Differences in the results are analyzed and evaluated critically. Finally, the work has been also 

focused on the impact that nutrient load changes from the Nemunas River Watershed would bring about for the 

eutrophication in the Curonian lagoon. 


ORAL PRESENTATION l 8 l Ecophysiological and life-cycle adaptations ORAL PRESENTATION l 8 l Ecophysiological and life-cycle adaptations 

Hypoxia, hypercapnia and low pH; A comparison 

of the early life of a cuttlefish and a squid regarding 

elevated environmental CO 2 

Hypoxie, hypercapnie et pH acide ; Comparaison du comportement des juvéniles de la seiche 

et du calmar en présence de teneur élevée de CO 2 dans l’environnement 

Hu Marian Y. 1 , R. Maneja 1 , M. Charmantier-Daures 2 , G. Charmantier 2 , F. Melzner 1 

1. Leibniz-Institute of Marine Sciences (IFM-GEOMAR), Kiel 24105 - Germany 

2. Equipe Adaptation Ecophysiologique et Ontogenèse, UMR 5119 Ecolag, Université Montpellier 2, 34095 Montpellier Cedex 05 - France 

mhu@ifm-geomar.de 

The cuttlefish Sepia officinalis inhabits a variety of coastal habitats including estuaries and lagoons. These 

habitats can show great variations regarding temperature, salinity, as well as O 2 and CO 2 concentrations. 

According to the most optimistic IPCC scenarios, atmospheric CO 2 will increase from currently 0.38 kPa to 

1.4 kPa within the next 300 years, causing a drop in ocean surface pH by approximately 0.4 pH units. In order 

to investigate the effects of such acid-base disturbances on the embryonic development of cephalopods, egg 

masses of the demersal cuttlefish S. officinalis and the pelagic squid Loligo vulgaris were exposed to different 

CO 2 concentrations (0.4 kPa, 1.4 kPa and 4 kPa). It was observed, that the environmental pCO 2 adds to the 

natural accumulation of CO 2 in the perivitelline fluid (PVF). This leads to a lowered pH (7.1) and increased pCO 2 

(up to 0.7-0.8 kPa) in both species at a pCO 2 of 0.4 kPa, in comparison to a pH of 7.3 under control conditions. 

In accordance with these abiotic conditions a delayed hatching was observed for L. vulgaris by approximately 

three days (1.4 kPa CO 2 ) and five days (4 kPa CO 2 ) while the cuttlefish did not show such a pronounced delay 

in hatching under elevated environmental pCO 2 . On the other hand lowest oxygen concentrations inside the egg 

were recorded under elevated environmental pCO 2 (1.4 kPa CO 2 ) reaching pO 2 of 4.6 kPa (squid) and 8.7 kPa 

(cuttlefish), respectively. Looking at the ontogeny, the hatchlings of S. officinalis are miniatures of adults with 

fully developed ion-regulatory epithelia (e.g., gills) whereas the squids hatchlings are often referred to as “paralarvae” 

with non-adult like ion-regulatory epithelia. According to these observations it seems that early stages 

of cephalopods with a planktonic “paralarva”, like L. vulgaris are more vulnerable to acid-base disturbances 

compared to cephalopods with adult-like hatchlings. 

Adaptation of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) 

to lagoon conditions: phenotypic plasticity 

or genetically-based determinism ? 

Adaptation du loup (Dicentrarchus labrax) au milieu lagunaire : 

plasticité phénotypique ou déterminisme génétique ? 

Quéré Nolwenn, B. Guinand, E. Desmarais, F. Bonhomme 

Institut des Sciences de l’Evolution de Montpellier - équipe Biologie Intégrative, 

Université Montpellier 2, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier - France 

nolwenn.quere@univ-montp2.fr 

For many fish species, lagoons and other peripheral marine ecosystems are partly used at different stages of 

their life cycle to improve their development and fitness. The environmental variability occurring within such 

habitats as well as their differences with a more buffered marine environment for, e.g., salinity and temperature 

might possibly act as selective forces shaping the evolutionary outcomes of populations inhabiting lagoons, and 

promoting genetic divergence among lagoon and marine individuals/populations. However, for species with high 

gene flow such as fishes, disentangling genetic (heritable) from non-genetic (phenotypic plasticity) effects is still 

poorly understood. In order to explore the basis of adaptation to lagoon conditions, we used the European sea 

bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) as a model. Sea bass contingents colonise Mediterranean lagoons, whereas some 

other ones stay at sea during their first year of life. Using a set of twenty genetic markers (microsatellite and 

candidate gene loci) in both experimental settings and studies of natural populations, we i) demonstrated that 

survival of individuals to salinity conditions depends on their genetic background (i.e. family effect), ii) confirmed 

that a portion of individuals are not able to adapt to salinity variation, then iii) that genetic differentiation 

observed at a candidate gene locus (somatolactin) significantly depart from the neutral expectation in a survey of 

lagoon and marine populations in the Western Mediterranean Sea (n = 18). Such results all suggest an adaptive 

and heritable component for sea bass population inhabiting lagoons. Nevertheless, a more detailed study aiming 

to validate such a genetic differentiation at a local scale (Etang de l’Or lagoon vs adjacent open sea individuals, 

S France) failed to confirm such findings despite some possible huge phenotypic differences among lagoon and 

sea individuals. Based on such contrasted results, the relative roles of the phenotypic vs genetic effects in sea 

bass adaptation to the lagoon environment are discussed, and resources to further explore this adaptation briefly 

presented. 



Salinity tolerance and osmoregulation 

in the sea-bream Sparus aurata during ontogeny 

Tolérance à la salinité et osmorégulation durant l’ontogénèse 

chez la daurade Sparus aurata 

Bodinier Charlotte, V. Boulo, E. Sucre, G. Charmantier 

Université Montpellier 2, Equipe Adaptation Ecophysiologique et Ontogenèse, AEO team, UMR5119 ECOLAG, cc092, 


charlotte.bodinier@univ-montp2.fr 

The gilthead sea bream, Sparus aurata, is a euryhaline teleost hatching in the open sea. The larvae drift to the 

coast and after metamorphosis, juveniles migrate into estuaries and lagoons where salinity varies from brackish 

to hyper-salinity levels. The ontogeny of osmoregulation in S. aurata was studied at successive stages, from day 

0 (D0) post-hatch to late juveniles (D350), exposed to different salinities ranging from fresh water to 45.1 ‰, 

at 18°C. Salinity tolerance ranged between 5.1-39.1 ppt at D3, and between 1.0-45.1 ppt from D75. The fish 

were hyper-hypo-osmotic regulators in all studied stages but the acquisition of the full ability to hypo- and hyperregulate 

occurred over three periods with marked increases at mouth opening and metamorphosis. The occurrence 

of ionocytes in the integument and gills was followed in the same stages through the immunolocalization 

of three proteins involved in ion regulation. The main site of osmoregulation shifted from the integument to the 

gills from D30 to D70, with a corresponding sharp increase in the osmoregulatory ability. Our results suggest 

that the early development of osmoregulatory ability, and thus of salinity tolerance, may provide an advantageous 

flexibility for the migration of S. aurata between sea and estuaries-lagoons. 

Characterization and discrimination of “nurseries” 

for the common sole (Solea solea): 

the case of four Mediterranean coastal lagoons 

Caractérisation et discrimination des nourriceries de sole commune (Solea solea) : 

le cas de quatre lagunes méditerranéennes 

Morat Fabien 1 , D. Blamart 2 , M. Robert 3 , R. Lecomte-Finiger 4 , Y. Letourneur 1 

1. Centre d’Océanologie de Marseille, Université de la Méditerranée, UMR DIMAR 6540, Campus universitaire de Luminy, Case 901, 

13288 Marseille Cedex 09 - France 

2. Laboratoire des Sciences du Climat et de l’Environnement, UMR CNRS-CEA-UVSQ 1572, LSCE-Vallée Bât. 12, avenue de la Terrasse, 

91198 Gif-sur-Yvette Cedex - France 

3. Université de La Rochelle, Fédération de Recherche en Environnement pour le Développement Durable, Centre Commun d’Analyses, 

Pôle Analytique, 5 allée de l’Océan, 17071 La Rochelle Cedex 9 - France 

4. UMR 5244 CNRS UPVD EPHE, Biologie et Ecologie Tropicale et Méditerranéenne, Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, 

52 Avenue Paul Alduy, 66860 Perpignan Cedex - France 

fabien.morat@univmed.fr 

The sole (Solea solea) is a commercial flatfish in the Eastern Atlantic and in the Mediterranean. In the Mediterranean 

Sea, this species presents a special life cycle characterized by an ontogenetic shift in the habitat use. 

Juveniles inhabit coastal lagoons or shallow waters (lower than 10 m deep); these environments thus constitute 

nurseries. On the other hand, older individuals inhabit the continental shelf (from 20 to 150 m deep). Otoliths 

are paired calcified structures used for balance and hearing in all teleost fishes. They record life history traits of 

individuals and can be considered as black boxes of the fish’s life. Otoliths are an indirect means to study the relationships 

between environment and organisms, through their shape,their isotopic and chemical compositions. 

We have used otoliths to characterize sole populations from Mediterranean coastal lagoons (Thau, Mauguio, 

Berre and Urbino). The isotopic composition (! 18 O and ! 13 C) of the nucleus (otolith center) showed differences 

between each coastal lagoon. This result suggests a difference in the hatching environment of the fishes. The 

! 18 O and ! 13 C values at the otolith edge showed a difference according to the different coastal lagoons. Moreover 

an otolith chemical elemental analysis revealed a discrimination of fishes coming from Mauguio and Thau 

coastal lagoons. The otolith shape analysis revealed a clear separation for fishes coming from each coastal 

lagoon. The otolith mean reconstruction highlighted that the shape differences were observed in the ventral and 

posterior faces. These differences suggest the presence of special characteristics in each coastal lagoon and 

results are discussed with respect to abiotic conditions in the different environments. In this study, we show i) 

a difference in the origin (or in life history traits) of fishes entering in coastal lagoons, and ii) the presence of 

particular conditions in coastal lagoons inducing the difference observed in otolith characteristics. 

La sole est une espèce commerciale pour les pêcheries d’Atlantique Est et de Méditerranée. En Méditerranée, la sole présente 

un cycle de vie particulier caractérisé par un changement ontogénétique d’habitat. En effet, les juvéniles vivent dans des lagunes 

ou des zones de faibles profondeurs (inférieures à 10 m) qui constituent des nourriceries. Les individus plus âgés vivent 

sur le plateau continental (de 20 à 150 m). Les otolithes sont des concrétions minéralisées de carbonates de calcium utilisés 

pour la fonction mécano-réceptrice d’audition et d’équilibration. Ils enregistrent les traits d’histoires de vie des individus et 

peuvent être considérés comme leurs boîtes noires. Ils constituent un bon moyen d’étude aux relations entre les individus et 

l’environnement par leur forme, leur composition isotopique et chimique. Les otolithes ont été utilisés pour la caractérisation 

de populations de soles de lagunes Méditerranéenne (Mauguio, Thau, Berre et Urbino). La composition en isotopes stables 

(! 18 O, ! 13 C) du nucléus (centre de l’otolithe) montre des différences entre les lagunes. Ces résultats suggèrent une différence 

dans les caractéristiques du lieu de naissance des individus. Les valeurs en ! 18 O et ! 13 C mesurées sur le bord des otolithes 

différent selon les lagunes. Les analyses de chimie élémentaire des otolithes montrent une discrimination des soles de Thau et 

de Mauguio. Les analyses de forme des otolithes révèlent une séparation des lagunes. La reconstruction des otolithes moyens 

montre une différence en face ventrale et postérieure. Ces différences suggèrent la présence de caractéristiques particulières à 

chaque lagune. Les résultats seront discutés en fonction des conditions environnementales des milieux de vie. Il apparait donc 

dans cette étude i) une différence dans l’origine des soles entrant dans les lagunes, et ii) la présence de conditions particulières 

dans chaque lagune induisant les différences observées dans les caractéristiques des otolithes. 



Combined use of otolith microchemistry and muscle isotopic 

ratios to elucidate lagoon habitat use in the Mediterranean 

gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L. 1758) 

Utilisation combinée de la microchimie des otolites et des rapports isotopiques pour élucider 

l’utilisation des différents habitats lagunaires par la daurade (Sparus aurata L. 1758) 

Mercier Lény 1 , F. Ferraton 1 , I. Benthaleb 2 , C. Martin 3 , O. Bruguier 4 , A. Darnaude 1 

1. ECOLAG - UMR 5119, Université Montpellier 2 - CNRS, Place Eugene Bataillon CC093, 34095 Montpellier - France 

2. Institut des Sciences de l’Évolution de Montpellier UMR 5554, Université Montpellier II, CC065, 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5 - France 

3. Institut des Sciences de l’Évolution de Montpellier (ISE-M), Université Montpellier II, CC060, 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5 - France 

4. Géosciences Montpellier UMR 5243, Université Montpellier II, CC060, 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5 - France 

leny.mercier@univ-montp2.fr 

Juveniles of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L. 1758) are found in many lagoons along the French Mediterranean 

coast, where they grow from early spring to late autumn, before returning to the sea in winter. Although this 

behavior has been extensively described, juvenile spatio-temporal distribution within each lagoon still remains 

unclear. Yet, this can have major consequences for stock recruitment in S. aurata, especially now that lagoons 

are under increasing local climatic and anthropic pressures. In this study, we tried to match spatial differences 

in the chemical and isotopic signatures of lagoon water and sediment with concomitant microchemical analyses 

of seabream otoliths and muscles, to infer the movements of the juveniles of the species in one of its main 

nursery area in the Languedoc-Roussillon region (Étang de l’Or, South of France). To this aim, the lagoon was 

divided into 3 zones with distinct water characteristics and organic matter sources: the Western zone, near the 

entrance of the lagoon and under strong marine influence, the eastern zone under strong freshwater influence 

due to rivers unload, and the middle zone showing intermediate conditions. Water and sediment were sampled 

monthly in the 3 zones (7 sampling locations) and their chemical (trace elements) and isotopic (C and N stable 

isotopes) compositions were assessed. LA-ICPMS analyses were made on the otoliths of 12 juveniles from the 

3 zones (4 per zone) captured in September, i.e. at the end of their lagoon life. Detailed assessment of otolith 

growth during lagoon life allowed accurate matching of elemental ratios from otolith LA-ICPMS transects 

(N = 12) with corresponding water chemical signatures (N = 42). Isotopic signatures were obtained for 60 juveniles 

from the 3 zones (20 per zone). Our results suggest that S. aurata juveniles do not all remain in the same 

zone during their lagoon life and often exploit the whole nursery habitat. 

The trophic ecology of Gammarus spp. 

(Crustacea: Amphipoda) in transitional waters: 

a global-scale analysis of stable isotope data 

Ecologie trophique de Gammarus spp. (Crustacea: Amphipoda) dans les eaux de transition : 

une analyse comparative des données d’isotopes stables 

Mancinelli Giorgio 

Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Centro Ecotekne, s.p. Lecce-Monteroni, 

73100 Lecce - Italy 

giorgio.mancinelli@unile.it 

Gammaridean amphipods are widespread throughout a diverse range of brackish transitional environments in 

the northern hemisphere; in addition, they constitute a dominant component, in terms of both numbers and/or 

biomass, of many epifaunal assemblages. Brackish Gammarus spp. are commonly considered as macrophagous 

herbivores/detritivores. Noticeably, for freshwaters a re-analysis of available data indicated that the spectrum of 

exploited food items is far wider than previously recognised. In particular, intraguild predation and cannibalism 

have been shown to be common, ultimately motivating a thorough revision of gammarideans trophism in terms of 

functional feeding group classification. Here, I present a global-scale survey of the available literature on C and 

N stable isotope signatures of i) gammarideans ii) basal resources and iii) other representatives of the macrobenthos 

of transitional environments. The potential contribution of intra- and interspecific predation to the observed 

isotopic signatures of gammarideans was evaluated by a mixing model procedure, assuming a 0.5 ‰ and 3.4 ‰ 

fractionation in C and N isotopes, respectively. In general, the diet of gammarideans was shown to rely mainly 

on living or decaying macrophytes, with uncommon evidences of cannibalism or inter-specific predation. These 

results are discussed and casted within a general conceptual framework explicitly considering the interplay 

among the peculiar trophic characteristics of transitional environments, the biology and ecology of gammaridean 

crustaceans and their role in channeling energy and matter towards higher trophic levels of the food chain. 



Estimating the fitness of benthic invertebrates in transitional 

waters: relationships between body condition indices 

and environmental pressures 

Estimation du “fitness” des invertébrés benthiques dans les eaux de transition : relations 

entre les indicateurs des conditions physiques des animaux et les pressions environnementales 

Pinna Maurizio 1 , I. Rosati 1 , S. Reizopoulou 2 , C. Arvanitidis 2 , A. Basset 1 

1. Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, S.P Lecce-Monteroni, 73100 Lecce - Italy 

2. Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Anavyssos - Greece 

maurizio.pinna@unisalento.it 

The physiological status of animals is potentially related to their evolutionary fitness and its implications are 

extended to many level of the ecological organization. Assessments of physiological status with tests of stamina 

or measurements of fat content can be difficult to determine being overly time-consuming and fatal. An easier 

estimation of physiological status can be obtained calculating body condition indices (BCIs); these require 

morphometric measures of animals. Relations between BCIs and ecological parameters, such as reproductive 

investment, survivorship and resource availability, have already been observed in aquatic and terrestrial populations. 

Animal health is an indicator of foraging success, competitive ability and ability to cope with environmental 

pressures. The literature is rich of studies carried out in laboratory on freshwater populations, but very few is 

known on relations between BCIs and environmental stressors in transitional waters. Since BCIs have all characteristics 

to be used as ecological indicators, we investigated the influence of abiotic and biotic features (lagoon 

size, temperature, taxonomic and body size guild structure) and stressors (salinity gradient and eutrophication) 

on BCIs of transitional water macroinvertebrates. The research was carried out on the most abundant and spacetime 

widely distributed macroinvertebrate species of 14 transitional waters in Adriatic, Aegean and Black Sea 

seas, using box corer and leaf pack to collect animals. More than 100,000 macroinvertebrates were collected, 

identified, measured, dried, weighted; ash content was separated by dry weight obtaining the biomass. The 

obtained results show that BCIs respond significantly to considered abiotic and biotic features and stressors. The 

mechanism of community organization, competitive pressures and filtering seem to be key ecological processes 

on BCIs values, determining the resource availability for individuals and populations in transitional waters. 

Uptake and release of material by the Pacific oyster 

Crassostrea gigas: an in situ comparison between reef-building 

and cultivated intertidal oyster populations in Arcachon Bay 

Consommation et rejets de matériels particulaires par l’huître japonaise Crassostrea gigas : 

comparaison in situ de populations d’huîtres cultivées et sauvages dans le Bassin d’Arcachon 

Salvo Flora, G. Bachelet, Y. Del Amo, B. Sautour, J.C. Massabuau, A. Grémare 

Université Bordeaux 1, CNRS, UMR 5805 EPOC, Station Marine d’Arcachon, 2 rue du Professeur Jolyet, 33120 Arcachon - France 

f.salvo@epoc.u-bordeaux1.fr 

The Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas was introduced in Arcachon Bay (SW France) in the 1970’s to replace 

stocks of local decimated populations. This bay offers favourable environmental conditions for oyster growth and 

reproduction to such a point that, nowadays, the stock of wild, reef-building oysters is equivalent to the stock of 

cultivated oysters. As an invasive species and an ecosystem engineer, oyster may change its local environment 

and create new biotopes. In Arcachon Bay, oysters are reared in plastic mesh bags placed on oyster-farming 

tables at 40 cm above the bottom; in these bags, oysters are at the same density and age. In reefs, oysters are 

agglomerated to each other and are heterogeneous in age; they are growing near the sediment, creating complex 

3D structures and forming new ecological niches. To compare the global functioning of these two types of oyster 

populations, we performed an in situ experiment at an intertidal site where both wild and cultivated oysters were 

present. Benthic tunnels, 20 m long, were deployed on both oyster reefs and oyster tables during a whole tidal 

cycle and at different periods of oyster physiological cycle (growing, reproduction, resting stage). The objective 

of this experiment was to quantify the seasonal impact of both oyster populations on the nutritive pool in the 

water column and to estimate trophic flux associated with their activity. From water samples taken at both ends 

of the tunnel, the uptake of material (nutrients, chlorophyll a, organic matter, planktonic species, total bacteria) 

by oysters was quantified. Preliminary results showed a significant decrease in phytoplankton and chlorophyll 

a concentrations during ebb tide, which was more important in the reef ecosystem than in cultivated oysters. 

These results were consistent in all seasons and correlated to the oyster feeding activity measured by valvometry. 

L’huître creuse Crassostrea gigas a été introduite dans le bassin d’Arcachon (SW France) dans les années 1970 pour palier au 

déclin des populations locales. Cette baie offre les conditions environnementales favorables à la croissance et la reproduction 

de cette espèce, à tel point qu’aujourd’hui, on retrouve autant de biomasse d’huîtres sous forme de récifs naturels que sous 

forme cultivée. L’huître est une espèce ingénieur d’écosystème et une espèce invasive, et peut modifier les conditions locales 

de milieu et créer de nouveaux biotopes. Dans le Bassin d’Arcachon, les huîtres sont cultivées dans des poches placées sur 

des tables ostréicoles à 40 cm du sol : les huîtres ont le même âge et la même densité. Dans les récifs naturels, les huîtres 

sont agglomérées les unes aux autres et sont hétérogènes en âge ; elles sont proches du sédiment et créent des structures 

3D complexes, formant ainsi de nouvelles niches écologiques. Pour comparer le fonctionnement global de ces deux types de 

populations, nous avons mis en place une expérimentation in situ sur un site intertidal, où ces deux populations étaient représentées. 

Des tunnels benthiques de 20 m de long ont été déployés le temps d’une marée et à différentes périodes du cycle 

physiologique des huîtres. L’objectif était de quantifier l’impact saisonnier de ces deux types de populations sur le pool nutritif 

et d’estimer les flux trophiques associés à leur activité. Des échantillons d’eau ont été prélevés à chaque extrémité du tunnel, 

la consommation de matière par les huîtres (nutriments, chlorophylle a, matière organique particulaire, espèces planctoniques, 

bactéries totales) a été quantifiée. Les résultats préliminaires montrent une diminution significative du phytoplancton et de la 

concentration en chlorophylle a pendant le jusant, plus important dans les récifs naturels que dans les huîtres cultivées. Ces 

résultats sont cohérents à toutes les saisons et à la mesure de l’activité alimentaire, mesurée par valvométrie. 



Environmental anomalies, energetic weakness and fatty acid 

modifications in oysters coincide with an exceptional mortality 

event in the Thau lagoon 

Anomalies environnementales, déficit énergétique et modifications des acides gras des huîtres 

lors d’un événement de mortalité exceptionnel dans l’étang de Thau 

Pernet Fabrice 1 , J. Barret 1 , C. Marty 2 , J. Moal 3 , P. Le Gall 1 , P. Boudry 3 


2. Cépralmar, Stratégie Concept Bât. 1, 1300 Av. Albert Einstein, 34000 Montpellier - France 

3. Ifremer, UMR M100 Physiologie et Ecophysiologie des Mollusques Marins, Technopole de Brest-Iroise, 29280 Plouzané - France 

fabrice.pernet@ifremer.fr 

Mortality of oysters Crassostrea gigas occurred along the coasts of France during the summer 2008, thus 

triggering the most important crisis in the French oyster production. Five groups of one year-old oysters from 

different origins and ploidy levels were deployed in the Thau lagoon and sampled for biometrical and biochemical 

analyses along with environmental parameters during the spring-summer 2008. Mortality occurred in 

two times between 13 May-10 June and 24 June-9 July. Wild oysters showed anticipated mortality compared 

to other groups but final mortality was 85% in all groups. Mortality occurred when seawater temperature was 

>19°C during the reproductive season while energetic reserves of oysters were the lowest. Energetic weakness 

and mortality in oysters seemed independent of the reproductive effort: they most likely reflected an unusual 

deficit in phytoplankton. Contribution of bacterial fatty acids in oysters increased markedly before the second 

mortality event, likely indicating an enhancement of the microbial loop or decomposition processes. In the mean 

time, unsaturation of oyster fatty acids decreased, which suggests diet change, acclimatization to increasing 

temperature, and most likely, oxidative damage due to an enhanced production of reactive oxygen species often 

associated with stressful situations. Wild and hatchery-bred oysters, which exhibit different mortality patterns, 

showed persistent differences in their membrane 20:5n-3 and 22:6n-3, despite the fact that they were reared 

in the same environment. Mortality started when 20:4n-6 increased until reaching ~3% in the polar lipids, 

suggesting that this ratio may be a useful indicator of the mortality risk. Finally, the 2008 mortality event 

coincide with a ~1.5°C increase in seawater overwintering temperature, which may impact the oyster and its 

pathogens. 

Functioning of subtidal microphytobenthos in a tropical coastal 

environment (New Caledonia): effects of inorganic and organic 

compound supplies on production and respiration 

Le fonctionnement du microphytobenthos subtidal dans un environnement tropical côtier 

(Nouvelle Calédonie) ; L’impact des rajouts expérimentaux de différents composés inorganiques 

et organiques sur la production photosynthétique et sur la respiration 

Bourgeois Solveig, S. Hochard, O. Pringault 

UR 103 Camélia, Centre IRD de Nouméa, Promenade Roger Laroque, BP A5, 98848 Nouméa Cedex - New Caledonia 

solveig.bourgeois@obs-banyuls.fr 

The microphytobenthos (MPB) is a main actor of the functioning of shallow ecosystems. In oligotrophic 

environments, its activity can be limited by the availability in organic or inorganic compounds. The objective 

of this study was to determine the consequences of a short-term enrichment (few hours), of organic (alanine, 

glutamate and glucose) and inorganic (ammonium, phosphate) compounds addition on Net Production (NP), 

Areal Gross Production (AGP) and Respiration (R) of MPB in the tropical lagoon of New Caledonia. For that 

purpose, two stations were studied, one under strong anthropogenic influence and a second one under more 

oceanic influence. For the station under low anthropogenic influence, AGP and R were both significantly 

stimulated by alanine, glucose and ammonium, and significantly inhibited by phosphate. The observed stimulation 

and inhibition could be explained by the changes in biomass observed at the sediment surface since the 

migration of MPB was controlled in similar manner by the same compounds. Since AGP and R exhibited similar 

responses to enrichments, this suggests a coupling between the autotrophic compartment and the heterotrophic 

compartment. In contrast, for the station under strong anthropic influence, AGP and R were controlled in independent 

manner. The addition of ammonium inhibited AGP without any consequence on R. Similarly, addition 

of phosphate had no effect on AGP even though it inhibited R. In this station, the coupling between autotrophs 

and heterotrophs was not evident suggesting thus that the carbon demand of the heterotrophic compartment 

is probably sustained by the supplies of allocthonous organic matter rather than by exudates of the autotrophic 

compartment. 



A new comer in the Thau lagoon (South of France): 

Paracartia grani (Copepoda, calanoida) population dynamics 

and role in the ecosystem 

Un nouvel arrivant dans la lagune de Thau (France Sud), Paracartia grani (Copepode Calanoïde) : 

dynamique des populations et rôle dans l’écosystème 

Boyer Séverine 1 , I. Arzul 2 , D. Bonnet 1 



2. Laboratoire de Génétique et Pathologie de l’IFREMER, BP 133, 17390 La Tremblade - France 

severine.boyer@univ-montp2.fr 

Since the last twenty years, a new species Paracartia grani has appeared in the Mediterranean Sea. This 

copepod has a North-eastern Atlantic and North Sea distribution and is encountered on common shelf and 

coastal waters. It was observed for the first time in the Thau lagoon in 1998. P. grani arrival in the Thau lagoon 

could be explained by the transfer of oysters from the Atlantic coast to the Mediterranean Sea. Since P. grani 

appearance in Thau, changes in zooplankton diversity have been noticed, with for example, the disappearance 

of the congeneric species Acartia latisetosa. Our study reports the occurrence of P. grani only half of the year 

in the column water of the lagoon. Population dynamics can be explained by the production of resting eggs 

allowing its survival during unfavourable conditions and providing a large pool of potential recruits and/or its 

advection from the coastal waters. Additionally, this copepod was proposed as an intermediate host for the paramyxean 

parasite Marteilia refringens which affects oysters (Ostrea edulis) and mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis, 

Mythilus edulis) survival. Biomolecular techniques (PCR) allowed us to detect the presence of M. refringens in 

P. grani population between September and November. P. grani could represent a potential threat for shell farms 

and wild bivalve populations in Thau lagoon where the production contributes to 10% of the French national 

production.Our work presents the first study on P. grani ecology and its role in the Thau lagoon ecosystem. 

Sea urchin and seagrasses: 

trophic fluxes in a benthic ecosystem 

from a coastal lagoon 

Les oursins et les herbiers marins : flux trophiques dans un écosystème benthique 

d’une lagune côtière 

Fernandez Catherine 1 , L. Ferrat 2 , P. Pergent 2 , V. Pasqualini 2 

1. Equipe Diversité Fonctionnelle des Communautés Végétales (DFCV), Institut Méditerranéen d’Ecologie et de Paléoécologie, 

(IMEP UMR CNRS 6116), Aix-Marseille Université - Centre de St Charles, Case 4, 13331 Marseille Cedex 03 - France 

2. Université de Corse, B.P. 52, 20250 Corte - France 

catherine.fernandez@univ-provence.fr 

Aquatic macrophytes, in particular the seagrasses, constitute a major component of lagoonal ecosystems. 

Generally, in seagrass beds and many other aquatic systems, consumer control is strong. In coastal lagoons, 

where seagrass beds are particularly extensive, there is only scarce data on seagrass herbivory. Sea urchins are 

found in lagunal ecosystems and are known to consume seagrass living tissue. In Mediterranean coastal lagoon, 

Paracentrotus lividus populations are important and the main consumers of Cymodocea nodosa beds. Using 

data measured in previous studies on these two trophic levels (e.g. biomass, densities, production, nutrition 

parameters), we evaluated the importance of P. lividus on C. nodosa herbivory in a Mediterranean coastal lagoon 

(Urbinu lagoon, Corsica). The results show that this sea urchin is assumed to consume, when density is around 

0.5 ind/m², about 1 to 7% of the C. nodosa production. Nevertheless, active movement of consumers among 

adjacent habitats influence nutrient fluxes. During sea urchin migration, density around 30 to 60 ind/m² was 

observed; consumption rates temporarily exceeded seagrass production. This imbalance between consumption 

and production causes the appearance of patches or urchin fronts where consumption reaches 100% of the 

C. nodosa production and induces overgrazing. 

Les magniolophytes aquatiques sont une composante importantes des écosystèmes lagunaires. Généralement, les herbiers 

sont, en partie, sous le contrôle des herbivores. Dans les lagunes côtières où les herbiers sont développés, peu de données sont 

disponibles sur les taux d’herbivorie. Les oursins vivant des ces écosystèmes lagunaires sont connus pour être des consommateurs 

d’herbiers. En Méditerranée, les populations de Paracentrotus lividus peuvent être importantes dans les lagunes et 

ils consomment en particuler les herbiers à Cymodocea nodosa. En utilisant des données d’études antérieures sur ces deux 

niveaux trophiques (e.g. biomasse, densités, production, paramètres de nutrition), nous avons évalué, dans une lagune Méditerranéenne 

(Etang d’Urbinu, Corse), l’importance de la consommation de P. lividus sur les herbiers à C. nodosa. Les résultats 

montrent que, lorsque cet oursin est présent en densité habituellement observé (0.5 ind/m 2 ), il consomme,entre 1 et 7% de la 

production de l’herbier à C. nodosa. Cependant les mouvements de consommateurs des habitats adjacents peuvent influencer 

ces flux : pendant les périodes de migration, des densités d’oursin de 30 to 60 ind/m 2 sont souvent observées. Les taux de 

consommations peuvent alors temporairement excéder la production des herbiers. Ce déséquilibre entre consommation et 

production engendre des fronts d’oursins où la consommation atteint 100% de la production d’herbier entrainant un surpaturage 

et la disparition temporaire des herbiers. 


ORAL PRESENTATION l 9 l Linking the scientific community with the coastal lagoon managers ORAL PRESENTATION l 9 l Linking the scientific community with the coastal lagoon managers 

The “Venice Platform Declaration”: 

towards a European coastal and marine stakeholders platform 

La “Déclaration de la Plate-forme de Venise” : 

vers une plateforme des acteurs littoraux et maritimes 

Campostrini Pierpaolo, M. Morelli 

CORILA - Consortium for Managing the Research in the Venice Lagoon System, San Marco 2847, Venice 30124 - Italy 

campostrini@corila.it 

The plurality of interests in coastal, marine and maritime matters has given rise to many networks in Europe. 

While this diversity is positive in the sense that many different communities of interest are represented, it is also 

a fragmented response to the need of sharing sound practice and knowledge. The “Integrated Maritime Policy 

for the EU” (COM(2007)575 final), adopted by the European Commission in October 2007, affirms the need to 

enhance a stakeholders consultation structure, as means of developing maritime policy and allowing the 

exchange of best practices. According to these considerations, during the LITTORAL2008 Conference, held in 

Venice from 25 to 28 of November 2008, 28 European coastal, marine and maritime networks and organisations 

signed the “Venice Platform Declaration” (among them, Lagunet). The document states a series of principles 

for the establishment of a common European Platform on sustainable coastal development and sustainable use 

of the sea. The Platform aims to improve cross-thematic cooperation between existing networks and to provide 

better relations and synergies between research, policy makers, industry and society. The Platform will support 

the EU Maritime Policy, ensuring the appropriate stakeholders involvement. In May 2009, during the EU Maritime 

Day in Rome, the Venice Platform idea received a support from the European Commission. The implementation 

of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (Directive 2008/56/CE), which represents the environmental 

pillar of the Maritime Policy, is the first opportunity for the Venice Platform to establish a structured dialogue 

with the Commission. The Marine Strategy Directive requires that EU Member States develop marine strategies, 

in several steps, to achieve a “good environmental status” by 2021. The paper will present the course of the 

Venice Platform initiative, taking into particular consideration the role of the platform in the implementation of 

the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. 

Exploring mental models of water managers 

in the Camargue biosphere reserve: 

research and management implications 

Exploration des modèles mentaux des gestionnaires de l’eau dans la réserve de biosphère 

de Camargue : recherche et conséquences en terme de gestion 

Mathevet Raphaël 

CNRS CEFE UMR 5175, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier Cedex 5 - France 

raphael.mathevet@cefe.cnrs.fr 

The Camargue Biosphere reserve is the Rhone river delta on the French Mediterranean coast. The water management 

(WM) of the central part of the delta is based on a deliberative process between the main stakeholders who 

are brought together in a Water Board. The WM is strongly influenced by the wind, marine and rainfall regimes. 

The seasonal variability and the unpredictability of the Mediterranean climate, coupled with global changes, 

generate a high level of uncertainty about the behavior of the lagoon and irrigation systems. This uncertainty 

can lead to conflicts between stakeholders and a kind of adaptive water management according to social, 

economic and ecological issues. A systemic model design method was applied to describe mental models of 

different stakeholders and to test whether the Water Board facilitated collective learning. Using consensus and 

social network analysis tools we compared the individual mental models of Water Board members and similar 

stakeholders not involved in the Water Board. The results showed: i) few differences in the representation of the 

system amongst Water Board members; ii) a significant difference between conceptual models of each group; 

iii) the richest mental model came from the collective workshops organized with Water Board members. The 

results and the usefulness and limits of the methodology will be discussed from the perspective of the adaptive 

co-management of the Camargue socio-ecological system. 


ORAL PRESENTATION l 9 l Linking the scientific community with the coastal lagoon managers ORAL PRESENTATION l 9 l Linking the scientific community with the coastal lagoon managers 

Bages-Sigean lagoon restoration: 

an example of science and management cooperation 

From scientific monitoring to integrated management 

in the Berre lagoon 

La restauration de la lagune de Bages-Sigean : un exemple de coopération entre gestion et science Du suivi scientifique à la gestion intégrée dans la lagune de Berre 

Fiandrino Annie 1 , K. Dusserre 2 , N. Malet 1 , L. Benau 2 , V. Derolez 1 , T. Laugier 1 , D. Munaron 3 , P. Souchu 3 , 

M. Barral 4 , L. Moragues 5 , N. Mazouni-Gaertner 6 


2. Parc Naturel Régional de la Narbonnaise, Domaine de Montplaisir, 11100 Narbonne - France 

3. Ifremer LERMPL, Laboratoire Environnement Ressources Morbihan - Pays de la Loire, Rue de L’Ile d’Yeu, B.P. 21105, 

44311 Nantes Cedex - France 

4. Région Languedoc-Roussillon, Direction Economie Rurale, Littorale et Touristique, 201 Av. de la Pompignane, 34000 Montpellier - France 

5. Agence de l’Eau Rhône - Méditerranée et Corse, Immeuble le Mondial, 284 Chemin du mas de Carbonnier, 34000 Montpellier - France 

6. Cépralmar, Stratégie Concept Bat 1, 1300 Ave Albert Einstein, 34000 Montpellier - France 

annie.fiandrino@ifremer.fr 

Collaboration between managers and scientists about the protection of the Bages-Sigean lagoon started in the 

late 90s with the creation of a local management structure and the development of the Lagoon Monitoring 

Network (LMN) diagnostic tools. First eutrophication diagnostic results on Bages-Sigean lagoon have contributed 

to local (politic) and public awareness and commitment to reverse eutrophication in this lagoon mainly 

dedicated to traditional fishery. Thus Bages-Sigean lagoon was included into the first Water Management Plan 

of the Rhône Mediterranean basin. The management of the whole hydrosystem (the lagoon and its watershed) 

authorized improvements of the collective wastewater system around the lagoon, according to specific 

rules on nitrate and phosphorus treatment. Complementary actions allowed restoring a part of the sea-lagoon 

exchanges highly modified by channel planning in the last decades. Ecosystem-based management advanced by 

more effectively integrated research and management: hydrodynamics lagoon models, management scenarios, 

evaluation of nutrient inputs from the watershed, eutrophication monitoring facilitated more adaptive management. 

Elsewhere, the Natural Regional Park paid attention to the diffusion of the scientific knowledge, with 

the organization of public meetings, meetings with fishermen, official presentations. The results are encouraging, 

particularly decreasing of nitrate and phosphorus fluxes by 5 folds and the water quality improvement on 

eutrophication parameters. Sea-lagoon exchanges increased of about 20%. The manager / scientist collaboration 

offers many perspectives for the future, on this lagoon where ecological stakes are important (biodiversity, 

migratory area, landscape quality). 

La collaboration entre gestionnaires et scientifiques pour de la sauvegarde de l’étang de Bages-Sigean a débuté à la fin des 

années 90 lors de la mise en place d’une structure locale de gestion et de la construction de l’outil de diagnostic du Réseau 

de Suivi Lagunaire. Les premiers diagnostics de l’état de cette lagune vis-à-vis de l’eutrophisation ont abouti à une prise de 

conscience locale des enjeux liés à la qualité de l’eau sur une lagune principalement vouée à la pêche artisanale. Ces informations 

relayées auprès des services de l’Etat ont permis une reconnaissance de la sensibilité de la lagune à l’eutrophisation. La 

prise en compte de l’hydrosystème dans sa globalité a permis des mises en conformité de l’assainissement collectif autour de 

l’étang en imposant des contraintes spécifiques sur le traitement de l’azote et du phosphore. Des actions complémentaires ont 

été engagées telles que la restauration des échanges mer-étang qui étaient fortement perturbés par d’anciens ouvrages sur le 

grau. L’accompagnement du travail de gestion s’est traduit par la mise en place d’outils spécifiques de recherche appliquée : 

modélisation hydrodynamique de l’étang, tests de scénarios de gestion, estimation des flux de nutriments, suivi de l’impact 

des rejets de station d’épuration. Par ailleurs le mode de diffusion local de la connaissance scientifique a fait l’objet d’une 

attention particulière par les gestionnaires au travers de réunions publiques, rencontres avec les pêcheurs, restitutions en 

comité d’étang. Les résultats obtenus sont encourageants avec une diminution d’un facteur 5 des flux d’azote et de phosphore, 

l’amélioration sur l’ensemble de la lagune de la qualité des eaux vis-à-vis de paramètres indicateurs de l’eutrophisation. Les 

échanges mer-étang ont été augmentés d’environ 20%. De nombreuses perspectives existent pour la poursuite et le renforcement 

de ce partenariat gestion/recherche sur une lagune où les enjeux écologiques sont particulièrement forts. 

Picon Philippe, G. Bernard 

GIPREB, Cours Mirabeau, 13130 Berre l’étang - France 

philippe.picon@gipreb.fr 

Located between the Gulf of Fos and Marseilles’ bay (Bouches-du-Rhône, France), the Berre lagoon is one of 

the largest Mediterranean brackish lagoons (155 km²). At the turn of the 20th century, urban development and 

industrialisation (especially petrochemicals) of the lagoon region resulted in a steady increase in pollution. From 

1966, the diversion of the Durance River towards the Saint Chamas hydroelectric power plant then into the 

Berre lagoon resulted in a heavy input of freshwater, the decline of surface water salinity from 24-36 to 1-22, 

stratification with low salinity water down to 5 m and more salty water at depth, eutrophication and unstable 

ecological conditions. As a consequence, the ecosystem underwent dramatic regression and activities such 

professional fishing and recreational activities have declined. From the 1990’s the Berre lagoon restoration 

has been actively supported by local stakeholders and became a major local political issue. The Gipreb, public 

organization for Berre lagoon management and restoration, has been created in 2000, in order to define and 

implement the ecosystem recovery and to restore the constrained uses. The management plan includes scientific 

studies and monitoring of the lagoon ecosystem. Scientific knowledge, operational and experimental studies 

coupled with iterative approach gives thus the keys to define restoration objectives. As a feed-back, the ecological 

monitoring aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the management plan. 


ORAL PRESENTATION l 9 l Linking the scientific community with the coastal lagoon managers ORAL PRESENTATION l 10 l Management and Governance objectives 

Constraints, limits and perspectives 

for Integrated Coastal Zone Management 

in the Rhone river delta (GIZCAM project) 

Gestion Intégrée d’une Zone humide littorale méditerranéenne aménagée : contraintes, limites et 

perspectives pour l’Ile de CAMargue (GIZCAM) 

Chauvelon Philippe 

Tour du Valat, centre de recherche pour la conservation des zones humides méditerranéennes, Le Sambuc, 13200 Arles - France 

chauvelon@tourduvalat.org 

The multidisciplinary research project “GIZCAM” coordinated several research axes in order to promote Integrated 

Coastal Zone Management. A simulation model of the “Ile de Camargue” (Rhone delta central area) hydrological 

functioning was developed, in particular for hydraulic crisis (river floods and sea storms) situation. This 

tool is based in particular on data generated by a GIS, whose implementation will lead to a control board of delta 

land use and coastal lagoon morphology recent evolution. The evolution of coastline and bathymetric profiles 

in most sensible areas were studied on a quantitative basis in relation with existing coastal defence structures 

and wave forcing. It was demonstrated that submarine erosion occur in front of frontal dykes, and coastal retreat 

downdrift of groynes, were no stabilisation occurred in 30 years. Pesticides fluxes were modelled at the scale of 

rice farm and an integrated hydrosystem pesticide transfer model developed and tested. A field experiment was 

conducted using radon radioactive natural gaz to quantify groundwater flux to the central lagoon. Hydro-saline 

and suspended material fluxes of sea lagoon surface exchanges were quantified. Empirical study was conducted, 

focusing on understanding actions, decision making processes, and their impact on the functioning of the water 

executive commission. A role-playing game based on companion modelling tool, was developed to assess negotiation 

processes while searching to establish sustainable management rules for coastal wetlands. 

Le projet GIZCAM (programme LITEAU 2) a proposé la coordination de plusieurs axes de recherche ayant pour objectif de 

tendre vers la gestion intégrée de la zone côtière. Il s’agissait de développer un modèle de simulation du fonctionnement hydrologique 

de l’Ile de Camargue, de le rendre plus modulaire afin de pouvoir intégrer de nouvelles options de gestion hydraulique, 

particulièrement en conditions critiques (crues et surcotes marines). Cet outil s’appuie en particulier sur des données générées 

par un Système d’Information Géographique (SIG), qui permet la mise en place d’un tableau de bord de l’état de l’occupation 

du sol et de l’évolution morphologique des étangs. L’évolution récente du trait de côte et des profils bathymétriques dans les 

secteurs les plus sensibles, en relation avec les aménagements de protection réalisés et le forçage par la houle, ont été étudiés 

sur une base quantitative permettant de mettre en évidence l’érosion sous marine devant les digues frontales et l’érosion en 

aval dérive des épis, sans stabilisation sur 30 ans. Les transferts de pesticides utilisés en riziculture, depuis l’entrée sur le 

bassin versant ont été modélisé à l’échelle d’une exploitation, et un modèle intégré de transfert dans l’hydrosystème a été 

développé et testé. Une expérimentation de terrain a été menée, basée sur les flux de radon gaz radioactif naturel, pour quantifier 

les apports d’eaux souterraines aux étangs. Les flux hydro-salins et de matière en suspension de surface associés aux 

échanges de surface entre lagune et étangs ont été quantifiés. Une étude a été menée, visant la compréhension des actions, 

processus décisionnels, de leur impact sur le fonctionnement de la commission exécutive de l’eau de l’Ile de Camargue. La 

modélisation d’accompagnement, orientée jeu de rôle a été utilisée pour animer la réflexion dans la recherche d’un compromis 

dans la négociation sur les règles de gestion durable des zones humides littorales. 

Population status and distribution of sand gobies 

in a lagoon Site of Community Interest (S.I.C.) 

Etat et distribution des populations de gobies buhottes dans une lagune labellisée 

Site d’Intérêt Communautaire (S.I.C.) 

Franco Anita, P. Franzoi, S. Malavasi, M. Zucchetta, P. Torricelli 

University of Venice - Dep. Environmental Sciences, Castello 2737/B, 30122 Venezia - Italy 

afranco@unive.it 

Ensuring biodiversity, through the conservation of natural habitats, such as coastal lagoons, and of their wild 

flora and fauna, is the main objective of the Habitat and Species Directive (92/43/EC). Within this framework, 

the Northern basin of the Venice lagoon has been designated as a site of community interest (S.C.I.). This 

basin, like other transitional water bodies, is characterized by the presence of several environmental gradients 

and aquatic habitats, and this spatial variability reflects on the fish species distribution. Three sand gobies, 

Pomatoschistus marmoratus, Pomatoschistus canestrinii and Knipowitschia panizzae, in particular, were investigated 

in their distribution in the area and their populations’ status was assessed in order to highlight the value 

of different habitats for these species. Fish were bi-monthly surveyed by means of a standardised semi-quantitative 

sampling (seine net) from March 2004 to June 2005 in 10 stations located along a confinement gradient 

and over different habitats. P. marmoratus distributed in all sites with a preference for unvegetated bottoms at 

medium-high confinement levels. Also K. panizzae occurred in almost all sites, but with higher density in the 

inner lagoon areas, particularly within marsh creeks. P. canestrinii as well preferred inner marsh areas, where 

it only occurred. The population structure, the reproductive condition and the secondary production of these 

species was then analysed highlighting spatial differences in the status of each species population, possibly 

ascribed to a different suitability of the different habitats towards these species. These results were discussed 

in the light of the assessment of the value of lagoon habitats to resident fish species, and prove to be of main 

interest for the species conservation, particularly for those indicated in the Directive as of community interest, 

such as P. canestrinii and K. panizzae. 


ORAL PRESENTATION l 10 l Management and Governance objectives ORAL PRESENTATION l 10 l Management and Governance objectives 

Interactions between ecosystem and human environment: 

adaptation strategies for Baltic coastal waters 

Interactions entre écosystème et environnement humain : stratégies d’adaptation pour les eaux 

côtières de la mer Baltique 

Störmer Oda, M. Mossbauer, G. Scherneswki, T. Neumann 

Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemuende, 18119 Rostock-Warnemünde - Germany 

oda.stoermer@io-warnemuende.de 

The need for action and adaptation strategies in the Coastal regions of the Baltic Sea, especially for key regions 

like coastal lagoons, due to Climate Change is of great importance to the EU and Germany as the great projects 

RADOST and BaltCICA currently show. Related to their goals, the impact of Climate Change on all aspects 

of the aquatic system is investigated. A special focus lies on interactions within the ecosystem and between 

the ecosystem, socio-economy and infrastructures for a main challenge in coastal lagoon management is the 

understanding of those interactions and their effects. The correlations will be shown in a matrix and concretized 

in the evaluation of model regions. For Climate Change will lead to various impacts on natural and social systems, 

all kinds of regional relevant problems have to be filtered out. A main problem can be seen in changes in water 

quality. Consequences like an increased jelly fish occurrence, toxic algae blooms, sea weed accumulation and 

hygienically relevant factors like pathogens will cause multifactorial problems in the actual use pattern in coastal 

lagoon regions. E.g., problems appear in case of toxic algae blooms via human health problems (e.g. skin 

contact), poisoning and mortality of marine organisms, ecosystem damage (e.g. oxygen depletion) and economic 

losses (e.g. preventing fish farming). Those multifactorial problems need an interdisciplinary approach and the 

involvement of all related actors. Depending on the regional requirements this will affect the local tourism, fisheries, 

aquacultures, coastal protection structures, harbour economy and sea traffic. The presentation will give an 

overview about all affected marine uses and the interactions between ecosystem, socio-economy and infrastructures, 

demonstrated in an interaction matrix. It will further focus on the relevant problems and show how socioeconomic 

and ecological features have to be translated into regionalized strategies for an effective solution. 

The Macta wetland: a coastal ecosystem to protect 

in Western Algeria 

La zone humide de la Macta, un site à protéger sur le littoral ouest de l’Algérie 

Ghodbani Tarik 

Département de géographie et d’aménagement du territoire, Université d’Oran Es-Senia - Algeria 

ghodbani_tarik@yahoo.fr 

La Macta is a triangle-shaped depression, which encloses a littoral marshes complex, receiving its water input 

through a dense temporary hydrographic system. This wetland, 40,000 ha in surface, hosts a rich biotope, and 

constitutes a biodiversity hotspot for Algeria and the Mediterranean Basin. Increasing anthropogenic pressure 

resulted in a constant environmental perturbation of this fragile ecosystem. Disequilibrium started early during 

the last century with marsh draining and wood clearings of Tamarix forests for agricultural purposes. Parallel with 

this conversion, more than five reservoirs were constructed upstream of the major “Oueds” tributaries of La Macta, 

in order to ensure water supply for the new agricultural area. After the independence of Algeria, the draining 

was stopped due both to shortage of finances and perturbation of the colonial agriculture system. This situation 

favoured the regeneration of several marsh zones, mostly close to the sea. More recently, new pressures threat 

the sustainability of the La Macta ecosystem. Theses are linked to several factors: overgrazing of cattle roaming 

from South West of the country to the Tell, illegal hunting of migratory birds after uncontrolled release of guns 

to hunters after 2000’s security conditions enhancement, and finally the launch of highway projects such as 

the East-West highway linking Mascara Wilaya to Oran. The registration of La Macta, in 2002, as a wetland to 

be protected in the frame of Ramsar Convention, together with the promulgation of a national littoral protection 

act, will eventually ensure integrated and sustainable protection of this system. Nevertheless, field investigations 

and interviews with local actors of the management highlighted the difficulties for implementation of the 

recommended protection measures. Actually, the absence of a juridical definition and framework for the La 

Macta protected area (not yet registered at the state level), the exclusion of local population in decision making 

and conflicting interests of end users are the most constraining factors that preclude protection initiatives. The 

goal of this presentation is to present the natural potential of the La Macta wetland, and to analyze the different 

factors that threat its equilibrium. I will discuss the issues related to the protection and conservation of this area. 

La Macta est une dépression de forme triangulaire qui ferme un complexe de marais littoraux alimenté par un réseau hydrographique 

temporaire et dense. Cette zone humide de 40 000 ha de surface, abrite un très riche biotope, elle représente un 

pôle de biodiversité à l’échelle de l’Algérie et du bassin méditerranéen. La multiplication des actions anthropiques n’ont pas 

cessé de perturber l’environnement de cet écosystème fragile. Les déséquilibres ont débuté, durant le siècle dernier, avec 

les opérations d’assèchement des marais et l’arrachage de centaines d’hectares de forêt de Tamarix pour une mise en valeur 

agricole. En parallèle aux travaux de drainage et de défrichement, plus de cinq barrages ont été construits en amonts des 

principaux oueds traversant par la Macta, pour subvenir aux besoins des nouveaux périmètres agricoles. Après l’indépendance, 

l’assèchement n’est plus pratiqué faute de moyens financier, d’une part, et la déstabilisation du système agricole colonial, 

d’autre part. Cette situation, a favorisé une régénération de quelques zones de marais, en particulier celles proches de la 

mer. Plus récemment, d’autres pressions menacent dangereusement l’équilibre écologique de la Macta. Elles sont liés à un 

ensemble de facteurs : un surpâturage favorisé par la transhumance d’important cheptel des régions sud-ouest du pays vers 

le Tell, le braconnage d’oiseaux migrateurs causé par la restitution, non contrôlée, des fusils de chasse aux chasseurs de la 

région suite à l’amélioration des conditions sécuritaires en 2000 et enfin, le lancement de grands projets traversant les bords 

des lagunes, tels que l’autoroute est-ouest reliant la wilaya de Mascara à Oran. Le classement de la Macta, en 2002, dans le 

cadre de la convention Ramsar, comme zone humide à protéger, ainsi que la promulgation, dernièrement, d’une loi littorale, 

devraient normalement assurer une protection intégrée et durable de cet espace. Cependant, nos investigations de terrain et les 

entretiens que nous avons menés avec les différents acteurs impliqués dans la gestion de cet espace, ont montré l’existence 

de difficultés dans la mise en œuvre des actions de sauvegardes préconisées. En effet, l’absence d’un cadre juridique d’aire 

protégé pour la Macta, due à un non classement du site à l’échelle nationale, la non intégration de la population locale dans la 

prise de décision et les rapports conflictuels entre les différents usagers, représentent les principales contraintes qui bloquent, 

actuellement, toute tentative de protection. Le but de cette communication est de présenter les potentialités naturelles de la 

zone humide de la Macta et d’analyser les différents facteurs qui menacent son équilibre. Des éléments de réflexion seront 

abordés sur les enjeux autour des opérations de sauvegarde. 



Proactive involvement of fishermen in environmental 

approaches, as essential stakeholders of lagoons 

Implication proactive des professionnels de la pêche dans la gestion des lagunes 

ainsi que dans les démarches environnementales 

Rodriguez Thibaut 

Comité Régional des Pêches Maritimes et des Élevages Marins du Languedoc Roussillon - Maison des métiers de la mer et des lagunes 

Rue des Cormorans - Le Barrou - 34200 Sete - France 

crpmem.lr@wanadoo.fr 

Conscious that their activity depends on long term conservation of ecosystems, commercial fishermen who are 

working on lagoons of the Languedoc-Roussillon region (S France), are involved continually in defending their 

expectations and stakes. This will is particularly expressed by the important representation of their profession 

in consultation and decision proceedings of these territories. Their involvement as influential stakeholders is 

essential in order to ensure efficiency of measure that can be elaborated locally. However, the multiplication of 

meetings, the development of various management structures and their partition have induced a rise of fishermen 

representatives entreaty and a decrease of visibility on those management structures’ thematic skills or 

functioning. For instance, it has been the case concerning the recent implementation of Natura 2000 directives 

or the application of national involvement in international conventions. The goal of our intervention is to present 

how professional organizations work at representing lagoons fisheries interests, how they initiate innovative 

projects and how they achieve a proactive participation in order to appear as essential stakeholders. This way, 

it will be interesting to focus on how it will be possible to combine the biodiversity conservation objectives and 

the sustainable practice of lagoons fisheries. Communication means employed to give visibility on management 

mechanisms articulation, and consultation and implication objectives developed into the fisheries organizations, 

will also be presented like necessary conditions to environmental approaches acceptance. 

Conscients de la dépendance de leur métier au maintien à long terme des écosystèmes lagunaires, les pêcheurs professionnels 

des lagunes du Languedoc-Roussillon se sont investis de longue date pour faire reconnaître leurs attentes ainsi que les enjeux 

des milieux qu’ils exploitent. Cette volonté s’est notamment exprimée via une représentation importante de la profession dans 

les différentes instances de concertation ou de décision de ces territoires ; leur implication en tant que gestionnaires de milieux 

étant en effet essentielle pour assurer l’efficacité des mesures pouvant être mises en œuvre. Cependant, la démultiplication des 

réunions, structures et instances de gestion, et le cloisonnement de chacune d’entre elles, ont induit une sollicitation toujours 

plus importante des représentants professionnels, ainsi qu’une diminution de la visibilité sur la répartition des compétences 

et des domaines d’action de ces structures et instances gestionnaires. Ceci a été particulièrement le cas avec la mise en place 

de la démarche Natura 2000 en réponse aux attentes des directives Habitat et Oiseaux, ou encore l’application des différents 

engagements internationaux pris par la France (Convention sur la diversité biologique, par exemple). Notre intervention aura 

pour but de présenter comment les organisations professionnelles travaillent à la représentation des intérêts de la pêche 

lagunaire, souhaitent apparaître comme force de proposition sur des projets novateurs, voire se positionnent de façon proactive 

comme gestionnaires des milieux afin de rendre effective la possibilité de coupler protection et maintien à long terme des 

activités. Les moyens de communication et de sensibilisation mis en œuvre pour donner plus de visibilité à la superposition 

et l’articulation des mécanismes de gestion, ainsi que les objectifs d’implication et de concertation développés au sein de la 

profession seront également exposés comme les conditions nécessaires à l’acceptation de ces démarches environnementales. 

Information systems, Observatory: 

new tools for public action ? 

Observatoires : vers des outils intégrés d’aide à l’action publique 

Gaertner-Mazouni Nabila 1 , H. Rey-Valette 2 , L. Loubersac 3 , T. Libourel 4 , F. Huynh 5 , J.C. Desconnets 5 


2. LAMETA, Faculté de sciences économiques, Avenue de la Mer - Site de Richter C.S. 79606, 34960 Montpellier Cedex 2 - France 

3. Ifremer, 101, Promenade Roger Laroque, Centre IRD, BP 2059 - 98846 Nouméa Cedex - New Caledonia 

4. LIRMM, UMR 5506 - CC 477, 161 rue Ada, 34392 Montpellier Cedex 5 - France 

5. IRD, Maison de la Télédétection, 500 Rue Breton, 34000 Montpellier - France 

nabila.gaertner-mazouni@upf.pf 

Situated at the interface between the terrestrial and marine domains, coastal lagoons are characterised by highly 

variable environmental conditions, by high levels of biological production and biodiversity. However, coastal 

lagoon managers do still not dispose of a proper operational framework which might enable the reconciliation of 

two frequently conflicting facets of the management process, i.e., the economic development and the conservation 

of the ecological value of these interface environments. In addition, the multiplicity of decision making 

levels and of different territorial management scales, seriously complicates the sharing of information between 

the various stakeholders in the coastal zone. In this context, the need for effective communication between 

the different stakeholders for successful implementation of coastal zone management plans and policies is 

paramount. This is exemplified by the diverse fields of disciplines of scientists and policy makers involved in 

coastal management. The need to develop tools favouring communication between the various stakeholders was 

already apparent in the convention on biological diversity (Rio de Janeiro Summit, 1992), which underlined the 

necessity of organizing “an exchange of information from all sources, accessible to the public”. In 1998, the 

Aarhus Convention covered access to environmental information in the interest of public participation. In this 

perspective, we will present a pilot operation, conducted by the Regional council of the Languedoc-Roussillon 

(SYSCOLAG) and which constituted an original experimentation of a knowledge pooling system applied to the 

field of integrated coastal zone management. The aim of the SYSCOLAG program was to constitute a real interface 

between “knowledge” (issued from the scientific community in the various disciplines involved in the 

coastal zone, as well as the stakeholders in the coastal zone, elected officials, etc.) and the “users of knowledge” 

(managers, local authority technicians, scientists, professional users of the sea, environmental protection 

associations, schools, etc.). The system developed is based on a know-how (particularly in integrated expertise 

and information systems) and an array of information processing tools destined for a public of experts and for 

the general public. 

Comme souligné dans de nombreuses conventions internationales, l’accès aux connaissances représente un enjeu fondamental 

pour la mise en place d’une gestion intégrée et durable. Ecosystèmes d’interface, les lagunes côtières constituent des territoires 

particuliers où se cristallisent de nombreux enjeux, parfois contradictoires. Sur ces territoires, la mise en œuvre d’une gestion 

intégrée nécessite donc de mobiliser des ensembles hétérogènes et distribués de “connaissance”. Dans cette perspective, 

le développement de systèmes d’information adaptés peut constituer un point d’appui stratégique des politiques publiques de 

gestion, de développement et d’aménagement des territoires lagunaires. Engagée dans cette démarche, la Région Languedoc- 

Roussillon a réalisé une expérience innovante dans le cadre du programme de recherches Syscolag. Basée sur un partenariat 

étroit avec le monde de la recherche, cette démarche visait à construire une véritable interface entre les “utilisateurs” et les 

“producteurs” de la “connaissance”. Pour illustrer ces propos, une présentation du dispositif général et des produits (démonstrateurs) 

réalisés est proposée. 



Towards a bathing water information system for tourism and 

management: Spatio-temporal risk assessment of harmful 

micro-organisms in a coastal lagoon 

Vers un système d’information des eaux de baignade pour le tourisme et la gestion : 

évaluation spatio-temporelle du risque d’espèces nuisibles dans une lagune côtière 

Schernewski Gerald, E. Fischer 

Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemuende, 18119 Rostock-Warnemünde - Germany 

schernewski@eucc-d.de 

Tourism is the major source of income along the southern Baltic Sea coast. In the Oder/Odra estuary, microorganisms 

like cyanobacteria, Escherichia coli, Salmonella or Vibrio vulnificus recently caused a closing of beaches 

and are perceived a major threat for tourism and recreation. Therefore, a water quality information and early 

warning system for the region is being developed within the EU-FP7 project GENESIS. Model simulations play 

a major role in the system and we present a concrete application example: we compiled and analysed possible 

micro-organisms sources and their importance for water quality based on calculations and monitoring, applied a 

highly resolved 3-D flow model to simulate the spatial and temporal behavior of organisms for concrete summer 

situations and apply the model to evaluate the temporal and spatial contamination risk for exemplary beaches 

with intensive swimming activities under different weather conditions. Future challenges and threats and possible 

impacts of Climate Change will be discussed. 

Integrated management of the mainland of the Venice lagoon, 

a case study of the municipality of Mira 

Gestion intégrée des terres intérieures de la lagune de Venise : 

étude de cas de la municipalité de Mira 

Gissi Elena, D. Patassini 

University Iuav, Santa Croce 1957, 30135 Venezia - Italy 

elena.gissi@gmail.com 

The Venice Lagoon is undergoing a long term transformation of its governance and management system, due in 

2050-2100. MAV’s latest (2010) Morphological Plan of the Lagoon (Magistrato alle Acque di Venezia- Water 

Authority), and a redefinition of the general planning system (regional, provincial and municipal), will accompany 

the development of the lagoon on themes like harbours and sea defence. Moreover, European Directives 

on Water Framework 2000/60/EC and on Marine Strategy (2008/56/EC) entail governance and management of 

transition areas. In view of such changes, our study proposes a model of governance centred primarily on the 

water system’s structural factors. The latter are in turn interrelated with the lagoon’s water and its hydrological 

drainage system, according to special and ordinary rules and regulations. The model is conceived around the 

Lagoon’s waterfront and its surroundings, with special focus on the town of Mira. The town is organised in 

various settlements located within an area marked by lagoon transition waters and a wide drainage basin that 

stretch to include Veneto’s inland alluvial plains, a positive sedimentary balance requiring constant maintenance 

to avoid it from disappearing. The study area, located near the port of Fusina and its logistic facilities, is in 

direct contact with artificial islands -areas of ecological significance. The aim of our study is to promote lagoon 

functions and its natural habitat to encourage its conservation and a compatible development. 



Department and management structure: the example 

of the Etang de l’Or (Collaboration of the Hérault Department 

with the Syndicat for the management of the Etang de l’Or) 

Brémond Julie 1 , N. Vazzoler 2 

1. Conseil général de l’Hérault, Pôle Eau Environnement, Département Eau et milieux aquatiques, Hôtel du Département, 1000 rue d’Alco, 


2. Syndicat mixte de gestion de l’étang de l’Or, chemin des 3 ponts, 34400 Lunel Viel - France 

jbremond@cg34.fr 

The strategy of the Hérault department will be presented with examples on how it responds to specific problems 

and its approach for organizing dialogue and consultation for the management of catchments area. This paper 

will present how management of the Etang de l’Or and its catchment area have developed based on a succession 

of approaches entrusted to the Syndicat for the management of the Etang de l’Or (Syndicat mixte de gestion 

de l’étang de l’Or). These include a Coastal bay contract, Natura 2000, an Action programme for promoting 

agriculture that is more respectful for the environment, programme Life, and the preparation of a future Coastal 

bay contract and the possible development of a new structure for a catchment area Syndicat. 

Présentation de la stratégie du Département : de la réponse à des problèmes ponctuels, jusqu’aux démarches de concertation 

et de gestion par bassin versant. 

Présentation de l’évolution de la gestion qu’a connu et continue de connaître cette lagune et son bassin versant, au travers 

de la succession des démarches qui sont confiées à ce syndicat (Contrat de baie, Natura 2000, programme d’action et de 

sensibilisation pour une agriculture respectueuse du milieu, programme Anguille, préparation d’un futur contrat de baie, projet 

d’évolution de la structure en syndicat de bassin versant ). 

Negotiated and contractual reference documents; their importance, 

limitations and articulation as contributions to Integrated Coastal 

Zone Management and how these are respected by the different 

stakeholders in the French Mediterranean coastal regions 

Département et structure de gestion : exemple de l’étang de l’Or (collaboration du département 

de l’Hérault avec le syndicat mixte de gestion de l’étang de l’Or) Les documents de référence négociés et contractuels (DOCOB, SAGE, Contrats d’étang, 

charte de PNR, trame verte et bleue, SCOT...) : leur intérêt, leurs limites, leur respect 

par les acteurs des lagunes en Paca, Corse et LR et leur articulation pour aboutir 

à une gestion intégrée des zones côtières 

Romani Marie 1 , V. Mauclert 2 , G. Le Viol 3 , D. Crépin 1 

1. Conservatoire des Espaces Naturels du Languedoc Roussillon, 474 Allée henri II de Montmorency, 34000 Montpellier - France 

2. Tour du Valat - Centre de recherche pour la conservation des zones humides méditerranéennes, Le Sambuc, 13200 Arles - France 

3. Office de l’Environnement de la Corse, Avenue Jean Nicoli, 20250 Corte, Corse - France 

pole.lagunes.lr@cenlr.org 

The wetlands in the French Mediterranean coastal zone benefit from different protection instruments comprising 

management conventions (Charte) for regional natural parcs and selected territories, contrats d’étangs 

ou de baie (lagoon or coastal bay contracts) established by the Regional Governments, management plans for 

nature reserves, legal measures regulating land-ownership with specific acquisition rights (maîtrisse foncière) 

attributed to the Conservatoire du Littoral, Natura 2000 contracts, agro-environmental and aqua-environmental 

measures. Presently, such contractual instruments are being used for the majority of the Mediterranean lagoons. 

This can be explained by the need to regulate conflicts and dysfunction related to the multifunctionality of these 

areas and to the pressures on the lagoon systems. Management of the urgent every day problems has, however, 

often relayed the integrated management of these systems to a level of secondary concern. As a matter of fact, 

most often the issues of defining the boundaries, the body for concertation and decision making, the road maps 

all depend strongly on the contractual instrument and only allow a partial multidisciplinary integration. The 

coastal wetland zones are also subjected to the legal spatial planning instruments, which in France comprise 

SDAGE, SAGE, SCOT, PLU and others. These instruments are often coordinated and integrated among them and 

subsequently applied in a decentralized manner. To better advance towards an integrated management, these 

different tools and instruments need to be considered in a coherent framework. Such a framework should be 

defined based on identification of the issues (enjeux) on a wide scale for each territory at its pertinent spatial 

scale and using a transversal prospective approach that should cope with the aims and spirit of integrated management 

processes. In this respect, the exchange of experiences through the different networks of the lagoon 

managers (i.e., Transfer unit for mediterranean lagoons, RENPLR, RRGMA, REN, PACA and others) appear as 

very useful and are requested more often by the lagoon managers. In addition, sea level rise should be better 

taken into account for the prospective analyses of the coastal territories. Transfer unit for mediterranean lagoons 

has edited a brochure titled “mieux gérer les lagunes” (how to better manage the lagoons), which reviews all 

the tools and instruments currently employed for lagoon management. Transfer unit for mediterranean lagoons 

is currently updating the juridical guide for wetlands, which will critically review the advantages and constraints 

of the different tools and instruments and which will be presented during the conference. 

Les zones humides littorales bénéficient de plusieurs instruments à caractère conventionnel, comme les chartes des parcs naturels régionaux, les chartes 

de territoires ou les contrats d’étangs ou de baie, les conventions de gestion (réserves naturelles) ou de maîtrise foncière (Conservatoire du littoral), les contrats 

Natura 2000, les mesures agro-environnementales ou aqua-environnementales. A ce jour, la plupart des lagunes méditerranéennes présentent de tels instruments 

contractuels. Ceci semble s’expliquer par la nécessité de gérer des conflits et des dysfonctionnements issus de la multifonctionnalité de ces espaces 

et des pressions qu’ils subissent. Cette gestion de l’urgence quotidienne a cependant souvent mis la gestion intégrée en second plan. En effet, sur la majeure 

partie des complexes lagunaires, périmètre, organe de concertation et décisionnel, calendrier, sont propres à chaque dispositif et ne permettent qu’une intégration 

disciplinaire partielle. Les zones humides littorales sont également couvertes par des outils de planification (SDAGE, SAGE, SCOT et PLU, trame verte 

et bleue ) à différentes échelles ; ces outils sont souvent intégrés et mis en œuvre de manière décentralisée. Pour avancer encore davantage vers une véritable 

gestion intégrée, la mise en cohérence des différents instruments et outils devra passer par la définition d’enjeux globaux sur chaque territoire, à une échelle 

pertinente, dans le cadre d’une démarche prospective transversale, satisfaisant aux objectifs et à l’esprit du processus de gestion intégrée. En la matière, 

l’échange d’expériences et la mutualisation à travers les réseaux de gestionnaires (Pôle relais lagunes méditerranéennes, RENPLR, RRGMA, REN PACA) semblent 

être très profitables et font d’ailleurs l’objet d’une demande forte des gestionnaires. Il faut noter enfin que la question de l’élévation du niveau de la mer 

devra également mieux être prise en compte dans l’analyse prospective par territoire. Le Pôle relais lagunes méditerranéennes a édité un outil intitulé “mieux 

gérer les lagunes” qui synthétise les outils mis en œuvre sur les lagunes méditerranéennes ; le Pôle relais lagunes travaille également actuellement à la mise à 

jour d’un guide juridique sur les zones humides, qui reprend notamment les atouts et contraintes de ces outils ; il pourra être présenté à l’occasion du colloque. 



Intercalibration exercise in the frame 

of the Water Framework Directive 

Integrated management of the Thau lagoon 

and its surrounding territory (France): 

results and perspectives 

Exercice d’intercalibration dans le contexte de la Directive Cadre sur l’Eau La gestion intégrée de la lagune de Thau et de son territoire (France) : 

bilan et perspectives 

Giraud Anaïs 

Agence de l’Eau Rhône Méditerranée et Corse, Délégation de Montpellier, Immeuble le mondial - 284 rue du Mas Carbonnier, 

34000 Montpellier - France 

laurent.moragues@eaurmc.fr 

1) Context. The Water Framework Directive (WFD) has been adopted on 23 October 2003 and establishes a 

framework for community action in the field of water policy. This Directive commits the member states of the 

European Union to the aim of restoring the water quality of their aquatic environments. It main ambition is to 

render a good quality to all surface waters in 2015. 2) Aims of the intercalibration exercises. The WFD planned 

a procedure to guarantee the coherence of the results of biological controls between the member states. These 

biological controls are essential components for the classification of the ecological status. Therefore, the member 

states have organized working groups on a geographic basis the so-called Ecoregions. The exercise consists 

of comparing the classification results of the national biological monitoring systems for each of the different 

types of surface water bodies. It should evaluate the coherence of these results with the precise normative definitions 

specified by the Directive. The coastal lagoon water bodies of the Rhône and Mediterranean basin in France 

are dealt with by the GIG (Geographical Intercalibration Group) Méditerranée. 3) Important issues. In France, 

this work is performed under the responsibility of the Ministry of Environment (MEEDDM). The Agence de l’Eau 

(Water Agency) assumes the coordination of this work for the coastal and transitional waters on the Mediterranean 

coast together with Ifremer. The scientists that participate in the GIG are specialists of the descriptors that 

are used, which comprise i) fishes, ii) macrophytes, iii) phytoplankton, and iv) benthic invertebrates. The tools, 

the acquisition methods, data treatment methods and interpretation schemes and in general all the knowledge 

mobilized for this task have been obtained by collaborative transdisciplinary research. The intercalibration represents 

thus an excellent illustration of the use of scientific research for the purpose of the management of aquatic 

environments. Therefore, it is essential that the scientific community remains very pragmatic by paying attention 

to the expectations of the managers and thus can continue to pursue its activities to accompany the WFD. 

1) Quelques éléments de contexte. Adoptée le 23 octobre 2000 la Directive Cadre sur l’Eau (DCE), établit un cadre pour une 

politique communautaire dans le domaine de l’eau. Cette directive engage les pays de l’Union Européenne dans un objectif de 

reconquête de la qualité de l’eau et des milieux aquatiques. Sa principale ambition : les milieux aquatiques doivent être en 

bon état d’ici à 2015. 2) Objectifs de l’exercice d’inter-étalonnage. La Directive cadre sur l’Eau (DCE) prévoit une procédure 

afin d’assurer la cohérence des résultats des contrôles biologiques entre les États membres, ceux-ci étant un élément central 

de la classification de l’état écologique. Pour ce faire les États membres sont répartis en groupes de travail géographiques 

dit écorégion. L’exercice consiste à comparer les résultats de classification des systèmes de contrôle nationaux des éléments 

biologiques, pour chacun des types communs de masse d’eau de surface et à évaluer in fine la cohérence des résultats avec 

des définitions normatives précisées par la Directive. 

Les masses d’eau lagunaires du bassin Rhône Méditerranée sont traitées dans le cadre du GIG (Groupe d’Inter-étalonnage Géographique) 

Méditerranée. 3) Enjeux à relever En France, la responsabilité de ce travail est du ressort du Ministère de l’Environnement 

(MEEDDM). L’Agence de l’eau assure avec l’Ifremer la coordination du travail pour les eaux côtières et de transition sur 

la façade Méditerranéenne. Les scientifiques sollicités et participants à ce GIG sont des spécialistes des descripteurs étudiés, 

à savoir les poissons, les macrophytes, le phytoplancton et les invertébrés benthiques. Les outils et méthodes d’acquisition et 

de traitement de données, les grilles d’interprétation et plus généralement l’ensemble de la connaissance mobilisée pour ce 

travail sont issus d’un important travail de recherche scientifique transversal et collectif. L’inter-étalonnage est donc une excellente 

illustration de l’utilisation concrète des travaux scientifiques à des fins de gestion des milieux aquatiques. Il paraît donc 

essentiel que la communauté scientifique reste pragmatique et attentive aux attentes des gestionnaires et puisse poursuive 

l’accompagnement des travaux liés à la DCE. 

Brocard Gilles, J.J. Taillade 

Syndicat Mixte du Bassin de Thau, Immeuble le Président, Route de Sète - BP 18, 34540 Balaruc les Bains - France 

contact@smbt.fr 

The “Syndicat Mixte du Bassin de Thau” (SMBT) has been founded in 2005. This public structure regroups 14 different 

townships with the aim to collectively develop and execute the public policies in the areas of spatial planning 

and management of water resources and aquatic environments. The public action of the “Syndicat Mixte” is based 

on the application of two European regulations, i.e., i) the Water Framework Directive (WFD) of 2000, which aims at 

achieving good ecological quality status for the water masses by 2015, and ii) the Recommendation concerning the 

implementation of Integrated Coastal Zone Management in Europe of 2002, which aims at a better management of the 

coastal zone through permanently deliberative and concerted actions. A framework for collective public action in the 

territory of Thau was set more than a decade ago through the adoption in France of the “Schéma de Mise en Valeur de 

la Mer” (Scheme for the valorisation of the sea) in 1995, which was accompanied by a first Environmental Contract 

approved the same year. This framework has been renewed recently by new approaches coordinated by the SMBT: the 

SCOT, a spatial planning scheme with a section dedicated to maritime activities; the SAGE, a scheme for spatial planning 

and management of water resources and aquatic environments; and Natura 2000. Following the recommendation 

concerning the implementation of Integrated Coastal Zone Management, the permanent consultation and participation 

of inhabitants and other stakeholders has been chosen as the working mode. The elected representatives who adopted 

a charter of participation strongly supported this approach. Hence, the diagnosis of the SCOT has been largely based on 

local knowledge and has mobilised more than 200 professionals and citizens. This local knowledge has been amended 

with many contributions from scientists, including social sciences, economists, specialists of lagoons and marine 

environments. Oméga Thau is a research and development program coordinated by the SMBT, which brings together 

technical and scientific partners with professionals for the environmental management of the watershed. Beyond creating 

the instruments for public participation, this approach also obliged us to reconsider the statutory and legal basis 

of the SMBT. Hence, the will to pursue collective action on maritime activities in the frame of the SCOT requested new 

regulatory and institutional instruments. After four years of functioning, the SMBT evaluates its working mode; hence 

we pay special attention to analysing the enthusiasm, blocked situations, expectations that have been raised by a new 

governance mode for developing a project for the Thau territory. 

Le Syndicat Mixte du Bassin de Thau a été créé en 2005 pour mettre en œuvre sur un territoire de 14 communes, les politiques 

publiques d’aménagement du territoire, de gestion de l’eau et des milieux aquatiques. L’action du Syndicat Mixte s’inscrit dans la 

perspective de deux textes réglementaires européens : i) la directive cadre sur l’eau (DCE) de 2000, qui vise l’atteinte du bon état 

écologique des masses d’eau pour 2015, et ii) la recommandation pour la Gestion Intégrée des Zones Côtières (GIZC) de 2002, qui 

vise une meilleure gestion des territoires littoraux par la mise en œuvre d’une concertation permanente. Le cadre de l’action publique 

sur le territoire de Thau est ancien avec le premier Schéma de Mise en Valeur de la Mer adopté en France en 1995, accompagné sur 

le plan opérationnel d’un premier contrat de milieu validé la même année. Ce cadre s’est renouvelé plus récemment avec de nouvelles 

démarches pilotées par le SMBT : le Schéma de Cohérence Territoriale et son volet maritime, le Schéma d’Aménagement et de Gestion 

de l’Eau, Natura 2000. Suivant les recommandations pour la mise en œuvre de la Gestion Intégrée de la Zone Côtière, la concertation et 

la participation des acteurs et habitants du territoire ont été dès l’origine choisies comme « mode de faire », porté par les élus à travers la 

rédaction d’une charte de la participation. Le diagnostic du Schéma de Cohérence territoriale a fait largement appel aux savoirs locaux, 

et a mobilisé plus de 200 professionnels et citoyens ; informations largement complétées par les contributions du monde scientifique : 

spécialistes des sciences sociales, économistes, spécialistes des lagunes et des milieux marins. 

Oméga Thau, programme de recherche et de développement piloté par le SMBT réunit de nombreux partenaires techniques, scientifiques 

et professionnels pour conduire sur le bassin versant une démarche de management environnemental. Au-delà des outils de la 

concertation, cette pratique a aussi nécessité de réinterroger les bases statutaires de la structure. Ainsi, la décision de conduire un 

volet maritime dans le cadre du SCOT a nécessité de trouver de nouveaux outils réglementaires et institutionnels. Après quatre ans de 

fonctionnement, le Syndicat Mixte du Bassin de Thau propose un regard sur ces pratiques : élans, blocages, attentes et innovations 

suscités par une nouvelle gouvernance pour l’émergence d’un projet de territoire. 


Poster sessions 

Mini symposium 1 l Drivers of the biodiversity in lagoon ecosystems 150 

Mini symposium 2 l POP 186 

1 l Impacts of climate variability and sea-level rise 189 

2 l Invasive species and Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB) 203 

3 l Ecological restoration of lagoon systems 209 

4 l Global approach 218 

5 l Sediment biogeochemistry 228 

6 l Sustainable aquaculture and fisheries 246 

7 l The aquatic continuum 258 

8 l Ecophysiological and life-cycle adaptations 274 

9 l Linking the scientific community with the coastal lagoon managers 292 

10 l Management and Governance objectives 297 


POSTER l Mini symposium 1 l Drivers of the biodiversity in lagoon ecosystems 

Caught in the middle: a comparison of coastal lakes 

with different forcing functions 


Preliminary assessment of a coastal lake, 

Sidi Boughaba, in NW Morocco 

“Pris entre deux feux” : comparaison entre lacs côtiers soumis à différents forçages Evaluation préliminaire du lac côtier Sidi Boughaba 

(N-0 du Maroc) 

Loiselle Steven Arthur 1 , M. Falcucci 2 , P. Grillas 3 , V. Hull 2 , L. Rhazi 4 , C. Rossi 1 

1. Environmental Spectroscopy Laboratory, Dipartimento Farmaco Chimico Tecnologico, Università di Siena, Via A. Moro 2 

53100, Siena - Italy 

2. Consiglio per la Ricerca e la Sperimentazione in Agricoltura, Via Nazionale 82, 00184 Roma - Italy 

3. Tour du Valat, Le Sambuc, 13200 Arles - France 

4. University Aïn Chock of Casablanca, Biodiversity and Ecology of Aquatic Ecosystems, Casablanca - Morocco 

loiselle@unisi.it 

Many coastal lakes in the Mediterranean have similar characteristics as well as similar problems. Located 

between agricultural activities and seaside tourism operations, they undergo pressures from both regional 

economic growth as well as increasing sea level due to global change. These ecosystems are often remnants of 

extensive wetland areas which have undergone major changes in local hydrology, leaving a characteristic elongated 

morphology. Seasonal variations in biological, chemical and morphological variables are often pronounced, 

due to a high surface / volume ratio. Such changes have direct impacts on the source, dynamics and fate of 

dissolved organic matter, a key component in the aquatic carbon dynamics and optical properties. We compare 

two coastal lakes undergoing similar pressures, as part of the Medcodyn project, Sidi Boughaba (Maroc) and 

Lago Fogliano (Italia). Even though both systems are similar distances from the sea and are surrounded by 

agricultural and zootechnical activities, each presents markedly different dynamics, which have a direct impact 

on the chemical, biological and optical characteristics of these lakes, and consequently on ecosystem functioning 

and services. Key differences were found to be linked to water residence time and wind forcing. 

Rhazi Laila 1 , P. Grillas 2 , V. Hull 3 , M. Falcucci 3 , M. Rhazi 4 , S. Loiselle 5 , L. Bracchini 5 , A. Tognazzi 5 , 

P. Chauvelon 2 , A. Loubet 2 , A. M. Dattilo 5 , 

1. Laboratory of Aquatic Ecology and Environnement, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University Hassan II Aïn Chock, bp 

5366 Maarif, Casablanca - Morocco 

2. Tour du Valat, Research Centre for the conservation of Mediterranean Wetlands, Le Sambuc, 13 200 Arles - France 


4. University Moulay Ismail, Faculty of Sciences et Techniques d’Errachidia, Department of Biology, BP 509 Boutalamine, 

Errachidia - Morocco 

5. Environmental Spectroscopy Laboratory, Dipartimento Farmaco Chimico Tecnologico, Università di Siena, Via A. Moro 2 53100, 

Siena - Italy 

rhazilaila@yahoo.fr 

Classified as a Ramsar site and Nature Reserve, the lake of Sidi Boughaba, is a very important site on the NW 

Atlantic coastal area of Morocco. It is well known in Morocco as the most important education and recreative 

centre of the country and internationally for its major ornithological importance. The lake, located nearby the 

sea is under heavy pressure from urbanization and sea level rise. However, besides monitoring of bird populations, 

the ecological characteristics of the lake remains poorly known and only old data is available preventing 

the establishment of a sound management plan. In this perspective and in the framework of a CIRCLE-MED 

project, an assessment of the situation of the lake has been initiated in June 2009 focusing on hydrobiological 

characteristics. The first results show that the shallow lake (max depth 1.8 m) experiences severe anoxia conditions 

especially in deeper areas and zooplankton was very poor during the survey. The submerged vegetation 

was constrained to the shore, dominated by Potamogeton pectinatus in deeper areas and Ruppia maritima and 

charophytes in shallow parts. The shore vegetation was constituted by patches of Juncus maritimus, Typha angustifolia, 

Cladium mariscus and Phragmites australis. The lake is narrow and very shallow in some parts leading 

to almost complete separation between 1 deep lake and 2 very shallow parts. This situation is likely resulting 

from erosion of the degraded sandstone fossil dunes surrounding the lake. Urbanization, agriculture especially 

glasshouses in the catchments and water abstraction in the groundwater that supports the lake are the most obvious 

threats on the lake. This situation could result in the lost of functions and values of the lake including the 

ornithological importance. A monitoring programme for the lake is in preparation for highlighting the trends and 

increase awareness of the population and decision makers. This work was only made possible with the financial 

support of the Circle project Medcodyn. 



Ghar El Melh lagoon: 

characteristics and ecological assessment 

La lagune de Ghar El Melh : 

diagnostic écologique et particularités 

Zakhama-Sraieb Rym, Y.R. Sghaier, F. Charfi-Cheikhrouha 

Unité de Recherche de Biologie Animale et Systématique Evolutive, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, 

2092 Campus Universitaire, Tunis - Tunisia 

zakhamarym@yahoo.fr 

The Ghar El Melh lagoon is one of the most important wetlands in Tunisia, both economically and ecologically. 

This ecosystem was elected as Ramsar site in 2007. As others wetlands in Tunisia, the lagoon is threatened 

by several perturbations, caused by anthropogenic activities (conversion of the shoreline, urban wastes, and 

agricultural pressure on watersheds, …) and sand infilling of the sea-lagoon communication. A study and a 

survey of the fauna and the flora from June 2006 to April 2008, in the framework of WADI Project, allowed an 

ecological assessment of this lagoon. Conclusions were drawn regarding the zonal status of this lagoon: Zone I 

is under marine influence, covered by seagrass meadows (mostly Cymodocea nodosa, with Zostera marina and 

Zostera noltii), sheltering high vegetal and animal biodiversity, mostly molluscs. The endangered species Pinna 

nobilis was also reported. This area is also subjected to indo-pacific invasive species, such as Pinctada radiata 

and Bursatella leachii. Intermediate Zone II is dominated by Ruppia and neutrophiloous algae. The Zone III is 

far from the sea-lagoon communication, dominated by Ulva spp. and species linked with eutrophication and 

pollution such as Gammarus insensibilis. By comparing the data collected with anterior knowledge, a drop in 

biodiversity and a reduction of extent of sensitive species restricted to Zone I were observed. 

La lagune de Ghar El Melh est l’un des écosystèmes humides les plus importants en Tunisie tant sur le plan économique 

qu’écologique. Ce site a été déclaré en 2007 un site Ramsar. Comme toutes les zones humides, la lagune subit plusieurs 

perturbations dues principalement d’une part, aux activités anthropiques (aménagement du littoral, rejets urbains, activités 

agricoles sur ses berges, ) et d’autre part à l’ensablement de la communication mer-lagune. L’étude de cette lagune dans le 

cadre du projet euro-méditerranéen WADI, nous a permis de faire un diagnostic écologique et de suivre la faune et la flore de 

la lagune de juin 2006 à avril 2008. Au terme de cette étude, nous pouvons conclure que la lagune peut être subdivisée en 

3 zones, une zone I sous influence marine, couverte principalement par un herbier de Cymodocea nodosa et autres phanérogames 

(Zostera marina et Zostera noltii) et abritant une grande diversité floristique et faunistique et notamment malacologique. 

On a noté aussi la présence d’une population de l’espèce menacée Pinna nobilis. Cette zone est aussi sujette aux invasions des 

espèces d’origine indopacifique telles que Pinctada radiata et Bursatella leachii. Une zone II intermédiaire, riche en Ruppia et 

algues neutrophiles. Une zone III, la plus éloignée de la communication mer-lagune, est riche en ulves et espèces bioindicatrices 

d’un milieu eutrophe et polluée telles que Gammarus insensibilis. La comparaison des données obtenues avec les études 

antérieures indique une nette régression de la biodiversité ainsi qu’une réduction de l’aire de répartition de certaines espèces 

sensibles cantonnées de nos jours à la zone I sous influence marine. 


HPLC pigments biomarkers analysis and diversity 

of french mediterranean lagoons: 

preliminary results 

Biomarqueurs pigmentaires analysés par HPLC et diversité algale 

dans les lagunes côtières françaises : résultats préliminaires 

Pastoureaud Annie 1 , G. Le Moal 2 , N. Malet 1 , P. Cecchi 2 , A. Vaquer 2 


2. ECOLAG - UMR 5119, Equipe ETDA, Université Montpellier 2 - CNRS, Place Eugene Bataillon cc093, 34095 Montpellier - France 

annie.pastoureaud@ifremer.fr 

Lagoons are transitional ecosystems exhibiting a large geomorphologic diversity with an elevated biological productivity. 

Owing to their shallowness and to their dependence on both continental and marine influences, they 

appear particularly sensitive to eutrophication. Natural environmental fluctuations and increasing anthropogenic 

pressures are the most significant factors determining the extent of eutrophication processes. Algal proliferation 

and accumulation correspond classically to such deregulation: a better assessment of the biomass and composition 

of phytoplankton communities is required to soundly understand the metabolism of these ecosystems, 

a necessary step before remediation and forecasting. The algal pigments diversity has been investigated by 

monthly HPLC measurements on samples collected in 22 Mediterranean lagoons by the RSL (Réseau de Suivi 

Lagunaire, Ifremer) during the summer of 2006. The distributions of the 5 main algal groups encountered in 

such ecosystems, namely diatoms, dinoflagellates, cryptophytes, chlorophytes and cyanobacteria, have been 

analysed in confrontation to the physical and chemical characteristics of the water masses. Preliminary results, 

based on the analysis of 150 samples, allow a typological classification of coastal lagoons with 5 different 

clusters: 4 are characterized by the dominance of a single specific pigment biomarker during all the three 

summer months whereas the last cluster exhibits a succession of pigments from June to August. Diatoms appear 

dominant in eutrophic systems with a strong marine influence. Conversely, cryptophytes are associated with less 

saline and nutrient-poor waters. Cyanobacteria and chlorophytes indicate pronounced eutrophication of systems 

with heavy continental influence, contrary to dinoflagellates which are mainly dominant in more saline and 

oligotrophic systems. All these results have to be improved and validated by the interpretations of the 2007 and 

2008 field campaigns. 



Phytoplankton temporal patterns between different lagoons 

of the Epirus region (NW Greece) 

Patterns des variations temporelles du phytoplancton dans différentes lagunes 

de la région de l’Epire (N-O de la Grèce) 

Tzovenis Ioannis 1 , C. Dramitinou 2 , C. Rigopoulos 2 , I. Bitis 2 , I. Cladas 1 , A. Economou-Amilli 2 

1. Mariculture Lab., Fisheries & Aquaculture Dept., Tel of Epirus, Igoumenitsa 46100 - Greece 

2. Sector of Ecology & Systematics, Faculty of Biology, University of Athens, 15784 - Greece 

itzoveni@biol.uoa.gr 

Six coastal lagoons of the north-western part of Greece (Epirus region, Ionian Sea) were explored for their phytoplankton 

distribution and abundance through a full year monthly water sampling. The lagoons Alykes, Vodas, 

Kalagka and Vatatsa belong to the Kalamas River delta and Rodia, Tsoukalio to the Louros River delta. Rodia 

and Tsoukalio are two closed and interconnected coastal lagoons with the latter communicating with the closed 

embayment of Amvrakikos. Alykes and Vodas are newly forming open coastal lagoons while, Kalagka and Vatatsa 

are semi-open lagoons within the Vatatsa closed embayment. The fluctuation of the physicochemical factors was 

different between the two regions (salinity 4.5-25 ppt vs. 25-45 ppt, temperature 7-32ºC vs. 10-30ºC, in Louros 

and Kalamas lagoons respectively) with peaks of temperature during whole summer in Rodia and Tsoukalio and 

of salinity during late autumn and winter versus mid-summer temperature peak in the Kalamas lagoons and 

mid-summer and late autumn-winter salinity peak. 

Phytoplankton biovolume was significantly higher in Rodia and Tsoukalio while species diversity was higher 

in the Kalamas lagoons. Bloom was evident during late-spring early-summer in Rodia and Tsoukalio while in 

Kalagka and Vatatsa occurs late fall through winter with a sporadic peak also in June for the latter; in Vodas and 

Alykes the bloom starts late winter and stands until early summer. Prevailing species were usually Coscinodiscus 

spp. and Prorocentrum micans in all lagoons, along with large numbers of Cryptophyceae and nanoplanktic 

species (including prasinophytes like Tetraselmis spp.) in Rodia and Tsoukalio while in Kalamas lagoons several 

dinoflagellates and diatoms along with mediocre numbers of nanoplanktic chlorophytes were also important. 

Potentially toxic species were present normally at low numbers in both regions (more common the dinophytes 

Gymnodinium mikimotoi, Prorocentrum minimum, P. lima, Dinophysis sacculus and Alexandrium insuetum). 


Phytoplankton functional diversity along trophic and salinity 

gradients in French Mediterranean coastal lagoons 

La diversité fonctionnelle du phytoplancton selon un gradient de salinité 

dans les lagunes côtières méditerranéennes en France 

Bec Béatrice 1 , Y. Collos 2 , A. Vaquer 2 , P. Souchu 3 , T. Laugier 4 

1. Ifremer, LER-Arcachon, quai du commandant Silhouette, 33120 Arcachon - France 


3. Ifremer, LER-MPL, rue de l’Ile d’Yeu, B.P. 21105, 44311 Nantes Cedex 03 - France 


beatrice.bec@univ-montp2.fr 

The phytoplankton community structure was investigated in 24 Mediterranean lagoons displaying a wide trophic 

gradient (from oligotrophy to massive eutrophication: 0.2 to 630 µg Chla l -1 ) and contrasting hydrological conditions 

(from fresh to marine waters). The phytoplankton community responded quickly to environmental fluctuations 

by displaying a wide diversity of functional groups and size classes. Most lagoons exhibited a nutrient-limited 

steady-state regime giving competitive advantages to small phytoplankton over larger cells even in eutrophic 

and hypertrophic waters. The picophytoplankton (


Temporal patterns of plankton communities 

in an eutrophic coastal lagoon 

Patterns temporels des communautés planctoniques 

d’une lagune côtière eutrophe 

Gasiunaite Zita, E. Griniene, A. Razinkovas, R. Pilkaityte, S. Sulcius 

Coastal Research & Planning Institute, Klaipeda University, H. Manto 84, LT-92294, Klaipeda - Lithuania 

zita@corpi.ku.lt 

Patterns and mechanisms of phytoplankton and mesozooplankton seasonal succession in the eutrophic freshwater 

Curonian lagoon (SE Baltic sea) are well documented. However, there is no holistic view on the interactions 

within the plankton communities as a whole including the microbial food web components. Moreover, in the 

hypereutrophic Curonian lagoon top-down interactions are not so clearly pronounced and the microbial food 

web components expected to be of key importance. The aim of this study was to reveal the mechanisms of 

plankton seasonal dynamics including bacteria and ciliates in the Curonian lagoon. The plankton communities 

were studied in two sampling sites representing the northern estuarine and the central freshwater parts of the 

lagoon. Ciliates, phytoplankton, metazooplankton and bacteria were sampled weekly from the end of March 

2007 till the end of February 2008. The basic physico-chemical parameters were also measured. The relationships 

between different taxonomic and functional plankton assemblages and environmental factors were 

estimated using multivariate statistical methods. Modeling approach was used to evaluate the matter flows 

through the plankton communities and the fate of the primary plankton production in the lagoon. 


Effect of metal and nutrient wastes on biofilm 

in the Mar Menor coastal lagoon (SE Spain) 

Effet de déchets de métaux et d’éléments nutritifs sur le biofilm 

dans la lagune côtière de Mar Menor (SE Espagne) 

Belando Torrentes Maria Dolores 1 , L. Marín Guirao 2 , A. Marín Atucha 3 , A.J. García Fernández 4 , 

M. Aboal Sanjurjo 5 

1. Departament of Aquactic Ecology, Ecology and Hydrology, Faculty of Biology. University of Murcia. 30100 Murcia - Spain 

2. Lo Pagan - S. Pedro del Pinatar. C/ Varadero 1, 30740 Murcia - Spain 

3. Departament of Aquactic Ecology, Ecology and Hydrology, Faculty of Biology. University of Murcia. 30100 Murcia - Spain 

4. Departament of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia - Spain 

5. Departament of Botanic, Faculty of Biology, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia - Spain 

maridol83@hotmail.com 

Diatom indices for evaluation of organic pollution have been widely used in freshwater ecosystems. Though, the 

pollution tolerances of marine diatom species are essentially unknown, this fact difficults the development of 

marine diatom indices for pollution monitoring purposes. The Mar Menor is a relatively shallow coastal lagoon 

in the SE Spain, where microphytobenthos production is estimated to make up 11% of total lagoon primary 

production. Differences in the biofilm biomass development have been previously observed in some areas of 

Mar Menor. In the present study we have tested the effects of nutrient and metal pulse discharges on the 

benthic algal communities growing in the Mar Menor. For such purpose, microbenthic algal communities developed 

over glass surfaces, in two different sites (one under the influence of desert-stream draining old mining 

areas and other far from such influence), were sporadically pulse-exposed to different treatments containing 

- 3- Zn and Pb, NO and PO4 and combination, in the field microcosm study. Diatom species composition (relative 

3 

abundance), biomass (dry weight, chlorophyll a and polysaccharides measurement) and metal concentrations 

(anodic stripping voltammetry) were determined in the phytobenthic populations. To expand our ecological 

understanding of the differences achieved through the treatments, a translocation experiment were in conjunction 

performed. The biofilm community from the areas contaminated assimilated high concentrations of Zn, 

Cd, Pb. The biomass in these areas was doubled. The addition of nutrients increased biomass and improve the 

assimilation of metals by biofilm community. Furthermore, we have observed change in community structure 

of diatoms and deformations in valves. This study shows that metal and nutrient wastes affects on growing rate 

and metal assimilation on biofilm and bentic diatom composition and suggests the use of this parameters as an 

useful tool for pollution monitoring in Mar Menor and other coastal lagoons. 



Epiphyton algal community structure and productivity 

in the shallow shoreline zones of the Curonian Lagoon 

(Baltic Sea) 

Structure et productivité de la communauté algale épiphytique du littoral peu profond 

de la lagune Curonienne (mer Baltique) 

Karosiene Jurate 1 , R. Paskauskas 2 , J. Kasperoviciene 1 

1. Institute of Botany, Zaliuju Ezeru 49, LT-08406, Vilnius - Lithuania 

2. Coastal Research and Planning Institute, Klaipeda University, H. Manto 84, LT-92294, Klaipeda - Lithuania 

jurate.karosiene@botanika.lt 

A number of studies indicate that increased eutrophication of the Baltic Sea and its costal lagoons caused 

mainly by the increased transport of nutrients from land. The Curonian Lagoon (1584 km 2 ) is one of the most 

productive lagoon retaining water mostly from Nemunas River before entering into the Baltic Sea. It is a shallow 

(mean depth 3.7 m) water body, separated from the brackish (6-7 psu) sea by the narrow (0.4-3.8 km) Curonian 

Spit. Massive summer blooms of cyanobacteria have been documented in the lagoon since the beginning of 

20 th century, but there are reported to have increased in frequency, biomass, and duration in recent decades. 

However, less is known about the attached algae which in its turn play an important role in regulating of aquatic 

ecosystems productivity and self purification possibilities. The epiphyton is a community of algae and other 

microorganisms on the aquatic plants usually developing in the most productive shoreline zone. Along with 

macrophytes they form a buffer system, which protects water bodies from nutrients. In this work the structure 

and productivity of epiphyton algae on reed steams were studied in midsummer 2008-2009 in different shoreline 

habitats of the Curonian Lagoon. Diatoms and cyanobacteria were dominant groups comprising 81% and 

66% of total biomass accordingly. Filamentous forms of cyanobacteria (Heteroleibleinia, Leptolyngbya) were 

developed the most intensively while planktonic ones of most common midsummer species in the Curonian 

Lagoon (Aphanizomenon flos-aquae) were present as well. Epiphyton biomass and productivity were found to 

be the highest in the central part of the lagoon, where biomass peaked at 0.07 mg.cm -2 on reed steams. Photosynthetic 

activity was estimated to be 0.024 mg O 2 .cm -2 . Epiphyton nitrogenise activity was more expressed in 

the northern part of the lagoon due to relatively higher abundance of heterocystous cyanobacteria. 


Analysis of malaco-fauna diversity 

in Ghar El Melh lagoon (Tunisia) 

Analyse de la diversité de la faune malacologique 

de la lagune de Ghar El Melh (Tunisie) 

Ben Youssef Soumaya, S. Tlig-Zouari, O.K. Ben Hassine 


Faculté des Sciences de Tunis,Campus Universitaire, 2092 Tunis - Tunisia 

benyoussef.soumaya1@gmail.com 

Ghar El Melh lagoon is a shallow water plane, located in the north-east of Tunisia. It communicates with the sea 

by only one channel. As a result of anthropic actions and natural disturbances (silting), the lagoon became prone 

to a major hydrodynamics alteration, water and sediment deterioration and a hyper-eutrophication (Moussa et al., 

2005). The present study aims to characterize the malacological communities and follow their evolution related 

to environmental factors. Some prospections were carried out during 2007-2008, within 18 stations spread 

the lagoon area. A total of 40 mollusc species were collected. The specific composition of this malaco-fauna 

was numerically dominated by tolerant and lagoon-affinity species i.e.: Hydrobia ulvae, Cerithium vulgatum, 

Abra tenuis and Cerastoderma glaucum. The estimated average values of the diversity index of Shannon-Weaver 

(H’) and the equitability (J) are generally low and suggests the presence of a strong imbalance in population 

and a heightened state of pollution level in most stations, except those located near the pass (S4 and S10). The 

use of non-metric multidimensional scaling (MDS) and Bray-Curtis cluster raised two groups. The first includes 

the stations located at the proximity of communication channel (S4 and S10) and the second involves intralagoonal 

stations (S1, S2, S3, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, S11, S12, S13, S14, S15, S16, S17 and S18). Analysis 

of Similarity (ANOSIM) between stations, applied to all environmental factors, showed a significant differences 

(R 2 tends to 1 and p < 5%) for the sediment, organic matter and salinity. These factors have the most influence 

on the malacological communities’ structure. The Similarity Percentages (SIMPER) revealed that the species 

which contribute the most on the dissimilarity are: Ulva Hydrobia, Abra tenuis and Cerithium vulagatum. 

La lagune de Ghar El Melh, peu profonde, est située au nord-est de la Tunisie, elle communique avec la mer par un seul chenal. 

Elle est sujette à une hyper-eutrophisation qui s’est traduite par une dégradation de la qualité de ses eaux et de ses sédiments 

ainsi que par une réduction de sa biodiversité (Moussa et al, 2005). L’objectif de ce travail est d’analyser les peuplements 

malacologiques et de suivre leur évolution en fonction des facteurs d’ambiance. Pour cela, des prospections saisonnières ont 

été effectuées durant l’année 2007-2008, au niveau de 18 stations couvrant la totalité de la lagune. Elles ont permis de collecter, 

au total, 40 espèces de mollusques. L’examen de la composition spécifique de cette faune malacologique, a révélé une 

dominance numérique des espèces tolérantes à affinité lagunaire, telles que : Hydrobia ulvae, Cerithium vulgatum, Abra tenuis 

et Cerastoderma glaucum. Les valeurs moyennes estimées de l’indice de diversité de Shannon/Weaver (H’) et de l’équitabilité 

(J) sont en général faibles et suggèreraient la présence d’un peuplement en fort déséquilibre et un état accentué de pollution 

au niveau de la majorité des stations, à l’exception de celles qui sont localisées à proximité de la passe (S4 et S10). L’analyse 

multidimensionnelle non métrique (MDS) et le dendrogramme de Bray-Curtis ont permis de regrouper les stations en deux 

ensembles. Le premier rassemble les stations proches de la passe (S4 et S10) et le second réunit les stations intralagunaires 

(S1, S2, S3, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, S11, S12, S13, S14, S15, S16, S17 et S18). Le test de similarité entre les stations (ANO- 

SIM), effectué par rapport à tous les facteurs d’ambiance considérés, a révélé des différences significatives (R 2 tend vers 1 et 

p < 5%) et ceci au niveau de la granulométrie, de la matière organique et de la salinité. Il s’agit des facteurs les plus influents 

au niveau de la structuration des communautés malacologiques. Selon l’analyse Simper, les espèces qui contribuent le plus à 

cette dissimilitude sont : Hydrobia ulvae, Abra tenuis et Cerithium vulagatum. 



The role of abiotic factors in the distribution of macrophytes 

in a shallow eutrophic SE Baltic Sea lagoon 

Rôle des facteurs abiotiques dans la distribution des macrophytes dans une lagune eutrophe 

au SE de la mer Baltique 

Pilkaityte Renata 1 , A. Razinkovas 1 , R. Kybranciene 1 , A. Zonyte 2 , D. Plokštiene 3 


2. Klaipeda University, Department of Ecology, H.Manto g. 84, Klaipeda - Lithuania 

3. Klaipeda regional Environmental Protection Department, Birute; s 16, Klaipeda - Lithuania 

renata@corpi.ku.lt 

The macrophytes differently than phytoplankton could show the common long term changes in water ecosystem 

responding both to the climatic and antropogenic forcing. Curonian lagoon is the shallow eutrophied lagoon 

in the SE Baltic Sea, with the mean depth of 3.8 m. However, the macrophytes are known to grow only down 

to 1.1 m depth. The reason for this is high eutrophication: high biomass of phytoplankton followed by the 

resuspension of fine organic material limit the distribution of the submerged macrophytes in deeper places. 

From the other hand the northern part of the lagoon is characterized as transitional zone: Nemunas river outflow 

dominates the central part of the lagoon, while in the northern part the intrusions from Baltic Sea are common 

especially in summer and autumn. The dominant macrophytes species are Phragmites australis, Schoenoplectus 

lacustris, Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani, Potamogeton perfoliatus, Potamogeton pectinatus and Myriophyllum 

spicatum. In this work the changes in the distribution of macrophytes after decade were reevaluated, as 

well, as the factors, such as salinity, shear stress and water level fluctuations, influencing distribution of submerged 

macrophytes are discussed. 


Use of benthic macrophyte assemblages 

to detect impacts resulting from human pressure 


Etude des communautés végétales (macrophytes benthiques) comme indicateur 

des conséquences de la pression humaine sur les lagunes côtières 

García Sánchez Marta 1 , I.M. Pérez-Ruzafa 2 , C. Marcos 2 , A. Pérez-Ruzafa 1 

1. Departamento de Ecología e Hidrología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murci, Campus de espinardo, 30100, Murcia - Spain 

2. Departamento de Biología Vegetal I, Facultad de Biología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid - Spain 

martagarcia@um.es 

The Mar Menor (South-east of Spain) is a restricted hypersaline coastal lagoon that supports a wide range of 

uses that have led to great changes in recent decades with detrimental impacts on its assemblage structure and 

dynamics. Some of the changes are the result of coastal works to develop tourism facilities, while others are related 

with agricultural practices in the watershed. Studies of benthic communities show great potential for revealing 

the cumulative effects of disturbance on marine biota as benthic organisms can integrate the effects of long-term 

exposure to natural and anthropogenic disturbances. In fact, benthic macrophytes have been proposed as one of 

the key biological elements in the determination of the ecological quality status of any given coastal water body. 

This study was carried out to test the suitability of benthic macrophyte assemblages to detect human impacts 

and therefore, to be used as indicators of water quality in the frame of the European Water Framework Directive. 

Two main sources of impact have been analyzed: on the one hand marinas and on the other hand agricultural 

wastes and urban sewage outfall that reach the lagoon through the principal watercourses. The sample design was 

performed taking into account the natural variability of this environment. 12 localities, situated along the coast, 

were sampled in November-December 2006 including both “impacted” and “control” sampling sites. This 

localities are characterized by different assemblages, such as Caulerpa prolifera meadow, Cymodocea nodosa 

meadow and midlittoral and infralittoral photophilous algae on rock, that are dominated by Jania rubens and 

Chondrophycus tenerrimus. 



Seasonal variation of meiobenthic community 

in a mudflat of the Venice lagoon: 

which relationships with environmental factors? 

Variation saisonnière des communautés meïobenthiques des vasières de la lagune de Venise : 

quelles relations avec les facteurs environnementaux ? 

Cavraro Francesco, F. Pranovi, P. Torricelli 

Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Venice, Campo della Celestia, Castello 2737/B, 30122 Venice - Italy 

cavraro@unive.it 

Meiofauna is a relevant component of the benthic compartment, occurring with high abundances in estuarine 

sediments worldwide. Despite increasing interest in meiofaunal studies, at present this component results scarcely 

studied in the Venice lagoon ecosystem. This study provides the first description of seasonal variations, on a 

period of nine months, of a mudflat meiobenthic assemblage in the Venice lagoon, both in terms of community 

structure and functioning. Results show a clear seasonal pattern, with the highest values of total abundance 

and specific richness recorded in Winter and a sharp decrease between March and April. Nematodes and harpacticoid 

copepods are the most abundant groups, counting 80 % on average of total abundance. The trophic 

structure of nematodes was quite stable during the nine months investigated, being dominated by selective and 

non-selective deposit feeders. Functioning analysis was carried out using biomass values to calculate secondary 

production. In terms of temporal patterns, an inverse correlation was observed between meiofaunal abundance 

and mean level of low tides. This result was discussed in the light of the hypothesis of a relationship between 

tidal level and primary production. Since microphytobenthos is one of the main carbon source for tidal flat 

meiofauna, primary production variations may directly influence meiobenthic consumers. Estuaries and lagoons 

are characterized by high water turbidity, so variations in water layer thickness due to tidal cycle may influence 

the amount of light reaching the bottom, and by that primary production of microphytobenthos. In consideration 

of that, tidal values were used as proxy of potential primary production in the study area. Therefore, effects of 

global changes like sea level rise would strongly influence benthic communities inhabiting shallow estuarine 

waters. 


Diopatra micrura, a new Onuphidae (Polychaeta) species 

from Portugal 

Diopatra micrura, une nouvelle espèce d’Onuphidae (Polychaeta) 

du Portugal 

Pires Adilia 1 , H. Paxton 2 , V. Quintino 1 , A. Rodrigues 1 

1. CESAM, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro - Portugal 

2. Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW 2109 - Australia 


adilia@ua.pt 

This work describes a new species of the genus Diopatra Audouin & Milne Edwards, 1833, from Portugal. On 

European waters only Diopatra neapolitana, and more recently, Diopatra marocensis were reported. This new 

species was found in three places from Portugal: Aveiro, in the coastal area and Ria, Nazaré, coastal area and 

Cascais, off the Tagus Estuary. In Ria de Aveiro, this new species cohabits with D. neapolitana and D. marocensis 

and in Cascais it was found together with D. marocensis. Diopatra micrura sp. nov. differs from D. neapolitana and 

D. marocensis by a characteristic stripped colour pattern of the antennae. Other diagnostic morphologic characteristics 

include the lack of mid-dorsal blotch, ceratophores with 12-15 rings, spiralled branchiae best developed 

from chaetigers 6-9 with 8 to 14 whorls, limbate chaetae very strongly serrated, sub-acicular hooks from chaetigers 

10-13, and sensory papillae present in the ceratophores, frontal lips, upper lips, prostomium, peristomial cirrus, 

peristomium, branchiae, antennae and palps. In the antennae and palps, the sensory papillae are arranged in 

14-16 interrupted longitudinal rows. 

The genetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA (cytocrome C oxidase I - COI - and 16S rDNA) was used to compare 

this new species with the other two reported from Europe. The percentage of nucleotide similarity of COI and 

16S genes between D. neapolitana and D. micrura was 84 % and 88 %, respectively and between D. marocencis 

and D. micrura was 83 % and 85 %. The COI deduced amino acid comparison between D. micrura and the other 

two Diopatra species revealed that the new species differs from D. neapolitana in 3 amino acids, presenting 

1.29 % divergence and differs from D. marocensis in 6 amino acids, corresponding to 2.59 % divergence.


Abiotic and biotic filtering of invertebrate guilds 

in the Margherita di Savoia saltworks (Italy) 

Les filtres biotiques et abiotiques dans l’assemblage des communautés pour les guildes 

d’invertébrés dans les salines de Margherita di Savoia (Italie) 

Rosati Ilaria, E. Barbone, A. Basset 

University of Salento, Deptartment of Biological & Environmental Sciences and Technologies, strada prov.le Lecce-Monteroni, 

Lecce - Italy 

ilaria.rosati@unile.it 

The structure of the biological communities is the result of the combined action of an environmental selection, 

determined by the physico-chemical characteristics of an ecosystem, which acts selecting species in function 

of their tolerances (abiotic filter) and their ability to cope with the interactions among species (biotic filter). In 

this work, the importance of both abiotic and biotic filters on the structure of benthic macro-invertebrate guilds 

was evaluated in a hyperalyne transitional water ecosystem, the Margherita di Savoia saltworks. In two seasons, 

spring and fall, the selective action of abiotic filter was studied along four levels of an increasing confinement, 

while the action of biotic filter was estimated within every level. 

The role of confinement gradient is fundamental on determining differences in terms of species richness, 

diversity and eveness among the four levels. Taxonomic similarity among confinement levels decreases with 

decreasing physico-chemical similarity of confinement levels. Densities of Chironomus salinarius, Corophium 

sp., Hydrobia ventrosa, are strongly related to the confinement gradient. On a reduced scale (intra-level) competitive 

interactions between species pairs were pointed out. The result of this work suggests that in the Margherita 

di Savoia saltworks both abiotic filters and competitive interactions contribute on the determination of benthic 

macro-invertebrate communities. 


Dangers threatening Tudorella sulcata 

(Gastropoda, Prosobranchia, Pomatiidae) (Muller, 1774) 

in Tunisia 

Dangers menaçant Tudorella sulcata (Gastéropode, Prosobranche, Pomatiidae) (Muller, 1774) 

en Tunisie 

Ben Romdhane Monia, C. Elhedfi, M. Ben Salem 

Department des sciences biologiques, Unité de Zoologie et Ecologie des milieux aquatiques, 

Faculté des sciences de Tunis Manar II - Tunisia 

romdhanmonia@yahoo.fr 

The family of Pomatiidae includes 3 genus: Tudorella, Pomatias and Leonia. This family is distributed in the 

western Mediterranean, fragmented and limited to coastal areas. In Europe, the genus Tudorella occurs in 

Southern Spain in the regions of Valencia, Girona and Almeria (Martinez-Orti and Robles, 2003). In France, 

Tudorella is located in Provence, Bouches-du-Rhône and the west of the Var (Pavon, 2005; Pavon and Bertrand, 

2005). In Italy, this genus is known in Sicily, Sardinia and Malta. In North Africa, Tudorella has been reported, 

since a long time, in North Africa at the boundary between Algeria and Morocco, in the areas of Hassi Berkane 

and Ras-el-Maden (Bourguignat, 1864; Pallary, 1898). In Algeria, this genus is present in the region of Kabylia, 

Constantine, Annaba, and Bni Haroun (Bourguignat, 1864, Errol et al., 2008). In Tunisia, Tudorella characterizes 

the coastal areas of Bizerte, its distribution is limited to Melh El Ghar (Jbel Nadhour) Raf-Raf, Cap Zbib, 

Sidi Abed Aziz and Ras Jebel. Older reports of Tudorella in Jbel Ressas (Bellucci, 1875; Issel, 1880) and Jbel 

Ichkeul (Pallary, 1939) are not confirmed. In Tunisia, the regression of this genus is related to the issues of disturbance, 

destruction and fragmentation of the areas where it lives. The urbanization of the mountain Nadhour 

(Ghar El Melh, Bizerte), the over-frequentation and density of inhabitants on the Northern Tunisian coast cause 

the loss of many potential habitats. Predation threatens the presence of Tunisian Tudorella; indeed, during field 

campaigns, we picked up many shells broken in their last rounds of turn. These breaks are observed at the most 

fragile region of shell where is located most of the animal body. They show rounded marks that can be made by a 

predator with teeth or a beak. In most cases, broken shells are grouped by ten at soil surface or in low vegetation. 

The latter are dominant in autumn. Facing this issue, this patrimonial genus is close to extinction. 

La famille des Pomatiidées comprend 3 genres : le genre Tudorella, le genre Pomatias et le genre Leonia. Cette famille a une 

distribution ouest-méditerranéenne, fragmentaire et limitée aux zones littorales. 

En Europe, le genre Tudorella se rencontre au Sud de l’Espagne dans les régions de Valencia, Gerona et Almeria (Martinez-Orti 

et Robles, 2003). En France, Tudorella se trouve au niveau de la Provence, des Bouches-du-Rhône et l’ouest du Var (Pavon, 

2005 ; Pavon et Bertrand, 2005). En Italie, ce genre est connu au niveau de Sicile, en Sardaigne et à Malte. En Afrique du 

Nord, Tudorella est signalé depuis longtemps au Maghreb sur la frontière algéro-marocaine, dans les régions de Hassi Berkane 

et Ras-el-Maden, (Bourguignat, 1864 ; Pallary, 1898). En Algérie, ce genre est présent dans la région de Kabylie, au Constantine, 

à Annaba, et à Bni Haroun, (Bourguignat, 1864 ; Errol et al., 2008). En Tunisie, Tudorella caractérise les zones côtières 

de Bizerte, sa répartition se limite à Ghar El Melh (Jbel Nadhour) Raf-Raf, Cap Zbib, Sidi Abed Aziz et Ras Jbel. Les anciennes 

citations de Tudorella au Jbel Ressas (Belluci, 1875 ; Issel, 1880) et Jbel Ichkeul (Pallary, 1939) ne sont pas confirmées. En 

Tunisie, la régression de ce genre est liée aux problèmes de la perturbation, de la destruction et de la fragmentation des aires 

d’occupations de ces animaux. L’urbanisation de la montagne de Nadhour (Ghar El Melh, Bizerte), la sur-fréquentation et la 

concentration des populations humaines sur les côtes nord tunisiennes provoquent la disparition de nombreux habitats potentiels. 

La prédation menace la présence des Tudorella tunisiennes, en effet lors des sorties nous avons ramassé des coquilles 

cassées au niveau de leurs derniers tours de spires, ces cassures sont observables au niveau de la région la plus fragile de la 

coquille où se concentre une bonne partie du corps de l’animal. Ces cassures présentent des traces arrondies qui peuvent être 

issues d’un prédateur possédant des dents ou un bec. Dans la plupart du temps les coquilles cassées sont groupés par dizaine 

à la surface du sol ou sous la basse végétation. Ces dernières sont dominantes en automne. Face à ces perturbations, ce genre 

patrimonial est proche de l’extinction. 



Larvae of Proctoeces maculatus (Digenea, Fellodistomidae), 

a parasite of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis 

in the lagoon of Bizerte 

Les larves de Proctoeces maculatus (Digenea, Fellodistomidae) 

parasite de la moule, Mytilus galloprovincialis, provenant de la lagune de Bizerte 

Gargouri Ben Abdallah Lamia 1 , T. Chargui 2 , R. Antar 2 , N. El Menif 2 

1. Faculté des Sciences de Tunis. Campus universitaire, 2092 Mana II - Tunisia 

2. Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte, 7021 Jarzouna - Tunisia 

lamiagargouri@yahoo.com 

The mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis is subject to a consistent shellfish farming activity in the lagoon of Bizerte 

and it is thus of economic interest. Despite this importance, there is not yet a tight sanitary monitoring of this 

reared species. Facing this situation, a monthly monitoring of the Digenea fauna of this mollusk has been carried 

out carried as it could, in some cases, have a material adverse effect on their hosts. The examination of 1572 

mussels from 2 stations of the Bizerte lagoon (Jemil Menzel and Menzel Bourguiba for a year (May 2008-June 

2009) showed the presence of sporocystes of Proctoeces maculatus (Digenea, Fellodistomidae) only in specimen 

sampled at Jemil Menzel station. The occurrence frequency of this digena did not exceed 0.41%. These 

larvae, with a shape of bag, colonize the hepatopancreas, gonads and mantle. Sporocyts contain, according 

to their maturation degree, germinal bales, and child sporocysts or cercariae. The histological slide made in 

the mantle of heavily parasitized molluscs have shown that it is completely invaded by sporocysts and completely 

exhausted of its nutritive reserves and germinal cells. The mantle is transformed into a thin transparent 

membrane colonized by several larval stages of the parasite. 

La moule, Mytilus galloprovincialis, faisant l’objet d’une importante activité conchylicole dans la lagune de Bizerte, présente 

un intérêt économique considérable. En dépit de cette importance, ce mollusque ne bénéficie pas, assez, d’une surveillance 

sanitaire stricte. Face à cette situation, nous avons essayé, avec un suivi mensuel, de déterminer la faune digénétique de ces 

lamellibranches pouvant, dans certains cas, porter un grand préjudice à leurs hôtes. L’examen de 1572 mollusques provenant 

de 2 stations de la lagune de Bizerte (Menzel Jemil et Menzel Bourguiba), durant une année d’échantillonnage (Mai 2008-juin 

2009), a montré la présence de sporocystes de Proctoeces maculatus (Digenea, Fellodistomidae) uniquement chez les échantillons 

prélevés à Menzel Jemil. La fréquence de ces digènes ne dépasse pas 0,41%. Ces larves, en forme de sac, colonisent 

l’hépatopancréas, les gonades et le manteau. Ces sporocystes contiennent, selon le degré de maturation, des balles germinales, 

des sporocystes fils et ou des cercaires. Les coupes histologiques effectuées au niveau du manteau des mollusques fortement 

parasités, ont montré que cet organe est entièrement envahi par les sporocystes et complètement vidé de ses substances de 

réserve et de ses cellules germinales. Le manteau se transforme en une fine membrane transparente colonisée par des stades 

larvaires du parasite. 


Seasonal variation of the spatio-temporal distribution 

of arthropodofauna in Bizerte lagoon 

Variation saisonnière de la distribution spatio-temporelle de l’arthropodofaune 

au niveau de la lagune de Bizerte 

Djelassi Raja, K. Nasri Ammar 

Unité de Biologie Animale et Systématique évolutive, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, Campus Universitaire, 2092 Manar II - Tunisia 

djelaraja@yahoo.fr 

Two field campaigns were conducted at each season along a transect (30m60) in Bizerte lagoon at Menzel 

Jmil (N 37°13’8” E 09°55’1”), to study the seasonal variation of flora and fauna diversity, particularly 

amphipods and Oniscoids. Three plant species are characteristic of the site: Obione portulacoïdes, Sarcocornia 

arabica and Suaeda maritima. The regularity of these species, the area they occupy and the wildlife they shelter 

according to season, have been also examined. Sampling was carried out with a 50 x 50 cm quadrant along a 

perpendicular transect from the shoreline, the distance between quadrants was adapted to the animal density 

by increasing the interval with decreasing density. In laboratory, the various specimens are preserved in alcohol 

70°. Afterwards, they were counted, sexed and sorted into several groups (immatures, males, young females, 

ovigerous and mature females). The results show that crustaceans are the most abundant in our samples. In 

addition, Amphipods (N = 3540) represent 81% of them. Maximum value of species richness (S = 8) of these 

populations is observed in summer while minimum (S = 4) occurs in winter. Regarding Oniscoïd populations 

(N = 833), species richness ranges from 7 species in spring to only one in early autumn. Moreover, the two 

studied populations show relatively large relative abundances in summer (79.3 % and N = 1940 for Amphipods, 

20.7 % and N = 507 for Oniscoids). 

Deux compagnes de terrain ont été réalisées à chaque saison le long d’un transect (30m60) au niveau de la lagune de Bizerte, 

du côté de Menzel Jmil (N 37°13’8” E 09°55’1”) afin d’étudier la variation saisonnière de la biodiversité floristique et de la 

biodiversité faunistique, particulièrement les Amphipodes et les Oniscoides. Trois espèces de plantes sont caractéristiques du 

site à savoir Obione portulacoïdes, Sarcocornia arabica et Suaeda maritima. La régularité de ces espèces, la superficie qu’elles 

occupent le long du transect ainsi que la faune qu’elles abritent selon les saisons, sont également étudiées. Un quadra (50 *50 

cm) a été placé à partir de la ligne de rivage, l’écart entre deux quadras successifs est augmenté à chaque fois que la densité 

des animaux diminue. Les animaux de chaque quadra sont conservés dans l’alcool 70°. Au laboratoire, les animaux collectés 

sont identifiés, dénombrés, sexés puis séparés en différentes catégories (indifférenciés,mâle, femelle jeune, femelle ovigère 

et femelle mature). Les résultats obtenus montrent que les Crustacés sont les mieux représentés dans nos échantillons. Par 

ailleurs, l’ordre des Amphipodes (N = 3540) représente 81% des Crustacés récoltés. La richesse spécifique la plus importante 

(S = 8) de ce peuplement a été observée en été alors que la plus faible (S = 4) est observée en hiver. Concernant le peuplement 

d’Oniscoïdes (N = 833), la richesse spécifique oscille entre 7 espèces au printemps et une seule espèce au début d’automne. 

D’autre part, les deux peuplement étudiés, présentent des abondances assez importantes en été (N Amphipodes = 1940, 

N Oniscoides = 507). Ces abondances sont respectivement égales à 79,3 % et 20,7 %. 



Spatial variability of benthic amphipods assemblage 

and its relationship with environmental parameters 

in a coastal lagoon (Mar Menor, Spain) 

La pêche côtière en Mar Menor : évolution par rapport aux changements écologiques 

et activités humaines dans la lagune 

Fernández-González Victoria 1 , A. Peréz-Ruzafa 1 , P. Sánchez-Jerez 2 , C. Marcos 1 

1. Departamento de ecología e hidrología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murci, Campus de espinardo, 30100, Murcia - Spain 

2. Universidad de Alicante, Unidad de Biología Marina, Departamento de Ciencias del Mar y Biología Aplicada,Ap. C. 99, 

0380 Alicante - Spain 

vickyfg@um.es 

The aim of this study is to determine the assemblage structure of benthic amphipods and to analyze spatial 

distribution in relation to environmental variables in a hypersaline coastal lagoon, Mar Menor, Spain. Twelve 

localities in the lagoon were selected for the study of the main communities of the lagoon: Caulerpa prolifera 

meadows, Cymodocea nodosa meadows and midlittoral and infralittoral rocky habitats. Samples were collected 

in November 2006 for the study of macrofauna and enviromental parameters (temperature, salinity, depth, 

wave exposure, sediment grain size, organic matter, turbity, dissolved oxigen, nutrient concentration in water 

column - nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, phosphate and silicate - , chlorophyll a and percentage of coverage of the 

main algal). A total of 4702 individuals of gammaridean and caprellidean were found belonging to 16 species. 

Six of them were recorded for the first time in Mar Menor lagoon. Ericthonius punctatus, Elasmopus rapax, and 

Corophium acutum were the most common species, being Ericthonius punctatus the most abundant. In terms 

of species richness and diversity, midlittoral rocky assemblages had the highest rates, with differences related to 

plant cover and hydrodynamic forces. On the other hand, the C. nodosa meadows were showing the lowest rates. 

The results of canonical correspondence analysis revealed a gradient from higher depth on the left, to shallow 

depths on the right for the first axis. Other descriptors related to algal coverage and sediment composition were 

also related to this axis; therefore, positive part represents C. nodosa meadows and sandy bottoms and the 

negative part C. prolifera meadows and muddy bottoms with organic matter enrichment. The second axis separates 

soft and hard substrata. Certain species seem to be more strictly related to a specific substratum. 


Zooplankton biodiversity of coastal shallow ponds 

of different salinity in Eastern Spain 

Biodiversité du zooplancton dans les bassins peu profonds à différentes salinités 

dans l’Est de l’Espagne 

Anton-Pardo Maria, X. Armengol 

University of Valencia, Dr Moliner 50, 46100 Burjassot, Valencia - Spain 

anparma@uv.es 

Global change will have a great impact in the coastal areas, although the consequences are still unknown. One of 

the possible effect of global change in the coastal lagoons is the rise of salinity levels. In general terms a salinity 

increase would affect zooplankton communities causing a reduction in diversity by the disappearance of many 

species that can not tolerate high concentrations of salt. In order to study how a salinity increase could affect the 

zooplankton biodiversity in the coastal systems of the Mediterranean region of Spain, we have selected a set of 

ponds in the East Coast of Spain (Valencia and Alicante) with notorious differences in conductivity (from 0,5 to 

50 mS/cm). The ponds were sampled monthly and some environmental variables (conductivity, dissolved oxygen, 

depth) were measured. Quantitative zooplankton samples were taken by filtering a known volume of water through 

a 30 m mesh size. The changes in the zooplankton biodiversity related with salinity and other environmental 

variables were studied. In most systems, the species richness decreased with the salinity, although the densities 

were higher in the most saline ponds. Rotifers were the most diverse group and they also reach the highest 

densities in the zooplankton. 



Temporal distribution of mesozoplankton 

in six coastal lagoons of the Epirus region 

(North-Western Greece) 

Distribution temporelle du mesozoplankton dans six lagunes côtières de la région d’Epire 

(nord-ouest de la Grèce) 

Cladas Yannis 1 , Y. Krontira 2 , D. Dendrinos 1 , G. Verriopoulos 2 , I. Tzovenis 1 

1. Mariculture Lab., Fisheries & Aquaculture Dept., Tel of Epirus, Igoumenitsa 46100 - Greece 

2. Sector of Ecology & Systematics, Faculty of Biology, University of Athens, 15784 - Greece 

ycladas@teiep.gr 

Mesozooplankton annual distribution was explored in six coastal lagoons of the north-western region of Epirus 

in Greece (Ionian Sea) by monthly water-sampling at fixed stations. Four coastal lagoons belong to the Kalamas 

River delta with open or semi-open formation (Alykes, Vodas, Kalagka, Vatatsa) and two to the Louros River delta 

(Rodia interconnected with Tsoukalio the latter communicating with Amvrakikos Bay). The Kalamas’ coastal lagoons 

showed a range of physicochemical factors (salinity 45-25 ppt, temperature 10-30ºC, usually over-saturated in 

dissolved oxygen during the day) with peaks of temperature during mid-summer and of salinity during mid-summer 

and late autumn-winter. Mesozooplankton abundance maximised during late summer to mid autumn. Copepods 

were the entire time dominant over 90% except for very few occasions when either gastropod larvae, Tunicata, 

Cladocera or Appendicularia were also significant (20-30 %). The calanoid copepod Acartia clausi was always 

present sharing prevalence with the cyclopoid Oithona spp., Paracalanus sp., had a high presence in Alykes 

and Kalagka during late winter - spring. Physicochemical factors varied in Rodia and Tsoukalio (salinity 4.5-25 

ppt, temperature 7-32 ºC, usually oversaturated in dissolved oxygen under daylight) with peaks of temperature 

during summer and of salinity during late autumn and winter. Mesozooplankton abundance was higher than in 

Kalamas lagoons and in both Rodia and Tsoukalio maximised from fall until late spring. Biodiversity was not high 

with Copepods of all stages absolute dominants (at times > 95 %) except for July when Cladocera dominated 

in Rodia. From August till February the species Acartia tonsa (considered non indigenous for the Mediterranean 

by some authors) prevailed with a notable succession by the brackish Calanipeda aquaedulcis during spring 

(in Rodia A. tonsa almost disappears) while in early summer harpacticoids co-dominate with some cyclopoids 

(including Ergasilus sp.). 


Diversity of oniscoid populations in the lagoon complex 

of Ghar El Meleh (Tunisia) 

Diversité du peuplement d’oniscoïdes dans le complexe lagunaire de Ghar El Meleh (Tunisie) 

Khemaissia Hajer 1 , R. Djelassi 1 , C. Souty-Grosset 2 , K. Nasri-Ammar 1 

1. Laboratoire Biologie Animale et Systématique Evolutive, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, Campus universitaire El Manar II - Tunisia 

2. Laboratoire Ecologie, Evolution, Symbiose UMR CNRS 6556, Université de Poitiers, 40 avenue du Recteur Pineau, 

86022 Poitiers Cedex - France 

hajer_kh@yahoo.fr 

In Tunisia, while wetlands are considered as remarkable habitats for their fauna and flora diversity, the biodiversity 

of terrestrial isopods has not yet been studied. To fill this gap, we carried out i) a qualitative field study 

at five geomorphologically different stations in the lagoon complex of Ghar El Meleh (North East of Tunisia) in 

spring 2008 and ii ) a spatio-temporal monitoring of Oniscoid population distribution at one station (Ghar El 

Meleh - Ancien Port). At each season, sampling of Oniscoid populations was carried out with a 50 x 50 cm 

quadrat along a perpendicular transect from the shoreline, distance between quadrats being negatively related 

to population density. In the laboratory, individuals were identified at species level, counted, sexed and females 

were sorted according to their reproductive status. A physico-chemical characterization of soil was also carried 

out for each sample. Thirteen species of terrestrial isopods belonging to 8 genera were identified. Shannon diversity 

index ranges from 0.5 to 1.35 bits and equitability index from 0.25 and 0.72. Whatever the soil salinity 

of the station, Chaetophiloscia cellaria was the most common and abundant species whatever the season, its relative 

abundance ranged from 44.5 to 75 % in winter and autumn respectively. These results in spatio-temporal 

distribution of Oniscoid populations are discussed according to ecological preferences of species. 

En Tunisie, la biodiversité des Isopodes terrestres dans les zones humides, milieux de vie remarquables pour leur biodiversité 

faunistique et floristique, n’a fait l’objet d’aucun travail. Pour combler cette lacune, nous avons effectué i) une étude qualitative 

au niveau de cinq stations géomorphologiquement différentes appartenant au complexe lagunaire de Ghar El Meleh 

(Nord Est de la Tunisie) lors d’une campagne de terrain (printemps 2008) et ii) suivi la variation saisonnière de la distribution 

spatio-temporelle du peuplement d’Oniscoïdes dans la station de Ghar El Meleh ancien port. A chaque saison, un quadrat de 

50 x 50 cm a été placé successivement à partir de la ligne de rivage ; cependant lorsque la densité des animaux diminue, 

l’écart entre deux quadrats successifs est augmenté. Au laboratoire, les différents spécimens d’Oniscoïdes sont identifiés, 

dénombrés, sexés puis séparés en différentes catégories selon l’état reproducteur des femelles. Une analyse physico-chimique 

du sol a été également réalisée pour chaque prélèvement. 

Treize espèces d’Isopodes terrestres appartenant à 8 genres ont été recensées. Le calcul de l’indice de diversité de Shannon 

a montré que la diversité spécifique dans le complexe lagunaire varie de 0,5 à 1,35 bits et l’équitabilité oscille entre 0,25 et 

0,72. Quelle que soit la salinité du sol de la station, Chaetophiloscia cellaria est une espèce fréquente. C’est également l’espèce 

la plus abondante quelle que soit la saison ; son abondance relative variant de 44.5 à 75 % respectivement en hiver et 

en automne. La variation saisonnière de la distribution spatio-temporelle du peuplement d’Oniscoïdes est discutée en fonction 

des préférences écologiques des espèces décrites. 



Seasonal distribution of ascidians 

in two Tunisian lagoons of the Mediterranean Sea 

Distribution saisonnière des ascidies dans deux lagunes tunisiennes de la Méditerranée 

Chebbi Nadia, H. Missaoui 

Institut National Agronomique de Tunis, 43, avenue Charles Nicole, 1089 Tunis - Tunisia 

nadia.chebbi@gmail.com 

A seasonally study of ascidians was carried out in two Tunisian lagoon of the Mediterranean Sea between January 

2006 and January 2008. A total of 12 species of ascidians were collected in the Bizerte lagoon and 16 species 

in El Bibane lagoon. Among there, one is non indigenous for the Mediterranean Sea: Microcosmus squamiger 

and two species were recorded in the first time in Tunisia: Aplidium caeruleum and Pseudodistoma arnbacki. 

Distribution and abundance according to the seasons of the ascidians species changed significantly in the two 

lagoons. In Bizerte lagoon, the most abundant species are found in the winter and there are Ascidiella aspersa, 

Ciona intestinalis, Styela plicata and Styela canopus; species able to tolerate environmental stress and low rate 

of water renewal due to their ability to generate resistant forms. In El Bibane lagoon, the richest season is the 

spring and the most abundant species is Ecteinascidia turbinata, species tolerate extremes of salinity and temperature. 

According to the characteristics mentioned above, we consider certain species of ascidians like marine 

pollution indicator and their abundance recorded for some of them in Bizerte lagoon confirmed a high degree of 

environmental stress in this lagoon and the non affection for El Bibane lagoon. 

Une étude saisonnière sur les ascidies a été effectuée dans deux lagunes tunisiennes de la Méditerranée entre janvier 2006 

et janvier 2008. Un total de 12 espèces d’ascidies a été collecté dans la lagune de Bizerte et 16 espèces dans la lagune 

d’El Bibane. Parmi ces espèces, nous avons récolté une espèce non indigène pour la Méditerranée : Microcosmus squamiger 

dans la lagune de Bizerte et nous avons signalé pour la première fois en Tunisie la présence de deux espèces : Aplidium 

caeruleum et Pseudodistoma arnbacki. La distribution et l’abondance des ascidies changent significativement suivant les 

saisons dans les deux lagunes. En effet, dans la lagune de Bizerte les espèces les plus abondantes ont été récoltées pendant 

la saison hivernale et elles sont : Ascidiella aspersa, Ciona intestinalis, Styela plicata et Styela canopus. Ces espèces sont 

connues pour tolérer un stress environnemental et un faible renouvellement de l’eau grâce à leur capacité de générer des 

formes résistantes. Alors que pour la lagune d’El Bibane, la saison la plus riche de point de vue faune ascidiologique c’est la 

saison printanière où l’espèce la plus abondante trouvée est Ecteinascidia turbinata, espèce qui tolère des valeurs extrêmes 

de salinité et de température. En se raccordant aux caractéristiques mentionnées précédemment, certaines espèces d’ascidies 

sont considérées comme des indicateurs de la pollution marine, leur abondance dans la lagune de Bizerte est un signe du stress 

environnemental que subit la lagune de Bizerte et de la non affection de la lagune d’El Bibane. 


Fauna associated with cultured mussels 

(Mytilus galloprovincialis) in the Bizerte lagoon (Tunisia) 

Faune associée à la moule Mytilus galloprovincialis élevée dans la lagune de Bizerte (Tunisie) 

Chargui Tahani 1 , L. Gargouri Ben Abdallah 2 , N. Trigui El Menif 1 

1. Université 7 novembre à Carthage, Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte, Laboratoire des Sciences de l’Environnement, Bizerte - Tunisia 

2. Université de Tunis El Manar, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, Laboratoire de Parasitologie - Tunisia 


The Oysters (Crassostrea gigas) and the mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis are subjected to aquaculture activity 

cultured in the Bizerte lagoon where so-called “tables” and suspended bags. These immersed structures are 

quickly colonized by living organisms e.g. macrophytes, macroalgae, barnacles, serpules and inverterates and 

vertebrates larvae. The purpose of this study, carried out in the Menzel Jemil area (Northern East of Bizerte 

lagoon) from June 2008 to May 2009, was to identify and monitor on a monthly basis the fauna associated 

to the cultured Mytilus galloprovincialis, either being fixed on the shells or developing in the suspended bags. 

Polychaetes are well represented, belonging to 9 families: Nereidae, Eunicidae, Aphroditidae, Cirratulidae, 

Syllidae, Phyllodocidae and Sabellidae. Observed Molluscs belong to 5 families of bivalves: Limidae, Ostreidae, 

Veneridae, Pectinidae and Anomiidae and to four families of gastropods: Muricidae, Patellidae, Trochidae, and 

Nassaridae. A nudibranch was collected with its laying, is currently studied for its identification. Echinoderms 

are represented by Echinids and Ophiurids. Several species of crustacea are observed belonging to six families 

(Balanidae, Caprellidae, Corophiidae, Spaeromatidae, Amphitoidae and Gammaridae). Tunicates are represented 

by the following families: Cionidae, Styelidae et Ascidiacae, while Parazoaires are represented by species 

of calcareous and siliceous sponges and species of demosponges. The plathelminthes are represented by the 

Euryleptidae family. One species of the Actinidae family has been found. Polychaetes, crustaceans and molluscs 

are the most abundant groups observed in the mussel’s bags. Over time variation over time has been noticed for 

some groups of crustaceans. 

Les tables et les filières sont des installations conchylicoles utilisés dans la lagune de Bizerte pour l’élevage, dans des pochons, 

de l’huître creuse Crassostrea gigas et la moule Mytilus galloprovincialis. Les structures immergées sont, donc, des supports 

rapidement colonisés par les organismes vivants (végétaux, macroalgues, balanes, serpules, larves d’invertébrés et de vertébrés). 

Le présent travail consiste à déterminer et à suivre mensuellement, la faune associée à la moule Mytilus galloprovincialis 

vivant, à la fois, fixée sur la coquille du bivalve et dans les pochons des moules élevées dans les tables conchylicoles de la 

zone de Menzel Jemil située au nord Est de la lagune de Bizerte. Le suivi s’est poursuivi de juin 2008 à mai 2009. La faune 

inventoriée appartient à 44 taxons. Les annélides, qui sont très bien représentés appartiennent à neuf familles (Nereidae, 

Eunicidae, Aphroditidae, Cirratulidae, Syllidae, Phyllodocidae et Sabellidae). Les mollusques collectés découlent de cinq 

familles de bivalves (Limidae, Ostreidae, Veneridae, pectinidae et anomiidae) et de quatre familles de gastéropodes (Muricidae, 

Patellidae, Trochidae, et Nassaridae). Un nudibranche recueilli avec sa ponte est en cours d’identification. Les échinodermes 

sont représentés par les échinidae et les ophiuridae. Plusieurs espèces de crustacés sont recensées, elles appartiennent à 

six familles (Balanidae, Caprellidae, Corophiidae, Spaeromatidae, Amphitoidae, Gammaridae). Les tuniciers sont représentés 

par les familles des Cionidae, Styelidae et Ascidiacae, les parazoaires par des espèces appartenant aux classes des éponges 

calcaires, siliceuses et les demosponges et les plathelminthes par la famille des Euryleptidae. Une espèce de cnidaire appartenant 

aux actinidae a été recensée. Il est à signaler que les annélides, les crustacés et les mollusques constituent les groupes 

les plus abondants retrouvés dans les pochons des moules. Une variation temporelle significative a été relevée pour certains 

groupes d’invertébrés. 



Fish communities of coastal lagoons 

in the Mediterranean Sea supporting the application 

of the European Water Framework Directive 

Communautés de poissons des lagunes méditerranéennes : 

application de la Directive Cadre Européenne sur l’Eau 

D’Adamo Raffaele 1 , C. Manzo 1 , A. Fabbrocini 1 , E. Macci 2 , E. Barbone 2 , A. Basset 2 

1. Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche - Istituto di Scienze Marine - Via Pola 4, 71010 Lesina (FG) - Italy 

2. Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento - S.P. Lecce-Monteroni, 

73100 Lecce - Italy 

raffaele.dadamo@fg.ismar.cnr.it 

Coastal lagoons are highly productive environments, most of which are extensively altered by human activities. 

Fisheries and aquaculture are traditional human activities exploiting Mediterranean lagoon productivity at 

least since the Roman age. Recently, fishes were included in the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) as 

important biological indicators of the ecological status of lagoons. In Southern Italy, Alimini, Lesina and Varano 

lagoons have been exploited by artisanal fisheries for centuries and, at present, they sustain intensive fishing and 

aquaculture activities. Here, we report the results of field studies on the structure of fish communities in these 

lagoons. The aims of the study were to increase the knowledge on the non-commercial fish guilds, to investigate 

their organization and to test the adequacy of different taxonomic and non-taxonomic metrics to describe the 

ecological status of fish guilds along abiotic gradients of stress and external pressures. In each lagoon, fish 

assemblages were sampled seasonally for one year at 6 sites in Lesina and Varano and at 3 sites in Alimini 

using fyke-nets and gill nets. Globally, 25’296 individuals were sampled in the three lagoons, pertaining to 35 

species, with marked temporal and spatial variations of both abundances and species richness. The main biometric 

parameters of all sampled individuals were measured and sex and gonad maturity of fishes were determined. 

Physical and chemical data were collected. 

Species relevant for conservation purposes were observed in the sampled lagoons, including 3 species of 

international interest (Aphanius fasciatus, Knipowitschia panizzae and Syngnathus abaster) and 1 belonging 

to the Red List of Italian Freshwater Fishes (Gasterosteus aculeatus). The common occurrence of juveniles, 

emphasized the nursery role of these environments. The patterns of variation of both taxonomic and functional 

descriptors, including size spectra descriptors, along stress gradients are discus. 


Composition and structure of the fish communities 

in the Mellah lagoon (NE Algeria) during spring 

Composition et structure du peuplement ichtyologique de la lagune du Mellah (Algérie Nord-Est) 

en période printanière 

Merrah Abderrazak, L. Chaoui, M.H. Kara 

Laboratoire Bioressources marines, Université d’Annaba, BP 230 Oued Kouba, Annaba 23003 - Algeria 

kara_hichem@yahoo.com 

In coastal lagoons, the sustainability of fisheries depends on a management approach that is compatible with 

ecological principles. It should be based on knowledge of biodiversity in general and of the population dynamics 

of the fished species in particular. Altogether this knowledge is even more important for analyzing the impact of 

pressures and environmental change, which particularly include fishing pressure, habitat loss, eutrophication, 

and geomorphologic changes influencing the water exchange between the lagoon and the sea. In this context, the 

study of the fish assemblages is particularly important as these are highly sensitive to environmental changes. 

The Mellah lagoon is the only coastal lagoon in Algeria and has a surface of 865 ha and a mean depth of 3.5 m. 

While still relatively little impacted by human activities, its economic interest is very high because of fisheries, 

aquaculture resource exploitation and its touristic potentials. Many data are available on its physico-chemical 

conditions, its flora, and the zooplankton and macrobenthos assemblages of its fauna. Nevertheless, data on 

fish assemblages are sparse. This presentation is a contribution to a research program on fish assemblages in 

the Mellah lagoon and provides an inventory of the fish species diversity during a spring period (May 2009) as 

well as the spatial, temporal and weight variations. Ten stations have been selected to cover a range of marine 

and continental influences. We fished at these stations with a draw net (L= 10 m; H= 1.5 m and mesh size = 4 

mm). Seventeen species have been inventoried comprising in total 2354 individuals. Atherina boyeri and Gobius 

bucchichi are numerically dominant. Together with Gobius paganellus and Liza saliens the former two species 

also have the largest distribution in the lagoon. We try to uncover the relationships between the different spatial 

distributions and the physicochemical variables and the bottom features. 

Dans les lagunes, la durabilité de la pêche est tributaire d’une démarche éco-compatible, basée sur la connaissance de la 

biodiversité en général, de la biologie et de la dynamique des espèces en particulier. Ces informations sont d’autant plus 

importantes, qu’elles permettent d’analyser et de mesurer l’impact des changements de l’environnement et des menaces, 

comme la pression de la pêche, la perte des habitats, l’eutrophisation et l’évolution des échanges avec la mer sur les peuplements 

de la lagune. Dans ce contexte, l’étude du compartiment ichtyologique s’avère très importante, étant très sensible 

aux variations écologiques du milieu. Avec 865 ha et une profondeur moyenne de 3,5 m, le “Mellah” est l’unique lagune en 

Algérie. Peu “anthropisée”, elle revêt un intérêt économique important, en raison de son exploitation halieutique et aquacole 

et de son potentiel touristique certain. Cependant, si de nombreuses données sont disponibles sur sa physico-chimie, sa flore 

et sa faune zooplanctonique et macrozoobenthique, les informations relatives à sa faune ichtyologique sont peu nombreuses 

et ponctuelles. Faisant partie d’un programme de recherche sur la composition et la structure des assemblages ichtyologiques 

dans la lagune du Mellah, ce travail dresse l’état de la diversité ichtyologique dans ce milieu en période printanière (mai 2009), 

ainsi que ses variations spatiales, numériques et pondérales. Dix stations ont été choisies en fonction des influences marine 

ou continentales et pêchées à l’aide d’une senne de plage (L = 10 m; H = 1,5 m; maille = 4 mm). Dix sept espèces ont été 

inventoriées, composées d’un total de 2354 individus. Le nombre des individus de chaque espèce, ainsi que sa biomasse 

varient dans l’espace. Numériquement, Atherina boyeri et Gobius bucchichi dominent largement. Avec Gobius paganellus et 

Liza saliens, elles présentent la répartition spatiale la plus large. Les relations entre les différentes distributions spatiales en 

fonction des paramètres physiques, chimiques du milieu et de la nature du fond sont recherchées et discutées. 



Biodiversity of Digenous parasites of the fish genus Diplodus 

from Bizerte Lagoon, Tunisia 

Biodiversité des parasites Digènes chez les poissons du genre Diplodus 

provenant de la lagune de Bizerte, Tunisie 

Antar Rim 1 , L. Gargouri Ben Abdallah 2 , N. Trigui El Menif 1 , F. Maamouri 2 

1. Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte, Laboratoire de Biologie animale, Département de Biologie, 7021 Zarzouna - Tunisia 

2. Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, Laboratoire de Biologie animale, Département de Biologie, Tunis - Tunisia 


We studied the biodiversity of the Digenea fauna, parasites of the sparid fish of Diplodus genus collected from 

the Bizerte lagoon (North-Eastern Tunisia). Because these Digenea species are mesoparasites, we searched them 

in several parts of digestive tract (oesophagus, stomach, pyloric caeca, anterior, median and posterior intestine, 

and rectum). Examination of 150 fishes (Diplodus annularis, D. puntazzo, D. sargus, D. vulgaris) during the 

survey (October 2008 to June 2009) showed eight parasite species belonging to five distinct families (Fellodistomidae, 

Lepocreadiidae, Monorchiidae, Opecoelidae and Zoogonidae). The comparison of the Digenea fauna of 

fish from lagoon of Bizerte with those from the Tunisian coasts (Gulf of Tunis in 2008) indicated a lower diversity 

in this lagoon. This is mostly related to many factors namely lower frequency of intermediate hosts in this later 

biotope, a deleterious effect of pollution on these hosts and the free larval stages of parasites, together with a 

relative low sampling frequency. It is worth to notice that the parasite species richness is variable according to 

the seasons. 

Nos recherches ont porté sur l’étude de la biodiversité de la faune digénétique de poissons Sparidés du genre Diplodus provenant 

de la lagune de Bizerte, située au Nord Est de la Tunisie. Etant mésoparasites, ces digènes sont recherchés dans les différentes 

parties du tube digestif (oesophage, estomac, caecums pyloriques, intestin antérieur, intestin moyen, intestin postérieur 

et rectum). L’examen de 150 poissons (Diplodus annularis, D. puntazzo, Diplodus sargus, Diplodus vulgaris), durant la période 

d’étude (Octobre 2008-Juin 2009) a montré la présence de 8 espèces appartenant à 5 familles distinctes (Fellodistomidae, 

Lepocreadiidae, Monorchiidae, Opecoelidae, Zoogonidae). La comparaison de la faune digénétique des poissons lagunaires 

avec celle des poissons marins, signalée en 2008 dans le golfe de Tunis, a montré une diversité plus faible à la lagune de 

Bizerte. Ceci est, sans doute, en relation avec la fréquence des hôtes intermédiaires de ces parasites dans ce biotope, l’action 

néfaste de la pollution sur les différents hôtes intermédiaires et les stades libres de parasites ainsi qu’au faible effectif de 

l’échantillonnage. Il est à signaler que la richesse en espèces parasites est variable selon les saisons. 


Habitat distribution models for two sand gobies 

in the Venice Lagoon 

Modèle de distribution des habitats de deux gobies 

dans la lagune de Venise 

Franco Anita, M. Zucchetta, S. Malavasi, P. Torricelli, P. Franzoi 

University of Venice - Dep. Environmental Sciences, Castello 2737/B, 30122 Venezia - Italy 

afranco@unive.it 

The identification and characterization of habitats occupied by rare, special concern, threatened, and endangered 

species is a key element for achieving habitat conservation objectives expected by the Habitat and Species 

Directive (92/43/EC). In order to identify habitats of conservation concern in the Venice lagoon for two sand 

gobies, Pomatoschistus canestrinii and Knipowitschia panizzae, we developed habitat distribution models 

relating species distributions to environmental variables. A field survey was conducted between March 2004 and 

June 2005 in the Northern sub-basin of the lagoon. Each station was sampled by means of a beach seine net 

and characterized collecting the main chemico-physical parameters, such as water temperature, salinity, turbidity, 

dissolved oxygen content and bottom grain size. Main winds fetches were also considered, and estimated 

in a GIS environment. A logistic model was fitted, and validated on an independent data set, containing data for 

the whole basin. The response curves allowed to identify the role of the environmental parameters in explaining 

distributions of the these small gobies: salinity and sand content revealed to be the most important parameters, 

with preferences of the two species for conditions commonly found at medium to high confinement levels. 

The application of these models to continuous surfaces of the environmental variables allowed the creation of 

potential habitat distribution maps for the two gobies. In this way it has been possible to recognize several areas 

covering a particular role for the conservation of these species, located mainly in the inner part of the lagoon. 



Salinity indicator ectoparasites evolution 

of two mullet fish species, Liza saliens and Liza aurata, 

in the Ichkeul lagoon (Tunisia) 

Evolution des ectoparasites indicateurs de salinité dans la lagune de l’Ichkeul (Tunisie) 

chez deux espèces de muge Liza saliens et Liza aurata 

Sellami Rouwayda, B. Chaouachi, O.K. Ben Hassine 

Unité de Recherche de Biologie, Ecologie et Parasitologie des Organismes Aquatiques, 

Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, Campus Universitaire El Manar I, 2092 Tunis - Tunisia 

sellami.rouwayda@yahoo.fr 

Coastal lagoons are dynamic ecosystems which constitute the interface between marine and continental environment. 

They are considered naturally stressed systems with frequent environmental disturbances and fluctuations. 

Tunisian coasts are characterized by a series of brackish lagoons, very diverse in their area, depth, 

connectivity with river basins and the sea and also environmental conditions. Among these water planes, Ichkeul 

lagoon represents, with its geographical location and its important hydrographic system, an original aquatic 

environment. During the last decades, this lagoon has known a very important management which caused the 

modification of its hydrographic regime with consequences on the physicochemical variables of this sensitive 

biotope and on its faunistic and floristic richness. Considering all these features, we chose to analyze the impact 

of these disturbances on some ectoparasites known to be used as indicator of salinity. In order to achieve this, 

we examined two species of mullets, Liza saliens and Liza aurata, collected from this lagoon. This allowed us to 

harvest parasites belonging to the three ectoparasites: the Copepods Ergasilus lizae and Caligus pageti and the 

isopod Nerocila orbignyi. The follow up of the quantitative parasitism parameters (prevalence, average intensity, 

abundance), of the collected ectoparasites, permitted us to highlight the influence of certain variables (salinity, 

current direction) on the spatial and temporal distribution of these ectoparasites in this water plane. These 

observations have also allowed us to more understand the migratory movements of Ichkeul lagoon fishes (entry 

into, exit from and return to the lagoon). 

Les écosystèmes lagunaires constituent une interface entre les milieux marins et continentaux. Parmi les lagunes tunisiennes, 

la lagune de l’Ichkeul constitue, de par sa situation géographique et son important réseau hydrographique, un environnement 

aquatique original. Les aménagements, qu’a connus ce plan d’eau lors des dernières décennies, ont eu un impact très 

important sur l’écosystème. En effet, trois barrages ont été mis en service, de 1983 à 1994, sur le bassin versant de l’Ichkeul, 

entraînant une diminution considérable des apports en eau douce. De plus, une écluse, localisée à l’embouchure de l’Oued 

Tinja, a été construite afin de contrôler les échanges d’eau entre le plan d’eau de l’Ichkeul et la lagune de Bizerte. La lagune 

de l’Ichkeul a subi aussi une alternance d’années sèches (1994 à 2002) et d’années humides (2003-2007). Tous ces changements 

ont eu un impact important sur les variables hydrologiques et physico-chimiques du plan d’eau et par conséquent 

sur sa richesse faunistique et floristique. Nous avons donc jugé intéressent d’analyser l’impact de ces perturbations sur les 

ectoparasites indicateurs de salinité : les copépodes Ergasilus lizae et Caligus pageti et l’isopode Nerocila orbignyi chez deux 

espèces de muges, Liza saliens et Liza aurata. Pour cela, nous avons examinés des muges capturés au niveau des bordigues 

à la fois de sortie et de retour. Ceci nous a permis de récolter des parasites appartenant aux trois ectoparasites. Le suivi des 

paramètres quantitatifs (prévalence, intensité moyenne, abondance) du parasitisme des muges collectés, nous a permis de 

mettre en évidence l’influence de certaines variables (salinité, sens du courant) sur la distribution spatiale et temporelle de ces 

ectoparasites indicateurs de salinité dans ce plan d’eau. Ces observations nous ont permis aussi de mieux comprendre certains 

déplacements migratoires des poissons de la lagune de l’Ichkeul (entrée, sortie, retour). 


Analysis of macro-ectoparasites diversity 

of Mugilidae and Sparidae in Bizerta and Ghar El Melh lagoons 

(NE Tunisia) 

Etude de la diversité des macro-ectoparasites des poissons Mugilidés et Sparidés 

des lagunes de Bizerte et de Ghar El Melh (Nord-Est de la Tunisie) 

Djait Houda, S. Ben Jemaa-Najar, O.K. Ben Hassine 


Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, Campus Universitaire, 2092 Tunis - Tunisia 

marinehouda@yahoo.fr 

Bizerta and Ghar El Melh Lagoons are located in the North-East of Tunisia. These water planes have an effective 

potential for aquaculture. However, the lagoons, more than the sea, constitute favorable environments for the parasites 

proliferation. During a follow-up, from January to June 2008, we collected, from these two water planes, 

1354 fish belonging to 4 species of Mugilidae, encountered in the both lagoons, 21 species of Sparidae. Among 

them, 12 are caught in the Bizerta lagoon and 9 are captured in the Ghar El Melh lagoon. The study of these fish 

ecto-parasitofauna allows us to gather 11 species of Sparidae infested by ectoparasites in Bizerta lagoon (Boops 

boops, Pagellus erythrinus, Lithognathus mormyrus, Diplodus annularis, D. puntazzo, D. vulgaris, D. annularis, 

D. sargus sargus, Sparus pargrus, Sparus auratus and Sarpa salpa). However, in Ghar El Melh lagoon, only 4 

species (Lithognathus mormyrus, Diplodus annularis, Pagellus acarne and Sarpa salpa) host ectoparasites. From 

all these infested fish, 19 species of parasites were identified including 15 species of copepods (belonging to 

Caligidae, Naobranchiidae, Lernaeopodidae, Lernanthropidae, Pennellidae and Ergasilidae), a species of Piscicolidae, 

2 species of Cymothoidae and 1 species of Gnathiidae. In both water planes, Mugilidae were found carrying 

ectoparasites belonging to 3 copepoda families: Caligidae, Lernanthropidae, Lernaeopodidae, and 1 Isopod family: 

Cymothoidae. A species, belonging to Ergasilidae (Copepoda) was encountered only in Bizerta lagoon. In the latter 

lagoon, we gathered, on Sparidae fish, 9 species of Copepoda, 1 species of Hirudinae and 2 species of Eumalacostracae. 

While in Ghar El Melh lagoon, we collected, on these fish species, 6 species of ectoparasites: 5 species of 

copepoda and 1 species of Hirudinae. The quantitative study of parasitism parameters showed in Bizerta lagoon 

that the maximum of the prevalence occurred for Gnathia sp (80%) and the minimum (0.69%) for Caligus apodus. 

In the water plane of Ghar El Melh, the species Neobrachiella mugilis and Ceratothoa oestroides present, respectively, 

the maximum and the minimum values of the prevalence (36.28% and 0.3%). 

Les lagunes de Bizerte et de Ghar El Melh sont situées au Nord-Est de la Tunisie. Ces étendues d’eau possèdent des véritables 

potentialités aquacoles. Or, les lagunes constituent, plus que la mer, des environnements favorables à la prolifération 

des parasites. Au cours d’un suivi, durant la période allant de Janvier à Juin 2008, nous avons collecté, dans ces deux plans 

d’eau, 1354 poissons appartenant à 4 espèces de mugilidés, rencontrées dans les deux lagunes, 21 espèces de Sparidés, 

12 pêchées dans le plan d’eau de Bizerte et 9 dans celui de Ghar El Melh. L’étude de l’ectoparasitofaune de ces poissons a 

permis d’identifier 11 espèces de Sparidés porteurs d’ectoparasites dans la lagune de Bizerte (Boops boops, Pagellus erythrinus, 

Lithognathus mormyrus, Diplodus annularis, D. puntazzo, D. vulgaris, D. annularis, D. sargus sargus, Sparus pargrus, 

Sparus auratus et Sarpa salpa). En revanche, dans celle de Ghar El Melh, seules les espèces Lithognathus mormyrus, Diplodus 

annularis, Pagellus acarne et Sarpa salpa se sont révélés porteurs d’ectoparasites. Sur l’ensemble de ces poissons infestés, 

19 espèces de parasites ont été collectées dont 15 espèces de Copépodes (appartenant aux Caligidae, Naobranchiidae, 

Lernaeopodidae, Lernanthropidae, Pennellidae et Ergasilidae), une espèce de Piscicolidae, 2 espèces de Cymothoidae et 

1 espèce de Gnathiidae. Dans les deux étendues d’eau, les mugilidés se sont révélés porteurs d’ectoparasites appartenant aux 

Caligidae, aux Lernanthropidae, aux Lernaeopodidae et aux Cymothoidae. L’espèce Ergasilus lizae a été récoltée sur l’espèce 

Liza saliens seulement dans la lagune de Bizerte. Sur les sparidés de la lagune de Bizerte, 9 espèces de Copépodes, 1 espèce 

d’Hirudiné et 2 espèces d’Eumalacostracés ont été rencontrées. Sur les Sparidés de l’étendue d’eau de Ghar El Melh, 6 espèces 

d’ectoparasites ont été collectées. Il s’agit de 5 espèces de copépodes et 1 espèce d’Hirudiné. L’étude des paramètres 

quantitatifs du parasitisme a révélé que la prévalence maximale dans la lagune de Bizerte caractérise Gnathia sp (80%) et la 

minimale (0,69%) Caligus apodus. Dans l’étendue d’eau de Ghar El Melh, les espèces Neobrachiella mugilis et Ceratothoa 

oestroides présentent, respectivement, les valeurs maximales et minimales de la prévalence (36,28 % et 0,3%). 



Anguilla anguilla, an emblematic species, 

rapporteur of the environmental status 

of the Mediterranean lagoons 

Anguilla anguilla, une espèce emblématique, rapporteur du statut environnemental 

des lagunes Méditerranéennes 

Amilhat Elsa 1 , G. Fazio 1 , G. Simon 1 , R. Lecomte-Finiger 1 , S. Paris 2 , E. Faliex 1 , H. Farrugio 3 , P. Sasal 1 



2. Laboratoire d’Éco-Toxicologie, Université de Reims, BP 1039, 51687 Reims Cedex - France 

3. Ifremer LER LR, Laboratoire Environnement Ressources du Languedoc-Roussillon, Bd Jean Monnet, BP 171, 34203 Sète - France 

elsa.amilhat@univ-perp.fr 

Coastal lagoons are productive ecosystems, and conservation of these ecotones is critical for biodiversity, as 

well as from a socioeconomic point of view. They have to deal with increasing anthropogenic pressures, as they 

are the final receptacle of pollution. There is an increasing need to monitor these lagoons, in order to set up 

appropriate management plans to conserve them. Given their special life cycle, eels are considered as a good 

biomarker of the health of the lagoons. Also, they are a target species that sustain an important fishing trade. 

The aim of this study was to determine eel quality indicators, in order to assess and compare the environmental 

status of Mediterranean lagoons. Three types of indicators have been explored: invasive parasites burden (Anguillicola 

crassus and Pseudodactylogyrus spp.), the load of chemical contaminants (heavy metals and organic 

pollutants) and lipid reserves. A total of 139 silver eels were sampled, covering three lagoons: Canet-St-Nazaire, 

Salses-Leucate and Bages-Sigean (Gulf of Lion, South of France). In function of the lagoons considered, 7 to 

41% of the sampled eels were infested by A. crassus and 0 to 27 % by Pseudodactyloryrus spp.. DDT metabolites 

were detected in 90 % of the specimens, with concentrations of sumDDT reaching up to 1183 µg/kg wet. 

wt muscle. More than half of the silver eels were contaminated by at least one PCB indicator, with concentrations 

of sumPCBi reaching up to 52.6 µg/kg wet. wt muscle. Cd, Zn and Cu were detected in all the silver eels 

examined, and showed wide concentration ranges in muscle: 0.038 to 20.4 µg/g wet. wt for Cd, 0.001 to 0.135 

µg/g wet. wt for Cu and 0.08 to 26.3 µg/g wet. wt for Zn. Specimens from Canet-St-Nazaire lagoon were the 

most contaminated, and displayed the lowest fat content. Conversely, the Bages-Sigean lagoon appears to be the 

least impacted by contaminants. Results are discussed regarding EU regulations and possible implementation 

for national management plans. 

Les lagunes sont des écosystèmes productifs et leur conservation est critique pour la biodiversité et pour les activités socioéconomiques 

qui y sont liées. Avec la constante augmentation des pressions anthropiques, la mise en place d’un suivi des 

lagunes est urgente afin de développer des plans de gestion adaptés. L’anguille, l’espèce la plus pêchée des lagunes françaises, 

a un cycle de vie particulier qui en fait un biomarqueur particulièrement approprié pour évaluer l’état de santé des lagunes. 

L’objectif de cette étude est de déterminer chez les anguilles des indicateurs de qualité qui permettront d’évaluer et de comparer 

le statut environnemental des lagunes Méditerranéennes. Trois types d’indicateurs ont été explorés : la charge parasitaire 

(parasites invasifs Anguillicola crassus et Pseudodactylogyrus spp.), le taux de contaminants chimiques (métaux lourds et 

polluants organiques) et les réserves lipidiques. 139 anguilles argentées ont été échantillonnées sur 3 lagunes : Canet- 

St-Nazaire, Salses-Leucate et Bages-Sigean. Selon la lagune considérée, 7 à 41 % des anguilles échantillonnées sont infestées 

par A. crassus et de 0 à 27% par Pseudodactylogyrus spp.. 90 % des spécimens hébergent des métabolites du DTT avec une 

concentration maximale de la somme des DTTs de 1183 µg/kg de muscle frais. Plus de 50 % des anguilles sont contaminées 

par au moins un PCB indicateur, la concentration maximale de la somme des PCBi étant 52,6 µg/kg de muscle frais. Cd, Zn 

et Cu ont été détectés dans tous les spécimens étudiés ; les concentrations musculaires étant très variables : entre 0,038 

et 20,4 µg/g de poids frais (PF) pour le Cd, 0,001 et 0,135 µg/g PF pour le Cu et 0,08 et 26,3 µg/g PF pour le Zn. Sur les 

3 lagunes, les spécimens de Canet-St-Nazaire sont les plus contaminés et ont les taux de lipides les plus faibles. En revanche, 

ceux de Bages-Sigean semblent les moins atteints. Les résultats sont discutés en regard des règlements européens et des plans 

de gestion nationaux. 


Is the hybrid zone between Solea aegyptiaca 

and Solea senegalensis expanding? 

Genetic evidence over two decades 

La zone d’hybridation entre Solea aegyptiaca and Solea senegalensis augmente-elle en taille ? 

Preuves génétiques des deux derniers décades 

Ouanes Khaled 1 , L. Bahri-Sfar 1 , O.K. Ben Hassine 1 , F. Bonhomme 2 

1. Unité de recherche de biologie d’écologie et de parasitologie des organismes aquatiques, Faculté des sciences de Tunis - Tunisia 

2. Département de Biologie Intégrative, Institut des Sciences de l’Evolution, Université Montpellier II, 34095 Montpellier - France 

kouanes@gmail.com 

Coastal lagoons are known to have a high biodiversity. Large-scale change is occurring and affects this biodiversity 

through several ways. Among them, we can give as example genetic adaptive processes changing genes 

fluxes between populations. In other ways, particular conditions in such areas can favor interspecific exchanges 

between closely related species. This might have played a key role in the evolution and maintenance of hybrid 

zones. In the current study, we have re-examined the hybrid zone between Solea aegyptiaca and Solea senegalensis 

that was first described by She et al. (1987) in Northern Tunisia. Assessing the evolution of existent 

hybrid zones is central to deepen our understanding of evolutionary processes. Individuals were harvested from 

the area where the two species coexist and from outside this zone of sympatry. The six population samples were 

genotyped for seven enzymatic loci and four exon-primed intronic loci. Both types of markers were congruent 

and confirmed a high introgression level (34.2%) between the considered species in the Bizerta lagoon and 

much less outside, indicating that this is the main area where hybridisation occurs. Introgression clines, towards 

the South in S. aegyptiaca individuals and towards the north in S. senegalensis, indicated the existence of a 

unimodal hybrid zone. In comparison with previous results, genetic exchanges, occurring between the two taxa, 

are evolving and not stabilized yet. 



Behavioural and physiological insight into feeding ecology 

of the golden grey mullet Liza aurata 

Une vision comportementaliste et physiologique de l’écologie de la nutrition 

du mulet doré Liza aurata 

Como Serena, C. Dupuy, C. Fontaine, C. Lefrancois, P. Richard 

LIENSs - UMR6250 Institut du Littoral et de l’Environnement, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17042 La Rochelle - France 

serena.como@ifremer.fr 

Mullets are among the most widespread fish in coastal, estuarine and brackish areas. In these ecosystems 

mullets preferentially feed on benthic microalgae, sedimentary detritus and associated bacteria as well as on 

small invertebrates occasionally found in the sediment. As mullets have a short retention time and a relatively 

low assimilation efficiency of ingested food, they spend a lot of time grazing on the bottom surface. However, 

irrespective to the constraints of their digestive physiology, the feeding activity of mullets can widely change 

with seasons, day time and tidal cycle. Although feeding ecology of mullets have been investigated in many 

different systems, related mechanisms such as their feeding behavior or the food ingestion rate are less known. 

In the present study we investigated the feeding ecology of the golden grey mullet Liza aurata in mudflats. The 

specific objectives were (a) to describe the feeding behavior of L. aurata in terms of grazing pressure (hour ind. -1 ) 

and grazed area (cm 2 ind. -1 ), as well as (b) to estimate the ingestion rate of benthic microalgae and bacteria 

(µgC hour -1 ind. -1 ). The feeding behavior and ingestion rate of L. aurata have been estimated in mesocosm conditions 

for both juveniles and adults at two experimental temperatures (10 and 20 °C) using video recordings, 

digestive contents and stable isotope analyses. The findings of the present study will provide useful bases to 

quantify the ecological role of mullets not only in mudflats but also in other coastal systems such as the coastal 

lagoons. 


The water bird community of the Mar Menor coastal lagoon 

(SE Spain): spatial relationships with major environmental 

gradients and trophic web components 

La communautés des oiseaux aquatiques de la lagune Mar Menor (SE Espagne) : relations spatiales 

avec les gradients environnementaux majeurs et différentes composantes du réseau trophique 

Pérez-Ruzafa Angel, P. Farinós, F. Robledano, J.I. Quispe-Becerra, C. Marcos 

University of Murcia, Department of Ecology and Hidrology, Faculty of Biology, Espinardo Campus, 30100, Murcia - Spain 

angelpr@um.es 

During the annual cycle 2006/2007, the water bird community of the Mar Menor coastal lagoon (SE Spain) 

was monitored during offshore boat trips, within the same sampling scheme applied to record several physico- 

chemical and biological variables of the main water mass. Monthly censuses of water birds were carried out 

in 20 sampling stations distributed according to a standardized zoning based on the degree of confinement 

and productivity of the system. On the basis of data collected, we have analyzed the spatial variation in bird 

abundance and community structure, and have related it to the major gradients that characterize the internal 

environmental variation of the lagoon. We have assessed the role of certain species as indicators of human disturbance 

and trophic status of the water, by searching for a numerical and/or distributional response to general 

environmental variables. Since general productivity and other environmental features drive also the distribution 

of other trophic web components to which water birds can respond, we have also explored the relationships 

between birds and other biological variables recorded in the same sampling points. Among the main results, 

we highlight the existence of opposite gradients of bird diversity and abundance associated with the marinecontinental 

gradient, with the Mediterranean influences (sea water inflow through the lagoon mouth) enhancing 

diversity, and the continental influences (runoff and nutrient inputs) favoring total abundance. Areas with high 

nutrient loads and low hydrodynamics show a reduced water bird diversity, which is favored in more open areas 

with intermediate trophic status. 



Population sizes and distribution of wintering waterbirds 

in Tunisia 

Taille des populations et distribution des oiseaux en hivernage en Tunisie 

Hamdi Nabil, F. Charfi 

Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, Département de Biologie, Unité de recherche de biologie animale et systématique évolutive, 

Tunis El Manar 2092 - Tunisia 

nabilhamdimd@yahoo.fr 

Over the past decades, many wintering waterbird populations in Tunisia have undergone rapid changes in 

number as well as changes in distribution. These continuing changes make it necessary to update population 

estimates on a regular basis. Indeed, information on the numbers of individuals in a population represents some 

of the most basic data that are needed to conserve populations and habitat protection is the most important 

means of conserving biodiversity. Despite its ecological and economic relevance, all Tunisian wetlands are not 

officially protected. Human activities, such as population growth, agriculture, tourism, are posing serious threats 

to these natural habitats and therefore associate waterbird populations. This study was made principally in 

response to ever-greater demands for information on the status and the distribution of waterbirds. Our aims is to 

present population estimates for 150 Tunisian wetlands referred to the average wintering numbers that usually 

occur at the stability period (December-January) of the 2003/2004-2007/2008 winter seasons. 


Diversity of aquatic macrophytes from coastal lagoons 

of W Greece (Ionian Sea) 

Diversité des macrophytes aquatiques dans les lagunes côtières de la Grèce occidentale 

(Mer Ionienne) 

Chrysoula Christia, I. Tziortzis, G. Fyttis, E.S. Papastergiadou 

Department of Biology, Section of Plant Biology, University of Patras GR 26 500 Patras - Greece 

xchristi@upatras.gr 

Aquatic macrophytes constitute a major component of lagoon ecosystems, playing a key role in the food web. 

Since aquatic vegetation directly affects the structure and functioning of coastal ecosystems it is important 

to consider aquatic macrophytes when assessing the environmental state of lagoons. Submerged rooted 

macrophytes (angiosperms, opportunistic and drift algae, charophytes) were collected in many shallow (0-1.5m) 

brackish lagoons of western Greece during an extensive study of monitoring the ecological quality of coastal 

lagoons of Greece, from 2003 up today. Studied areas included the most important coastal lagoons of NW Peloponnese 

and western Greece named Kaiafas, Kotychi, Prokopos, Araxos, Kleisova, Logarou, Tsoukalio and Rodia 

lagoons. On an average, 50 macrophyte species recorded in the studied areas. Most of the species are widely 

distributed. From the fifty taxa that recorded, 21 belong to Chlorophytes, 16 to Rhodophytes, 9 to Spermatophytes, 

2 to Phaeophytes and 2 to Ochrophytes. The maximum species occurred in Kleisova and Kotychi lagoons 

while the least species in Kaiafas lagoon. Kaiafas lagoon is deepest lagoon with lower salinity values. The rare 

charophyte Chara hispida f. corfuensis and the angiosperm Potamogeton pectinatus are the dominant species. 

The Characeae family that is important for the water quality evaluation is represented also in Kotychi lagoon and 

in three coastal lagoons of Amvrakikos Gulf. Opportunistic and drift algae that belongs to Cladophoraceae and 

Ulvaceae families are present in all studied areas. The main threat to aquatic plants diversity may be habitat 

loss due to hydrological alteration, human pressure with aquacultures and inappropriate economic development 

policy. Further scientific research, education of the local people, balancing of economic development, ecological 

conservation and governmental assistance are the main actions that will enhance the conservation of biodiversity 

in coastal lagoons of W. Greece. 


POSTER l Mini symposium 2 l POP 

Does the UV filter EHMC accumulate in the mussels collected 

in coastal zones ? 

Le filtre UV EHMC est-t-il accumulé dans des moules prélevées en zones côtières ? 

Bachelot Morgane 1 , E. Gomez 2 , Z. LI 2 , D. Munaron 1 , C. Casellas 3 , H. Fenet 3 


2. UMR 5569 Hydrosciences Montpellier, Université Montpellier 1, Faculté de Pharmacie, 15 Avenue Charles Flahault, BP 14 491, 


3. DSESP, UMR 5569 Hydrosciences Montpellier, Université Montpellier 1, Faculté de Pharmacie, 15 Avenue Charles Flahault, 

BP 14 491, 34093 Montpellier Cedex 5 - France 

morgane.bachelot@ifremer.fr 

Some UV filters are known to be endocrine disrupters. Among them, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (EHMC) has 

shown to activate estrogen receptor in bioassays and to perturb reproduction in in vivo models. This UV filter is 

one of the most used in sunscreens as well as in cosmetic products. It enters the aquatic environment directly 

via skin and clothes wash-off during recreational activities, or indirectly via sewage waters, where the concentrations 

were observed after treatment up to 100 ng/L. EHMC (log Kow = 5.8) accumulate in biota; residues 

were found in fish muscle from German and Swiss lakes, reaching concentrations of 72 ng/g lipid. Mussels are 

already used for characterisation of contamination by lipophilic chemicals as PAHs or PCBs. The aim of our 

study is to use wild mussels to assess EHMC contamination of ten French coastal zones. Wild mussels were 

sampled in sites of recreational activities: nine beaches and one pleasure port. Campaign had lasted from June 

to November 2008 with five samples per sites. Each sample contained 50 mussels from four to seven cm. 

Mussels were extracted by microwave assisted extraction; extracts were purified by reverse phase high performance 

liquid spectrometry. Z and E-EHMC analysis was performed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. 

All mussels’ analysis were related to condition index. Concentrations up to 850 ng EHMC/g lipid were 

noticed in the most popular beach in August. The level of EHMC concentration in mussels appeared to be 

related to the frequentation of the beaches. Mussels could be proposed as indicator of EHMC contamination. 

Certains filtres UV sont connus pour être des perturbateurs endocriniens. Parmi eux, l’éthylhexyl méthoxycinnamate (EHMC) a 

montré qu’il activait des récepteurs aux strogènes dans des essais biologiques et perturbait la reproduction dans des modèles 

in vivo. Ce filtre UV est l’un des plus utilisés dans les écrans solaires, ainsi que dans les produits cosmétiques. Il entre dans le 

milieu aquatique soit directement par le lessivage de la peau et des vêtements lors d’activités récréatives, soit indirectement 

par l’intermédiaire des eaux usées, où les concentrations ont été observées après traitement jusqu’à 100 ng / L. L’EHMC (log 

Kow = 5,8) s’accumulent dans le biota, des résidus ont été trouvés dans des muscles des poissons dans des lacs allemand 

et suisses, atteignant des concentrations de 72 ng / g de lipide. Les moules sont déjà utilisées pour la caractérisation de la 

contamination par des contaminants chimiques lipophiles comme les PCB ou les HAP. Le but de notre étude est d’utiliser des 

moules pour évaluer la contamination en EHMC de dix sites du littoral français. Des moules sauvages ont été échantillonnées 

dans des sites d’activités récréatives: neuf plages et un port de plaisance. La campagne a duré de juin à novembre 2008 et 

comprend cinq échantillons par site. Chaque échantillon contenait 50 moules de quatre à sept centimètres. Les moules ont été 

extraites par extraction assistée par micro-ondes, les extraits ont été purifiées par chromatographie liquide haute performance 

en phase inverse. L’analyse des Z et E-EHMC a été réalisée par chromatographie en phase gazeuse et spectrométrie de masse. 

Toutes les analyses de moules sont liés à la condition index. Des concentrations allant jusqu’à 850 ng EHMC / g de lipides ont 

été observées pour la plage la plus fréquentée au mois d’août. Le niveau de concentration dans les moules EHMC semble être 

lié à la fréquentation des plages. Les moules pourrait être proposé comme indicateur de contamination par l’EHMC. 


Contaminants and interactions in lagoon ecosystems 

the “CIEL 2008-2011” Programme of the ANR-CES 

(France) 

Diversité des macrophytes aquatiques dans les lagunes côtières de la Grèce occidentale 

(Mer Ionienne) 

Buscail Roselyne 1 , S. Biagianti-Risbourg 2 , G. Charmantier 3 , M. Chevreuil 4 , P. Sasal 5 , F. Vouvé 6 

1. UMR 5110 CNRS-UPVD CEFREM, 52 Avenue Paul Alduy, 66860 Perpignan - France 

2. EA 2069 Laboratoire d’Eco-toxicologie Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Moulin de la Housse, 51687 Reims - France 

3. UMR 5119, CNRS-IFREMER-IRD-UM2 Laboratoire Ecosystèmes Lagunaires, CC093, Place Eugène Bataillon, 


4. UMR 7619 Sisyphe, Université de Paris VI, 4 Place Jussieu, 75252 Paris - France 



6. EA 4218, IMAGES, Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, 52 Avenue Paul Alduy, 66860 Perpignan - France 

buscail@univ-perp.fr 

The lagoons, semi-enclosed ecosystems, constitute “final receptacles” of pollutant emissions from agricultural, 

industrial and urban origin. To this chemical multi-faceted contamination, biotic stresses of parasites are added 

as there biological cycles are favoured by confinement. To understand the vulnerability of these ecosystems, 

sensitive and reliable indicators (environmental and biological) must be selected to evaluate the adaptation or 

exhaustion of organisms and populations to the multiple environmental stresses. The European eel, Anguilla 

anguilla L. 1758, is an amphialine fish with a remarkable life cycle. Eels enter lagoons at the stage of glass 

eel, then transform to yellow eels. After 2 to 12 years, they transform to silver eel stage to migrate back to their 

spawning site, the Sargasso Sea. European eel is now considered as an endangered species in all its distribution 

area. Objectives of the CIEL programme are to study: i) the variability of the physico-chemical characteristics 

of water and sediments of two contrasted lagoons, Bages-Sigean and Canet-St Nazaire (salinity, T°C, pH, O 2 , 

organic matter), ii) the contamination degrees in water and sediments for metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb) and organic 

micropollutants (bromine fireproofing, polychlorobiphenyls), iii) the chemical contamination degrees of the 

yellow eel and the pressure exerted by the macroparasites in order to characterize transfer and circulation of 

contaminants within these disturbed ecosystems, iv) the effects of disturbances (chemical contaminants, physico-chemical 

variations, parasites) on biological response capabilities and the health state of a highly valued 

commercial fish, the European eel, and finally v) to establish the physiological responses of the eels, under 

experimental conditions and at various levels of integration (individual, organic and tissue, cellular, molecular), 

when they are confronted with the chemical contaminan, CuSO 4 (widely utilised in regional vine-growing), and/ 

or the macroparasite, Anguillicola crassus. 

Les lagunes, écosystèmes complexes relativement fermés, constituent des “réceptacles finaux” d’émissions polluantes provenant 

de zones agricoles, industrielles et urbaines. A cette multi-contamination chimique, s’ajoutent des stress d’ordre biotique 

tels que des parasites divers dont les cycles biologiques sont favorisés par le confinement. La mise en évidence de la vulnérabilité 

des écosystèmes passe par l’utilisation d’indicateurs environnementaux et de biomarqueurs sensibles et fiables permettant 

l’évaluation de l’acquisition de tolérance ou de l’épuisement des organismes et des populations face aux multiples agressions 

environnementales. L’anguille européenne Anguilla anguilla Linné 1758 est un poisson migrateur amphihalin dont le cycle de 

vie est unique. Elle pénètre au stade civelle dans les lagunes, y poursuit son développement (8 à 12 ans) au stade anguille 

jaune puis quitte ces milieux au stade anguille argentée afin de retourner vers la mer des Sargasses, leur aire de ponte. Elle 

fait aujourd’hui partie des espèces menacées dans toute son aire de répartition européenne. Objectifs du programme CIEL : 

- La variabilité des paramètres environnementaux de l’eau et des sédiments de deux lagunes méditerranéennes contrastées: 

Bages - Sigean et Canet - Saint Nazaire (salinité, T°C, pH, O 2 dissous, matière organique); - Les taux de contaminants dans 

l’eau et les sédiments et leur biodisponibilité : (1) métaux (Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb) et (2) micropolluants organiques (ignifuges bromés, 

polychlorobiphényles); - Les voies et les taux de contamination chimique de l’anguille jaune et l’utilisation des parasites 

comme compartiment biologique, pour la caractérisation des interactions, mais aussi pour aborder le transfert et la circulation 

des contaminants dans l’écosystème; - Les effets des perturbations (contaminants chimiques, variations physico-chimiques, 

parasites) sur la capacité de réponse biologique et sur l’état de santé d’un poisson (l’anguille) à forte demande commerciale; 

- Expérimentalement, la dynamique des réponses physiologiques des individus (tissulaire, cellulaire, moléculaire) confrontés 

à un contaminant chimique : le sulfate de cuivre (utilisé en viticulture régionale) et/ou à un parasite : le nématode invasif, 

Anguillicola crassus. 



Waste Water Treatment Plant impact on organotin, 

nutrient and faecal bacteria patterns along a river reach 

in low flow conditions 

Impact des effluents d’une station d’épuration sur les teneurs en composés organiques de l’étain, 

sur les teneurs en nutriments et les bactéries d’origine fécale d’une rivière en situation 

de faible débit 

Bancon-Montigny Chrystelle 1 , N. Chahinian 1 , A. Caro 2 , P. Got 2 , M.G. Tournoud 1 , D. Rosain 1 

1. HydroSciences Montpellier UMR 5569 (CNRS-IRD-Université Montpellier 1-Université Montpellier 2) 

Université Montpellier 2, place Eugène Bataillon CC MSE 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5 - France 

2. ECOLAG, Laboratoire Écosystèmes Lagunaires UMR 5119 CNRS Université Montpellier 2, place E Bataillon cc 093, 


chrystelle.bancon-montigny@univ-montp2.fr 

Intermittent rivers have a specific hydrological behaviour which in turn impacts contaminant dynamics. Hence 

sediment-water column interactions may influence water quality during low flows. 

The main objective of this work was to assess the extent of organic pollution in an intermittent river reach located 

to the right of a waste water treatment plant effluent (WWTP). The Vène River, main tributary of the Thau 

lagoon, was selected as a study site. A two day field survey was carried out in May 2008 during which water 

and sediment samples collected at sixteen locations along the river course (1.5 km). The samples were used to 

quantify thermo-tolerant coliforms (TTC), faecal streptococci (FS), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorous (TP) 

and butyltin (TBT, DBT, MBT) concentrations. The results indicate the presence of organic pollution in all 16 

sampled sites. Concentrations are systematically higher in the sediments than in the water column. The TN/TP 

ratio is close to one in water but very low in the sediments. It increases after the WWTP but remains within the 

same orders of magnitude, denoting phosphorous losses in the water column and an increase in the sediments. 

The WWTP may be considered as a direct pollution input source as concentrations in water are higher in its immediate 

vicinity for all parameters. However, they do not decrease considerably when moving downstream from 

this point, indicating the presence of additional pollution sources. By combining the results of all the chemical 

analyses for sediments, an urban drainage ditch is identified as a secondary point pollution source. This finding 

is confirmed by the TTC and SF data. 

This study highlights the importance of sediment-water column interactions in pollution transfer, namely for 

pollutants that have a longer half life in sediments than in water. It also shows the importance of the sediments 

in the storage and transmission of organic pollution along the river reach. 

POSTER l 1 l Impacts of climate variability and sea-level rise 

Vulnerability assessement of the Moulay Bousselham lagoon 

to climate change and sea-level rise 

Evaluation de la vulnérabilité de la lagune de Moulay Bousselham 

envers le changement climatique et le monté du niveau de la mer 

Khouakhi Abdou, M. Snoussi, S. Niazi, O. Raji 

University Mohammed V, Faculty of sciences, 4 Avenue Ibn Battouta B.P. 1014 RP, Rabat – Morocco 

abdouu2005@gmail.com 

The effects of sea level rise, one of the most significant consequences of the climate change planned for the 

next decades, may include a marked increase in coastal erosion, flooding of low lying coastal plains, rise in water 

tables, increased saltwater intrusion, and a suite of ecological changes. Due to their setting within the coastal 

landscape, coastal lagoons are especially vulnerable to such effects. The present study aims to assess the 

physical and socioeconomic vulnerability, as well as the potential impacts of inundation due to sea-level rise 

on the Moulay Besselham lagoon, located on the Atlantic coast of Morocco. This lagoon is already experiencing 

acute environmental pressures originating from both ocean and catchment, which have reduced, and will continue 

to reduce, the natural and socioeconomic capacity of the lagoon to adapt to change, thereby, increasing its 

vulnerability to future sea- level rise. The preliminary results, obtained from of a GIS-based modeling showed 

that the one meter rise in sea-level will put at risk from inundation the valuable agricultural land around the 

lagoons. The effects of increased extreme weather events would probably threaten the sustainability of the 

lagoon as biosphere reserve, and valuable economic income for the local communities. Therefore managing 

this lagoon in the context of climate change is critical because of its crucial environmental and economic role. 



Vulnerability Assessment of the Nador’s lagoon (Morocco) 

to the future sea-level rise 

Evaluation de la vulnérabilité de la lagune de Nador (Maroc) 

envers une future élévation du niveau de la mer 

Niazi Saida, O. Raji, M. Snoussi, A. Khouaki 

University Mohammed V-Agdal, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Earth Sciences, 

Research Group in Coastal Environment and Climate Change, Avenue Ibn Battota, B.P. 1014, Rabat - Morocco 

saidaniazi@hotmail.com 

During the 21st century, it is generally believed that climate change and sea level rise (SLR) will cause biogeophysical 

impacts on the coastal ecosystems which will not be able to adapt to the new conditions. These changes 

may intensify the stress on these areas, entailing elevated inundation, increased flood frequency, accelerated 

erosion, rising water tables, increased saltwater intrusion, and a suite of ecological changes. These biophysical 

changes are expected to cause various socio-economic impacts. 

Considering the potential impacts of the SLR, the vulnerability index has become a necessary and timely tool 

to define vulnerable coastal areas. This study presents an assessment of the relative vulnerability to sea level 

rise (SLR) of the Nador lagoon considering both physical and socio-economic variables. The lagoon of Nador is 

Morocco’s largest coastal lagoon. It presents large surface of about 115 km² with an average depth of 8 m. The 

lagoon is separated from the sea by a narrow barrier (25 km length) and opens into the Mediterranean through 

a narrow inlet. The circulation is mainly dominated by wind induced forces. It’s a Site of Biological and Ecological 

Interest. About 200’400 inhabitants live around the lagoon. The main activities are agriculture and stock 

farming, and fisheries. However, the increasing pressures of urbanization and multiple economic activities in 

and around the lagoon may affect the evolution of this ecosystem and increase its vulnerability to future change. 

Two coastal vulnerability indexes physical and socio-economic- were calculated and mapped using geographic 

information system (GIS). Results show that for the physical coastal vulnerability index, 22 % of the mapped 

shoreline is classified as being at very high risk due to future sea-level rise and 36 % of the shoreline is at high 

to very high risk for the socio-economic sub-index. These results suggest that decision- makers could reduce 

vulnerability by making choices that steer development away from high risk areas. 


Wind forcing on the bio-optical dynamics 

in a shallow coastal lake 

Forçage du vent sur la dynamique bio-optique dans un lac côtier peu profond 

Bracchini Luca 1 , A.M. Dattilo 1 , A. Tognazzi 1 , M. Falcucci 2 , V. Hull 2 , S.A. Loiselle 1 

1. Environmental Spectroscopy Laboratory, Dipartimento Farmaco Chimico Tecnologico, Università di Siena, Via A. Moro 2 

53100 Siena - Italy 


bracchini@unisi.it 

Coastal lakes are strongly influenced by local and regional wind regimes. This is particularly true regarding the 

chemical physical and optical properties of the water column. For example, in well mixed lakes, anoxic conditions 

may be limited to near the sediment, whereas in orographically shielded lakes, the limited wind forcing 

may favour stratification and an extended anoxic zone. Moreover, wind forcing strongly influences the bio-optical 

characteristics of the lake. In Fogliano Lake in central Italy, as part of the Medcodyn project, we analysed the 

spatial and temporal dynamics of lake optical properties in relation meteorological and biological variables. We 

found distinct differences between the impact of wind regimes on ultraviolet and visible solar optical properties. 

The concentration (measured as absorption) of dissolved organic matter was found to be poorly coupled 

to wind resuspension, while increases in scattering due to suspended particles were clearly found to correlate 

with changing wind regimes. This could have important consequences on photochemical reactions involving 

ultraviolet radiation on living / nonliving matrices, due to an increase in the optical path length of potentially 

harmful UV photons. 



Comparison of two Mediterranean lagoons: 

a GIS-based vulnerability assessment of the Mar Menor (Spain) 

and Nador lagoon (Morrocco) 

Comparaison de deux lagunes méditerranéennes, la Mar Menor (Espagne) 

et la lagune de Nador (Maroc): une évaluation de leur vulnérabilité basée sur les SIG 

Raji Otmane 1 , S. Niazi 2 , M. Snoussi 2 , A. Khouakhi 2 

1. Cadiz university, Edificio CTC C/benito Perez Galdos s/n 11002 Cadiz - Spain 

2. Mohamed V University, Avenue ibn Battota, B.P.1014, Rabat - Morocco 

otmaneraji@gmail.com 

Sea-level rise (SLR) due to Climate change is now inevitable and coastal lagoons are the most vulnerable to 

its effects because of their sitting within the coastal landscape. Furthermore, the difference between the north 

and the south economic development models will certainly affect the degree of the vulnerability to SLR and the 

capacity to cope with its effects of these ecosystems. The purpose of this work is to compare the vulnerability to 

sea level rise of two Mediterranean lagoons: the Mar Menor lagoon, one of the biggest coastal lagoons in Europe 

(135 km²) located in the southeastern Spain, and the Nador lagoon, the largest lagoon (115 km²) of Morocco 

located along the Mediterranean coast. Even if the two lagoons present comparable geomorphologic features, the 

different level of their socio-economic settings make them differently vulnerable to climate change and SLR. The 

vulnerability assessment of these two coastal lagoons was based on the combination of both the natural coastal 

vulnerability index and the socio-economic vulnerability index using geographic information system (GIS). The 

key results of this study are presented in two maps, showing the overall vulnerability to SLR for each of the two 

lagoons. This approach allowed highlighting those areas of the Nador and Mar Menor lagoons where the effects 

of future sea-level rise might be the greatest. This information may have direct application in coastal development 

programs in both the short and long-term, and can assist the decision-makers in the implementation of 

preventive management strategies in the most sensitive areas. The study concludes that the total vulnerability 

index is a reliable and easily applicable tool to compare different coastal lagoons to climate change and SLR. 


Hydrodynamic constraints for the hydraulic management 

and salinity control of the Vaccarès lagoon in the Rhône delta 

(S France) 

Les contraintes hydro-climatiques pour la gestion hydraulique et saline 

de l’hydro-système Vaccarès, Delta du Rhône 

Chauvelon Philippe, M. Pichaud, A. Loubet 

Tour du Valat, centre de recherche pour la conservation des zones humides méditerranéennes, Le Sambuc, 13200 Arles - France 


An analysis of hydraulic management constraints of the “Ile de Camargue” in extreme hydro-climatic conditions and 

of hydro-saline conditions at the sea lagoon interface was conducted. Precipitations seem to be more irregular then 

previously in spring and beginning of winter; whereas regularly abundant rains in September seem to become more 

frequent. From the analysis of precipitations extremes, we should retain that a daily rain of 100 mm in the delta has a 

ten years return period, so a probability of 10% to occur each year. The peak discharge of the Rhone river during the 

December 2003 flood, as its daily mean discharge (10900 m3/s) during this event should be considered to have in 

the current context (analysis of the last 30 years discharge series) a return period of 50 to 60 years. It is important to 

note that floods of relatively current frequencies can lead to potentially dangerous situations for the dykes of the delta, 

in particular those of the Petit Rhone. In a situation where transfer from flooded northern delta area would occur, with 

the delta being already submitted to a 150 mm in 2 to 3 days, the peak discharge to the lagoons can reach 60 m3/s. 

The discharge of evacuation to the sea by gravity through the sluices at the “Fourcade” outlet at the Saintes-Maries 

de-la-Mer can be more than 20 m3/s; but for this, a strong northern wind or already filled lagoons and low sea level 

are necessary. Mean sea level at Fourcade site during the period 2001-2008 is 0.14 m NGF; it is clear that the level 

0m NGF, for a long time (and still today for some actors) considered as the reference for hydraulic management of the 

lagoons is not more valid when this value, on the sea side is exceeded 80% of the time. In fact on average, an even for 

rainy years, water level of the lagoons is at least 90% of time lower than sea level from June to August. Concerning the 

hydraulic management of this sea lagoon connection, is posed the problem of the interference with the management 

of “Eolienne” drainage station discharging at Fourcade. The water from this station is a mix of water from the river, 

drainage of marshes, untreated urban sewages. Continuous measurements made in “entering conditions” from the sea 

since 2003 show that water has a mean salinity of 24 g/l, instead of the 35 to 38 g/l of sea water. Due to management, 

water entering the system is less salty than seawater, a situation which could be considered has an “interesting” compromise: 

biological fluxes are allowed without increasing too much the salt stock. But due to its origin, there is a non 

negligible risk to contribute to an excess eutrophication of the southern lagoons, with potentially arisen problems for 

ecosystem health, fishing activities and other injurious effects for tourism on the area. 

Une analyse des contraintes de gestion hydraulique de l’Ile de Camargue en conditions hydro-climatiques extrêmes et des conditions hydro-salines 

à l’interface mer étang a été réalisée. La pluviométrie semble devenir encore plus irrégulière qu’elle ne l’était au printemps et au début de l’hiver; 

des pluies régulièrement abondantes dès le mois de septembre semblent devenir plus fréquentes. On retiendra de l’analyse des précipitations 

extrêmes qu’une précipitation journalière de 100 mm dans le delta a une période de retour décennale soit une probabilité de 10 % de se produire 

chaque année. Le débit de pointe observé lors de la crue de décembre 2003, ainsi que son débit moyen journalier (environ 10900 m3/s) aurait 

dans le contexte actuel (analyse de la série des 30 dernières années) une période de retour de l’ordre de 50 à 60 ans. Il est important de noter 

que des crues de fréquence relativement courante conduisent à des situations potentiellement dangereuses pour l’intégrité des digues du delta, 

en particulier celles du Petit Rhône. Dans une situation de transfert d’eau d’une nappe d’inondation depuis le bassin Nord de l’Ile de Camargue, 

se produisant alors que le delta aurait déjà été soumis à une pluie dépassant 150 mm en 2-3 jours, le débit d’apport instantané aux étangs peut 

atteindre 60 m3/s. Le débit d’évacuation gravitaire par le pertuis de la Fourcade aux Saintes Maries de la Mer, lui peut dépasser 20 m3/s, mais il 

faut pour cela un fort vent de secteur Nord, ou que l’étang soit déjà rempli à une cote élevée, avec un niveau marin bas. Le niveau marin moyen 

à la Fourcade sur la période 2001-2008 est de 0,14 m NGF, il est clair que la cote 0 m NGF, pendant longtemps (et aujourd’hui encore par 

certains acteurs) considérée comme la référence pour la gestion hydraulique des étangs camarguais n’est plus d’actualité lorsqu’elle est dépassée 

coté marin en moyenne plus de 80 % du temps. De fait, en moyenne, et même pour des années pluvieuses la cote des étangs est au moins 90 

% du temps inférieure au niveau marin de juin à août. Concernant la gestion hydraulique de ce pertuis se pose le problème de l’interférence avec 

la gestion de la station d’assainissement de “l’Eolienne”. L’eau refoulée par cette station est un mélange d’eau du Petit Rhône, de drainage de 

marais, de rejets urbains domestique non traités. Les mesures par flux entrant depuis 2003 montrent que l’eau entrant dans l’étang par le pertuis 

a une salinité moyenne de 24 g/l, au lieu des 35 à 38 g/l de celle de l’eau de mer. Du fait de la gestion effectuée, l’eau entrante dans le système 

est moins salée que celle de l’eau de mer, ce qui peut paraitre un compromis “intéressant” : on n’augmente pas autant que cela le stock de sel tout 

en permettant des flux biologiques. Mais compte tenu de son origine, il y a un risque non négligeable de contribuer à une eutrophisation excessive 

de l’étang de l’Impérial, posant des problèmes pour l’écosystème lagunaire, son exploitation halieutique, et de possibles nuisances défavorables 

à la fréquentation touristique du secteur. 



Assessment of eutrophication of French Mediterranean lagoons 

in relation to meteorological interannual variability 

Evaluation de l’eutrophisation des lagunes de la Méditerranée française 

en fonction de la variabilité météorologique interannuelle 

Malet Nathalie 1 , V. Derolez 1 , T. Laugier 1 , D. Munaron 1 , A. Fiandrino 1 , A. Vaquer 2 


2. UMR 5119 Université Montpellier II-CNRS-IFREMER-IRD Ecosystèmes Lagunaires, Equipe ETDA, 2 Place Eugène Bataillon, 


nathalie.malet@ifremer.fr 

Since recent decades, nutrient-related eutrophication, originating from agricultural use of fertilizer and population 

enhancement, can be considered worldwide as the main disturbance for coastal lagoons. Since coastal 

lagoons are very shallow and enclosed, their functioning is tightly linked to meteorological conditions. The aim 

of this study is to compare specific meteorological conditions related to nutrient loading and lagoon eutrophication 

response. The French Mediterranean lagoon monitoring network (LMN) focusing upon eutrophication 

is operated since 2001 on 21 coastal lagoons of the Languedoc-Roussillon (Western Mediterranean coast). 

Several assessment tools were developed for each ecosystem compartment: water, sediments, phytoplankton, 

macrophytes and allowed to diagnose their biological trophic quality status in five levels. During the 8 years of 

the LMN, meteorological conditions exhibited high variability (wet periods, spring flood event, drought years) 

causing fluctuations in nutrient lagoon inputs. For instance, during the particularly dry year 2008, a decrease 

up to 97 % with an average of 62 % of the chlorophyll " content on the majority of the lagoons was observed. 

Thus, it remains difficult to assume the part of water quality improvement related to watershed management 

(waste water treatment plant improvement, decrease of fertilizer spreading) or meteorological conditions. This 

study points out some limitation of this kind of monitoring network under particular meteorological events 

which could blur a potential lagoon restoration signal. Delineating the degree to which lagoon eutrophication 

will be affected by the level of precipitation might give the first indication for lagoon eutrophication trend under 

possible future climate change. 


Influence of episodic precipitation events on the water quality 

of a Southern European coastal lagoon 

Influences des précipitations épisodiques sur la qualité de l’eau 

d’une lagune du sud de l’Europe 

Goela Priscila, A. Newton, S. Cristina 

IMAR-Institute of Marine Research, a/c Departamento de Zoologia, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade de Coimbra, 

3004-517 Coimbra - Portugal 

priscila.goela@gmail.com 

Ria Formosa is a coastal lagoon in the extreme south part of Portugal. It is commonly considered to be a coastal 

system, once there is no significant freshwater input by river runoff and the salinity gradient is insufficient to be 

considered as a transitional system. The region where Ria Formosa is located is known as being one of the driest 

of the country, with practically no rain in the summer seasons, and so the coastal lagoon water quality is mainly 

driven by the water exchange with the sea, which is achieved through its 6 inlets. For many years, the influence 

of precipitation events in the water quality equilibrium of the lagoon was not a subject of much interest by the 

local scientific community. Now, the concern with this issue is increasing, in order to foresee future climate 

change impacts on this environmentally and economically important system to the local community. In order to 

understand the impact of a heavy rainfall episode on the region after a very dry period on the water quality of 

the lagoon, a week of sampling during the first heavy rainfall episode after a very dry summer season of 2006 

was planned and made, covering the diurnal tidal cycles. The samplings were conducted on the western part of 

the lagoon, covering both inner areas, as well as in better mixed stations. Temperature and salinity patterns were 

observed, and nutrients, chlorophyll a, suspended particulate matter and oxygen conditions were monitored. One 

site on the coast was also sampled as a reference. Results suggest that, although in well mixed stations the water 

quality equilibrium tends to be achieved easily from the changes mainly in nutrient loadings, eutrophication 

scenarios can be a reality in inner parts of the lagoon, causing disturbance in those, which correspond to the 

most populated areas of the lagoon. 



Microbiological quality and impact of meteorogical conditions 

on the Thau lagoon’s shellfish farming area 

between 1997 and 2006 

Qualité microbiologique et impact des conditions météorologiques sur les coquillages 

de la lagune de Thau entre 1997 et 2006 

Serais Ophélie 1 , V. Derolez 1 , I. Amouroux 2 


2. IFREMER, Rue Ile d’yeu, 44300 Nantes - France 

ophelie.serais@ifremer.fr 

The yearly shellfish harvest on Thau lagoon (75 km 2 ) is about 13 000 tons of oysters and 4 000 tons of mussels, 

and represents 10% of French shellfish harvest. In the microbiological monitoring network of French shellfish 

harvest areas, managed by Ifremer, a total of 2 374 shellfish samples were collected on Thau lagoon and analysed 

(Escherichia coli) on 9 sampling stations between 1997 and 2006. 

Despite a population increasing rate of 15.6 % between 1999 and 2006 on the Thau lagoon watershed, the 

shellfish faecal contamination level is stable between 1997 and 2006, and corresponds to B sanitary standard, 

authorizing marketing for human consumption after purification. Though the microbiological quality of the 

lagoon’s shellfish can episodically be altered by dry weather, rainfall causes a statisticically significant increase 

of E.coli levels in shellfish. In dry weather conditions, 16.8% of the results exceeded the health standard of 

230 E. coli/100 g of F.I.L, compared to 50 % after more than 40 mm 48 hours cumulated rainfall. In dry 

weather or after a small rainfall (< 10 mm), we got no significantly different results. High rainfalls strongly 

drive Thau lagoon watershed inputs, essentially from human origin. In order to achieve water quality standards, 

sources provoking faecal pollutions after rainfall and by dry weather must be identified. This identification is one 

of the OMEGA Thau (Environmental Management Tool and Alert Management) project goals. 

La production conchylicole annuelle dans la lagune de Thau (75 km 2 ) est estimée à 13000 tonnes d’huîtres creuses et 4000 

tonnes de moules, et représente 10 % de la production conchylicole française. Dans le cadre du réseau de contrôle microbiologique 

des zones de production conchylicoles française (REMI) mis en œuvre par Ifremer, la lagune de Thau fait l’objet d’une 

surveillance importante. Entre 1997 et 2006, 2374 résultats de dénombrements des Escherichia coli dans les coquillages 

de la zone d’élevage de la lagune de Thau, ont été acquis au niveau de 9 points de suivis. Malgré un taux de croissance de 

la population de 15,6 % entre 1999 et 2006 sur le bassin de la lagune de Thau, les niveaux de contamination fécale des 

coquillages sont stables entre 1997 et 2006, et sont conformes au classement actuel en B, qui permet la mise sur le marché 

pour la consommation humaine des coquillages après traitement des coquillages dans un centre de purification. Si la qualité 

microbiologique de la lagune de Thau est dégradée par temps sec, les évènements pluvieux provoquent une augmentation 

significative des niveaux d’E. coli dans les coquillages au cours de cette période. Par temps sec, 16,8 % des résultats dépassent 

le seuil réglementaire de 230 E. coli / 100 g de C.L.I. alors que 50 % des résultats dépassent ce seuil suite à des cumuls 

pluvieux de 48 heures supérieurs à 40 mm. Nous n’avons pas mis en évidence de différence significative entre les résultats 

acquis par temps sec ou suite à des épisodes pluvieux de faible intensité (> 10 mm). Les fortes pluviométries conditionnent 

fortement les apports du bassin versant de la lagune de Thau, essentiellement d’origine anthropique. Pour une reconquête de 

la qualité, les sources de pollution à l’origine des pics de pollution par temps de pluie, mais également par temps sec, devront 

être identifiées. 


What does the sedimentary organic nitrogen 

and carbon stable isotopes tell us about storm events 

in the Mediterranean lagoon? 

Utilisation des teneurs en carbone organique et des isotopes stables du carbone et de l’azote 

du sédiment pour déduire l’historique des tempêtes dans une lagune Méditerranéenne 

Benthaleb Ilham 1 , L. Dezileau 2 , P. Sabatier 2 , C. Martin 1 

1. Equipe Paléoenvironnements et Paléoclimats, Université Montpellier II, Institut des Sciences de l’Evolution de Montpellier, 

Place E. Bataillon Bât. 22 / 3ème étage / CC 061, 34095 Montpellier - France 

2. Geosciences Montpellier (GM), Université Montpellier II, Institut des Sciences de l’Evolution de Montpellier, 

Place E. Bataillon Bât. 22, CC060, 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5 - France 

ilham.bentaleb@univ-montp2.fr 

The Gulf of Lions is an area particularly sensitive in terms of societal issues for the risks of flooding and of 

coastal erosion/submersion during storm events. According to recent studies the wet season (October to March) 

rainfall over the Northern Mediterranean which corresponds to the so-called storm season has decreased over 

the last 150 years. For the last few decades, the most important storm is that of 1982 causing death and strong 

economic damages. Thus reconstruction of the recurrence and intensity of past storm events beyond instrumental 

records has emerged as an important topic of study in light of the ongoing debate concerning possible 

links between global warming and the intensification of severe storms in a highly populated region. Therefore, 

geological data offers opportunities to reconstruct a long term record of intense. A piston core of 7.9 meters 

long collected in the Pierre Blanche lagoon provided a 7,000 years high resolution record (using shell fauna and 

trace and major elements of sand laminae) of past environmental conditions exhibiting six periods of increase in 

storm activity between 6200 cal B.P. and the Little Ice Age (Sabatier et al., 2009; Dezileau et al., 2009). These 

events are in phase with Holocene cooling events observed over the North Atlantic suggesting that temperatures 

in North Atlantic region influence the severe storm activity and therefore the Mediterranean climate at Holocene 

timescale. In this new study, our objective is to assess the use of organic geochemical proxies of sedimentary 

processes that are independent of sand layers and mineralogical proxies as used previously in order to test their 

responses to storm events. We will compare our results to the model of Lambert et al. (2009) suggesting the 

possibility of storm identification by organic geochemical proxies. Importantly the organic geochemical method 

allows for recognition of storm events where sand laminae/ transported shells are indistinguishable or absent. 

These proxies include (i) carbon and nitrogen concentrations in the sediment organic mater (OM) and their ratios 

(C/N), and (ii) ! 13 C and ! 15 N of the sediment OM. Previous studies demonstrated that the amount and type of OM 

in both marine and freshwater sediments reflect processes that impact the paleo-environments and the sources 

of residual biota residing in the organic fraction of the sediments. 



Increase of intense storm activity during the Little Ice Age 

on the French Mediterranean Coast 

Augmentation de la fréquence des tempêtes pendant le petit âge glaciaire 

sur la côte Méditerranéenne française 

Dezileau Laurent 

Geosciences Montpellier (GM), Université Montpellier II, Institut des Sciences de l’Evolution de Montpellier, Place E. Bataillon Bât. 22 

CC060, 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5 - France 

dezileau@gm.univ-montp2.fr 

Understanding long-term variability in the frequency of intense storm activity is important for assessing whether 

changes are controlled by climate evolution. Understanding this variability is also important for predicting 

present and future community vulnerability and economic loss. Our ability to make these assessments has been 

limited by the short (less than 50 years) instrument record of storm activity. Storm-induced deposits preserved 

in the sediments of coastal lagoons offer the opportunity to study the links between climatic conditions and 

storm activity on longer timescales. Here we present a record of these extreme climatic events in the French 

Mediterrannean coast over the past 1,500 years based on sediment cores from Gulf of Aigues-Mortes lagoons 

that contain a specific sedimentary and geochemical signature associated with intense storms. Overwash 

deposits correlate with the most intense documented floods in the area. There is no evidence of intense storm 

landfalls in the region for several hundred years prior to the late 17th century A.D. The apparent increase in 

intense storms around 250 years ago occurs during the latter half of the Little Ice Age, a time of lower continental 

surface temperatures. Comparison of the sediment record with palaeoclimate records indicates that this variability 

was probably modulated by atmospheric dynamics. We found that the Eastern Atlantic Pattern is responsible 

for much of these extreme wind events in the North Western Mediterranean region. No significant link is found 

with the North Atlantic Oscillation. A complete understanding of the relationship between climate fluctuations, 

storm activity, and the coastal response will be crucial to predicting the impacts of future climate change. 


Multiple stable equilibrium states of eutrophication 

in the Palmones river estuary (Cádiz, South of Spain) 

in relation to climate changes (1987-2009) 

Multiples états d’équilibre stables de l’eutrophisation de l’estuaire du Palmones (Cadiz, Espagne) 

en lien avec le changement climatique (1987-2009) 

Ruiz-Nieto Miriam, S. Moreno, M.A. Arrojo, R. Muñoz, F.X. Niell 


miriamruiznieto@gmail.com 

In this study, the fluctuations suffered in the Palmones river estuary from the end of the 80’s to nowadays 

have been analyzed in water and sediment. Our aims are to continue the previous studies to determine if the 

estuary has been gradually eutrophied and to look for a correspondence between climatic variables and sensitive 

eutrophication variables. Phosphorous and nitrogen forms have been analyzed as organic matter and C:N ratio 

determined and they have been related to rainfall pattern. Results show that the relation between the total 

inorganic phosphorous and the total organic phosphorous increased from the end of the 80’s to 2005, suggesting 

that inorganic processes dominated over biological processes. However, there has been an increase in 

the organic fraction between 2005 and 2008, so the biological control prevailed in this last period, as it was 

15 years ago. An increase in the rainfall pattern produced a washing effect in the sediment and a dilution 

of the TOP concentration. Total phosphorous and organic matter values presented fluctuations, although the 

concentration increased in the sediment mainly related to drought periods. On the other hand, the C:N ratio 

kept constant with values between 12 and 15, which can be useful to identify the possible origin of the organic 

matter. However, C:N values have decreased during the last two years until around 10, which indicates that the 

organic matter entering in the estuary is easily degradable. The values of the different variables show that the 

eutrophication is progressive and the input of allochthonous organic matter coming form anthropogenic activities 

is the main responsible of this effect. Moreover, different equilibrium states in the system established as 

a consequence of the external conditions alternation of drought and rainy period. Different equilibrium states 

were reached as a result of the fluctuation in the rainfall pattern in relation to total phosphorus concentration 

in the sediment. 



Dispersion and settlement of Manila clam larvae 

in the lagoon of Venice: numerical model and evaluation 

of the effects of climate changes 

Dispersion et captage de la palourde japonaise dans la lagune de Venise : 

modèle numérique et estimation des effets du changement climatique 

Ghezzo Michol 1 , S. Silvestri 2 , G. Umgiesser 1 , M. Pellizzato 3 

1. Institute of Marine Science (ISMAR-CNR) Riva Sette Martiri, Castello 1364/A - 30122, Venice - Italy 

2. Department of Economics, Ca’ Foscari, University of Venice - Italy 

and 

UNEP-WCMC (United Nation Environment Programme - World Conservation Monitoring Centre) 

3. AGRI.Te.Co.,Via Carlo Mezzacapo, 15 CAP 30175 Venice - Italy 

michol.ghezzo@ve.ismar.cnr.it 

In the Venice lagoon, there is an extended population of Manila clam - that plays an important role for the local 

economy. The life cycle of this organism has a planktonic juvenile stage and a benthic adult stage. 

The aim of the work is to investigate the processes that govern the larval settlement in relation to climate 

changes. The finite element SHYFEM model has been calibrated to simulate the circulation and the evolution 

of water temperature in the lagoon, with good agreement with experimental data. A Lagrangian model has been 

employed to simulate the Manila clam larval dispersion in the way to assign a growth function and settlement 

dynamics to every particle. The larval growth depends on the temperature and it has been calibrated using laboratory 

measures. The spatial distribution resulted after simulation under realistic forcing factors was compared 

with the distribution resulting from sampling data. Our results show that this model is able to reproduce the 

data collected in situ and that the sediment has an important role in the larval survival after the settlement 

process. Moreover, our results suggest that not all the areas now employed for farming and harvesting of seed are 

suitable for this activity. We simulated an increase of air temperature of 0.8°C without (simulation T08) or with 

an increase of sea level rise of 10 cm (L10) as preliminary evaluation of climate changes in the year 2030. We 

computed the larval density in the areas assigned for seed farming and harvesting and we compared the results 

of our scenarios with the simulation of actual state. 

Both scenarios showed a decrease in the settlement of clam, in particular, the combination between the actual 

sea level and the higher temperature seems to be the less favorable. This work provides interesting results that 

can be used in management processes to support policy makers to plan the Manila clam farming and fishing in 

the lagoon. 


Coastal Oceanographic Observatory of Murcia: 

an observatory devoted to coastal lagoon process 

and to climate change effects on biodiversity 

L’Observatoire de l’Océanographie côtiere de Murcia : un observatoire consacré à l’étude des 

processus dans les lagunes côtières et de l’impact des changements climatiques sur la biodiversité 

Pérez-Ruzafa Angel 

University of Murcia, Department of Ecology and Hidrology, Faculty of Biology, Espinardo Campus, 30100, Murcia - Spain 

angelpr@um.es 

OOCMUR (Coastal Oceanographic Observatory of Murcia) is a Singular Scientific and Technological Infrastructure, 

promoted by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation and the Regional Government of Murcia. 

It will be placed in Murcia (Spain) close to the Cape of Palos in the South-Western Mediterranean. OOCMUR 

will be devoted to the study of the ecological and oceanographic processes linked to biodiversity changes 

produced by climatic change, colonization of allochtonous species and other human impacts, with special focus 

in coastal lagoons, Marine Protected Areas and open coastal ecosystems. It will also include genetic analyses of 

species and populations as a tool to study biodiversity and connectivity between marine populations, an open 

data-base and the recording and study of oceanographic processes and parameters affecting biodiversity and 

that determine the connectivity between populations at different spatio-temporal scales. The Cape of Palos is a 

biogeographical boundary and a transitional area between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, it includes a Marine 

Reserve with 15 years of functioning and is close to the Mar Menor lagoon, one of the biggest in the Mediterranean. 

Such infrastructure will be open and will provide facilities and services to all international researchers 

interested in developing new technologies and marine research, analyzing genetic samples, and performing 

comparative studies at different spatio-temporal scales (from short term comparisons to long term dynamics). 



Open access to MEDIMEER mesocosm facilities in the frame 

of the European project MESOAQUA: Network of leading 

MESOcosm facilities to advance the studies of future 

AQUAtic ecosystems from the Arctic to the Mediterranean 

Libre accès aux mésocosmes de MEDIMEER dans le cadre du projet européen MESOAQUA : 

un réseau de facilités en MESocosmes pour l’avancement des études sur les futurs écosystèmes 

AQUAtiques de l’Arctique et la Méditerranée 

Le Floc’h Emilie 1 , S. Mas 2 , J. Nouguier 2 , F. Vidussi 2 , E. Fouilland 2 , R. Pete 2 

1. UMR 5119 ECOLAG, Station Méditerranéenne de l’Environnement Littoral, 1 quai de la Daurade, 34200 Sète - France 

2. ECOLAG, Laboratoire Écosystèmes Lagunaires UMR 5119 CNRS UM 2 IRD IFREMER, place E Bataillon cc 093 


emilie.lefloch@univ-montp2.fr 

Within the frame of the European project MESOAQUA (www.mesoaqua.eu, 2009-2012), European researchers 

(and possibly non Europeans) have the opportunity to apply to the transnational access for any new projects or 

ongoing experiments planned on MEDIMEER (MEDiterranean platform for Marine Ecosystem Experimental Research) 

mesocosm facilities. The MESOAQUA partners are: (1) University of Bergen (coordinator), Norway ; (2) 

Leibniz Institute of Marine Sciences IFM-GEOMAR, University of Kiel, Germany ; (3) Laboratoire Ecosystèmes 

Lagunaires, France ; (4) Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Greece ; (5) University of Umeå, Sweden ; (6) 

Kings Bay AS, Norway. MEDIMEER, located at Sète on Thau Lagoon in the South-East of France, is the only 

permanent platform for in situ mesocosm experiments on the Mediterranean Sea coastline. MEDIMEER offers 

fully operating facilities for experiments with controlled conditions allowing the description and quantification of 

the effects of environmental factors (e.g. UVB-R and temperature) on coastal Mediterranean organisms, communities 

and food web. A floating adjustable pontoon, directly accessible from the shore, harbours up to 12 in situ 

pelagic mesocosms (max. diameter 1.2 m, max. depth 3 m) and 2 pelago-benthic mesocosms (max. 5 m long 

and 1 m deep). MEDIMEER also integrates an observation platform which supports continuous high frequency 

observations of environmental parameters especially climate variables (temperature and solar irradiance) contributing 

to evaluate how global change affects Mediterranean ecosystems. MEDIMEER is situated at the Station 

Méditerranéenne de l’Environnement Littoral, which is Montpellier University’s historical field station hosting 

laboratories dedicated to direct analysis of the samples. A radioisotope lab is currently under construction and 

the process of its certification is under way. Access to this additional facility will be possible at the end of 

2010, all other facilities are currently accessible. Applicants should contact MEDIMEER scientific coordinator 

(Behzad.Mostajir@univ-montp2.fr) in order to prepare a proposal which will be evaluated by the scientific board 

of MESOAQUA project. MESOAQUA will fund access costs as well as transport and accommodation expenses 

of these participants. 

POSTER l 2 l Invasive species and Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB) 

Allelopathic effects of Zostera marina and Zostera noltii 

on the growth of the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium catenella 

Effets allélopathiques de Zostera marina et Zostera noltii 

sur la croissance du dinoflagellé toxique Alexandrium catenella 

Laabir Mohamed 1 , M. Grignon-Dubois 2 , B. Rezzonico 2 , P. Cecchi 1 , M. Rouquette 1 , E. Masseret 1 



2. Phytochimie et Valorisation de la Biomasse (PhyValBio), Université Bordeaux I, 351, cours de la Libération, 

33405 Talence Cedex - France 

mohamed.laabir@univ-montp2.fr 

The present study investigates non-nutrient relationship between two dominant seagrass species and Alexandrium 

catenella a toxic dinoflagellate blooming worldwide which is often responsible of paralytic shellfish 

poisoning events. Aqueous and methanolic crude products were extracted from two seagrasses, Zostera marina 

and Zostera noltii which were collected on the beaches of Arcachon lagoon (France). The potential allelopathic 

effects of different concentrations of these extracts have been tested on the growth of A. catenella by using 

bio-essays. The results show clearly that all of the tested extracts strongly inhibit the growth of A. catenella 

at very low concentrations. Additional experiments will be dedicated to test the effect of continuous release 

of allelochemicals from the fresh seagrass tissues on the growth and the physiological activity of A. catenella. 

Because of the severe economic and public health caused by harmful microalgae, the allelopathic substances 

from Zostera detritus may be considered as potential candidates to mitigate the effects of harmful algal blooms 

on oyster aquaculture in lagoons. 



Presentation of the European project 

“Eco- Lagunfroumagnaces 2009-2011”: a project for 

the conservation of biodiversity in coastal lagoon ecosystems 

Présentation du projet européen Eco-Lagunes 2009-2011 : 

un projet pour préserver la biodiversité des écosystèmes lagunaires 

Soteras Gisèle, J. Brémond 

Conseil Général de l’Hérault, Pôle Eau Environnement, Département Eau et milieux aquatiques, 

Hôtel du Département, 1000 rue d’Alco, 34087 Montpellier Cedex 4 - France 


The meadows of Zostera species in coastal lagoons are emblematic. In general, their presence indicates a good 

water quality. These meadows represent areas for reproduction and nursery functions, providing food for many 

species and as such contribute to maintain biodiversity in coastal lagoons. Nevertheless, these meadows are 

subjected to different pressures that may result in their decline; the proliferation of opportunistic algae is one 

of these pressures. These algae develop when the water of the lagoon is rich in inorganic nutrients (nitrates 

and phosphates) and when the conditions of temperature and irradiance levels are favorable (generally during 

spring). When these algae proliferate excessively, it will limit the development of the Zostera meadows as 

the opportunistic algae and Zostera spp. compete for light, space and inorganic nutrients. In order to better 

understand the functioning of these marine ecosystems, the General Counsil of the Hérault department (S. 

France) has elaborated a joint project in collaboration with 6 partners from Spain, Portugal and France within 

the Territoral Cooperation Programme SUDOE (SW Europe). The project is named Eco-lagunes (management 

of coastal lagoons with aquaculture uses). The Eco-lagunes project has the following aims: 1) develop and 

apply algae collection measures where these algae are causing most nuisance and evaluate the impact of such 

measures on restauration of Zostera meadows, 2) develop the tools for assessing the health status of the phanerogamm 

meadows, 3) study the interactions that may exist between the Zostera meadows a toxic micro-algae 

i.e. Alexandrium catenella. Under certain conditions this algae proliferates in the lagoon. Alexandrium produces 

PSP toxins. The filter feeding shellfish species absorb this toxin and concentrate it in their chair. The contaminated 

and thus toxic shellfish are forbidden for commercialization, which results in heavy economic losses 

for the shellfish farmers. Preliminary studies have shown that the Zostera spp. May produce compounds that 

inhibit growth of Alexandrium. In conclusion, we want to show that the collection of proliferating macroalgae is 

beneficial for the restauration of Zostera meadows and favours their conservation status. Hence, the meadows 

with a good health status could thus inhibit the growth of the toxic A. catenella and thus contribute to the 

conservation of other species as well as the associated economic activities in the lagoon. The experimental sites 

are distributed between France, Spain and Portugal and include respectively Etang Salses-Leucate (Aude, F), 

Bassin d’Arcachon (Gironde, F), Bay of Cadiz (Andalucia, Sp), Bay of San Carlos de la Rapita (Catalonia, Sp) and 

Ria Formosa (Algarve, P). The approaches pursued by the different partners including universities, local public 

bodies and professionals are both complementary and innovating. The exchange of the experiences between 

partners will allow to elaborate common strategies for the conservation of these fragile environments in concert 

with sustainable economic activities (fishing, aquaculture and tourism). 


NMR Quantitative determination of the sugar 

and glycine betaine content of Spartina from Arcachon lagoon 

(France) 

Détermination quantitative des teneurs en sucre et glycine betaine de Spartina 

dans le Bassin d’Arcachon (France) par NMR 

Grignon-Dubois Micheline 1 , C. Echmak 1 , K. Saïd 2 

1. UMR 5805, Environnements et Paléoenvironnements Océaniques, Université Bordeaux 1-, 351, cours de la Libération, 


2. Laboratoire Génétique, Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bioressources, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir - Tunisia 

m.grignon-dubois@phyvalbio.u-bordeaux1.fr 

Biological invasions are among the most important conservation problems in salt marshes. The dynamics of 

alien species depends on complex relationships between biological interactions with native species and habitat 

physical conditions. Spartina anglica is a monocotyledon angiosperm belonging to the Poaceae family. This perennial 

marsh grass arose through the hybridization of female Spartina alterniflora and male Spartina maritima, 

and is now invasive worldwide. S. anglica is a very aggressive species that spread over the mudflat, displacing 

existing habitats and moving upwards into natural salt marsh. S. anglica presents an unusual challenge for land 

managers because it is remarkably versatile and resilient. It is capable of establishing in different habitat types 

and is very effective at producing and dispersing seeds and resisting mechanical removal by storing a reserve 

of nutrients in large underground root masses. Understanding the biology of the plant is crucial to the success 

of long-term management. S. anglica, first described in Arcachon Lagoon in 1985, has rapidly expended displacing 

native species like S. maritima, Zostera noltii and Salicornia spp.. The primary hypothesis for the astonishing 

success of many exotics as community invaders relative to their importance in their native communities 

is the lack of natural enemies to control their population growth. However, other mechanisms can play a role 

in the success of some exotic plants, among which the release by the invader of harmful chemical compounds 

for the native members of the recipient plant community. Little is known about the metabolites of the genus 

Spartina. This led us to determine the metabolite content of the three species present in Arcachon lagoon: 

S. maritima (native), Spartina versicolor (introduced but not invasive) and S. anglica (introduced and invasive). 

We will present the quantitative determination of the sugar and glycine betaine content for the three species. 



Pseudo-nitzschia blooms in Bizerte lagoon, 

SW Mediterranean Sea 

Blooms à Pseudo-nitzschia dans la lagune de Bizerte, 

Méditerranée sud-occidentale 

Sakka Hlaili Asma 1 , I. Sahraoui 1 , D. Bouchouicha 1 , S. Bates 2 , C. Leger 2 , H. Hadj Mabrouk 1 

1. Laboratoire de Cytologie Végétale & Phytoplanctonologie, Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte, 7021, Zarzouna - Tunisia 

2. Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Gulf Fisheries Centre, P.O. Box 5030, Moncton, NB, Canada E1C 9B6 - Canada 

asma_sakka@yahoo.fr 

The occurrence and abundance of Pseudo-nitzschia species in the lagoon of Bizerte were investigated during 

2 years. Monthly sampling was conducted from March 2004 to March 2005 and from March 2006 to February 

2007 at seven stations. During the first year, Pseudo-nitzschia was detected in 70% of the samples and thus 

appeared as a regular component of the phytoplankton. The abundance picked (25 10 4 cells l -1 ) in July 2004, 

which coincided with warmer temperatures, high salinity and Si-rich waters. The causative species of this bloom 

was identified by SEM as the potentially toxic Pseudo-nitzschia calliantha. During the second year, two blooms 

were detected on March 2006 (1.5 10 4 - 2.5 10 6 cells l -1 ), and October 2006 (3.5 - 5 10 6 cells l -1 ), with highest 

abundance at stations located in shellfish farming sectors. SEM observation showed that the diatom responsible 

for these blooms to be Pseudo-nitzschia delicatissima and Pseudo-nitzschia americana. Other potentially toxic 

species like as Dinophysis sp., Alexandrium sp., Gymnodinium sanguinum and Cochlodinium polykrikoide were 

observed during the October bloom, with abundances ranging from 1 to 1.5 10 4 cells l -1 . Occurrence of these 

potentially toxic species may constitute a threat to further aquaculture activity development in the Lagoon. 


Relationships between phytoplankton communities 

of Arcachon Basin (SW France) and adjacent coastal waters 

during the period of Dinophysis spp. occurrences 

Relations entre les communautés phytoplanctoniques du Bassin d’Arcachon (SO France) 

et la mer adjacente pendant les périodes de présence de Dinophysis spp. 

Bec Béatrice 1 , D. Maurer 1 , I. Auby 1 , A. Grémare 2 , B. Sautour 2 

1. Ifremer, LER-Arcachon, Quai du commandant Silhouette, 33120 Arcachon - France 

2. Station Marine d’Arcachon, UMR CNRS 5805 EPOC, 2 Rue du Professeur Jolyet, 33120 Arcachon - France 

beatrice.bec@univ-montp2.fr 

The Arcachon Basin is a shallow macrotidal lagoon located on the French Atlantic coast. It is a major site of 

oyster (Crassostrea gigas) farming of which the production is affected since several years by toxic events related 

in part to diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP) toxins produced by Dinophysis spp. Since 1987, the REPHY 

monitoring network is performed to detect toxic algae species in the lagoon and toxins in shellfish using mouse 

bioassay. Collected data revealed that i) the cell densities of Dinophysis spp. are maximal at the entrance of the 

lagoon and decrease in internal waters and ii) the positive bioassays from shellfish of internal waters are less 

recurrent and observed with few days of delay, suggesting an offshore origin of the presence of Dinophysis spp. 

in the lagoon. Each year, the toxic events occur mainly between April and August. In 2006 and 2007, sampling 

cruises were carried out during this period to study phytoplankton community structure and species distribution 

in the lagoon and concurrently, for the first time, in the Bay of Biscay continental shelf. Multivariate analysis 

of species densities demonstrated similar temporal patterns of phytoplankton community composition in 

lagoon and nearshore waters. However diatoms had higher average densities in the lagoon while dinoflagellate 

populations were more abundant and diversified in coastal waters. Dinophysis spp. were observed at low levels 

(


Spatio-temporal dynamics of toxic phytoplankton 

in Nador lagoon (Morocco) 

Dynamique spatio-temporelle du phytoplancton toxique de la lagune de Nador (Maroc) 

Daoudi Mouna 1 , F. Vouvé 1 , L. Serve 1 , F. El Madani 2 

1. Institut de Modélisation et d’Analyse en Géo-Environnement et Santé (IMAGES-EA4218), 

Université de Perpignan, 52 avenue Paul Alduy, 66860 Perpignan Cedex - France 

2. Institut National de Recherche Halieutique, C/R de Nador - Morocco 

daoudi_mouna@yahoo.fr 

Six stations of the Nador lagoon, numbered S1 to S6, were seasonally sampled from 2006 to 2007 for phytoplankton 

analysis. Recorded phytoplanktonic groups were: diatoms, dinoflagellates, raphidophytes, cyanobacteria, 

euglenophytes, dictyophytes, and prasinophytes. The most abundant taxa belong to diatoms and dinoflagellates. 

Diatoms accounted for up to 64% of total abundance at S5 and S6, whereas dinoflagellates were the 

most species-rich. The S3 station was close to a wastewater trWWTP, and exhibited dominance of three groups: 

green water caused by Tetraselmis sp. and related prasinophytes in summer; diatoms (Nitzschia longissima) 

and Eutreptiella sp. (euglenophytes) linked to confinement and organic matter inputs in spring. On the other 

hand, maximum species richness was measured at S6 station, located in the tidal inlet, and the minimum at 

the WWTP closest station (S3).During the survey, several harmful algal blooms were noticed, with Alexandrium 

minutum (15,100 cells l -1 ), Dinophysis sacculus (2,720 cells l -1 ) and Pseudo-nitzschia spp. (250,000 cells l -1 ). 

These observations on spatial and temporal dynamics of toxic species would lead to research about blooming 

determinism. 

Le phytoplancton a été analysé dans les eaux superficielles de la lagune de Nador prélevées saisonnièrement à six stations (S1 

à S6) durant les années 2006 et 2007. Les populations phytoplanctoniques comprenaient les familles suivantes : Diatomées, 

Dinoflagellés, Rhaphidophycées, Cyanobactéries (Cyanophycées), Euglénophycées, Dictyophycées, Prasinophycées. Les Diatomées 

et les Dinoflagellés constituent les groupes les mieux représentés. En terme d’abondance, les Diatomées dominent avec 

des valeur pouvant atteindre jusqu’à 64% de l’abondance totale aux stations S5 et S6, alors que sur le plan de la richesse 

spécifique, ce sont les Dinoflagellés qui dominent. A la station S3, proche de la sortie d’une station d’épuration, trois groupes 

principaux se partagent la dominance : en été, les Prasinophycées avec l’espèce Tetraselmis sp. donnent la couleur verte à 

l’eau ; au printemps, sont caractéristiques les Diatomées avec principalement l’espèce Nitzschia longissima indicatrices de 

milieux confinés, et les Euglenophycées avec l’espèce Eutreptiella sp. indicatrices d’eaux chargées en matières organiques. 

Par ailleurs, le maximum de la richesse spécifique est observé dans la passe marine (station S6) et le minimum au niveau de 

la station d’épuration (station S3). Durant cette période d’étude, plusieurs événements d’efflorescences algales toxiques ont eu 

lieu avec les espèces Alexandrium minutum (15 100 cellules.l -1 ), Dinophysis sacculus (2 720 cellules.l -1 ), Pseudo-nitzschia 

spp. (250 000 cellules.l -1 ). Ces observations sur la distribution spatio-temporelle des espèces toxiques sont un préalable à la 

recherche d’une hypothèse sur le déterminisme de l’apparition de leurs efflorescences. 

POSTER l 3 l Ecological restoration of lagoon systems 

The new Morphological Plan for the Venice lagoon 

Un nouveau Plan pour la Morphologie de lagune de Venise 

Campostrini Pierpaolo, V. Zanon 


campostrini@corila.it 

During the last decades, the Venice Lagoon lost a large extension of its characteristic morphological structures. 

The past human interventions, mainly the diversion of the rivers and the construction of the jetties, caused 

a huge reduction of sediments transport from dry-land and from the sea. Subsidence and eustacy caused a 

variation of lagoon bathymetry, too. During the 20 th century, the excavation of the artificial channels for the new 

port born on the lagoon border (Marghera) and the presence of motor navigation enhanced the erosion effects, 

leading to a dramatic sediment unbalance. Also the anthropic subsidence (1950-1970) gave its contribution 

to a fast disappearing of the inter-tidal areas. A quick positive feedback links the erosion of the salt marshes 

borders and the energy of the waves generated by the wind. The disappearing of morphology threads the habitat 

conservation and biodiversity. The General Intervention Plan issued in 1993 for the safeguarding of Venice 

coped with lagoon morphology, too. In fact, 1,190 ha of salt-marshes and mud flats have been reconstructed in 

20 years. In 2007, the Venice Water Authority entrusted CORILA to produce a new Morphological Plan, in order 

to address the interventions seeking for a general sustainability. 

The intervention to limit the erosion of the shallows due to the navigation channels appears to be the most 

urgent issue. A more scientific-based qualification of the lagoon sediments would allow larger possibility 

to re-build lost intertidal areas. In fact, a great part of lagoon sediments is polluted and their use could be 

dangerous for human and environmental health: risk-assessment tools based on chemical speciation and 

eco-toxicological tests, together with new methodologies to clean dredged sediments will open new perspectives. 

The Plan will indicate an optimal scenario for the future Venice Lagoon, in order to achieve the quality targets, 

via both material interventions and new rules on the uses of the lagoon. 



Wetlands in Northeast Algeria and cues 

for their eutrophication 

Zones humides dans le Nord Est Algérien 

et signes d’eutrophisation 

Mammeria Aicha Beya 1 , M. Houhamdi 2 

1. Centre Universitaire d’el-Tarf, département de biologie B-p 73. El-Tarf 36000 - Algeria 

2. Université de Guelma, département de biologie - Algeria 

beya023@yahoo.fr 

Algeria is characterized by a strategic geographic location showing high physical and climatic diversity with 

almost sixty wetlands being registered as Ramsar sites. Algeria thus plays an important role for aquatic biodiversity, 

providing important roles for vital processes, hydrological cycles, and shelter for fauna and flora. Unfortunately, 

these wetlands are threatened by a lack of management and conservation programs, and some are 

totally degraded. The coastal zone in Algeria and the Mediterranean Sea in general are currently threatened by 

eutrophication, particularly the sites where Posidonia meadows occur. The situation is alarming due to increase 

of human activities and among these particularly the urban and industrial waste disposal within the “Oueds” 

tributaries and lakes “Medjerdah, Mafragh, Seybousse, Melah” and other that directly impact the coastal zone. 

As a result, many sites along the N.E. Algerian coast have been eutrophied and are studied already in order to 

alert for the risk of environmental degradation. The Algerian state has approved several efforts since some time 

in order to protect and restore these natural wetlands. 

L’Algérie, de part sa position géographique stratégique, ainsi que sa configuration physique et la diversité de son climat, lui 

confère d’importantes zones humides dont une soixantaine inscrites sur la liste de Ramsar. Ces zones humides jouent un rôle 

important dans les processus vitaux, entretenant des cycles hydrologiques et accueillant faune et flores. Malheureusement en 

raison d’une absence de suivie des mesures de conservation, ces zones sont menacées, certaines sont d’ailleurs dans un état 

lamentable. Actuellement menacé par l’eutrophisation, le littoral algérien ainsi que la Mer Méditerranée sont menacées par 

la pollution, notamment au niveau des sites à herbier de posidonies. La situation est inquiétante en raison de l’augmentation 

des activités anthropiques notamment par les déversement des égouts urbains et industriels des différents oueds et lacs 

“Medjerdah, Mafragh, Seybousse et Melah” et d’autres se déversant directement dans la zone côtière. Par conséquent, le long 

de la côte Nord Est Algérienne de nombreux sites sont eutrophes et sont actuellement étudiés afin de prévenir des risques 

de dégradation de l’environnement. L’Etat Algérien a approuvé plusieurs efforts depuis un certain temps afin de protéger et 

restaurer ces zones naturelles humides. 


Environmental assessment of the Southern lake of Tunis 

based on 8 years of monitoring 

Le lac Sud de Tunis, bilan de 8 années de surveillance environnementale 

Zaouali Jeanne 1 , R. Ben Charrada 2 , J. Ben Souissi 1 

1. INAT - 14 rue Virgile, Salammbô, 2025 - Tunisia 

2. IHE - 8 rue Habib Charita, Ariana, 2080 - Tunisia 

jeanne.zaouali@planet.tn 

Following the restoration of the Southern lake of Tunis, monitoring of the physico-chemical parameters and of 

the composition and distribution of the benthic macroflora undertaken bi-monthly allow to analyse the kinetics 

of it reconquest over time and space. The observations show the importance resilience of the lagoon ecosystem 

considered which was initially threatened. 

Le suivi bimensuel de l’ensemble des paramètres abiotiques et de la composition et de la répartition de la macroflore benthique 

du lac Sud de Tunis nous a permis, après sa restauration environnementale, de suivre la cinétique spatio-temporelle de la 

reconquête de ce milieu. Les observations faites donnent une très bonne illustration de la très forte capacité de résilience d’un 

écosystème lagunaire considéré, au départ, comme étant en voie d’écroulement biologique. 



The ecological restauration of Tunis Southern lagoon 

(N Tunisia, Central Mediterranean) and its consequence 

on fish assemblages 

Restauration écologique de la lagune sud de Tunis (Tunisie septentrionale, Méditerranée centrale) 

et ses conséquences sur la faune ichtyologique 

Ben Souissi Jamila 1 , J. Zaouali 1 , M. Ben Salem 2 , C. Capapé 3 , J.P. Quignard 3 

1. Institut National Agronomique de Tunisie, 43 avenue Charles Nicolle, cité Mahrajène, 1082, Tunis - Tunisia 

2. Unité de Recherche Zoologie et Ecologie des milieux aquatiques, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, Campus universitaire, Le Belvédère, 

1060 Tunis - Tunisia 

3. Laboratoire d’Ichtyologie, Université de Montpellier II, 34095 Montpellier - France 

bensouissi.jamila@inat.agrinet.tn 

The Tunis Southern Lagoon, adjoining the city of Tunis, is located in the southwestern part of the gulf of Tunis. 

In the past, this area was severely anthropically polluted (eutrophication and high level contamination by heavy 

toxic metals). The lagoon required environmental restoration, which has been achieved in 2001. Investigations 

were carried out to assess the restoration influence on the inside environment. They showed a significant improvement 

of ecological variables and allowed to record invertebrate species previously unknown in the lagoon, the 

nearby sea, and beyond, along the Tunisian coast (Non Indigenous Species). Ichthyofaunal investigations were 

regularly conducted between 2001 and 2007; juvenile as well as adult fishes were directly collected at fishing 

sites throughout the area. A historical comparison of Tunis Southern Lagoon ichthyofauna before and after the 

environmental restoration is made. The fish species recently found in the area are listed and their occurrence 

discussed. Moreover, a comparison between ichthyofauna of Tunis Southern Lagoon and those of other perimediterranean 

lagoons is carried out. 71 fish species were collected in the lagoon versus 14 species recorded before 

the ecological restoration. This recent ichthyofauna comprises 63 teleost and 8 elasmobranch species, 57 of 

which were recorded in the area for the first time. The fish species were divided into three categories. 

The group 1: includes sedentary species subservient to lagunar ecosystem. This category is represented by 12 

species belonging to 6 families (Labridae, Blennidae, Atherinidae, Gobiidae, Syngnathidae and Aphanidae) and 

17% de la global biomass. 

The group 2: the second category comprises migratory species with marine origin. This group is commonly observed 

during a fluctuant period per year throughout the lagoon and constitutes the most important category of 

fishes (frequency and abundance). It is represented by 28 species and constitutes 86 % of the global biomass. 

The group 3: includes fish species of marine origin entering the lagoon occasionally or accidentally. They develop 

and reproduce only in offshore areas. This category comprises 29 fish species and most of observed specimens 

were juveniles and located near the area submitted to the influence of important marine flux. 

A significant increase of fish species is observed after the ecological restoration of Tunis Southern Lagoon. 

Formerly the area showed a low fish biodiversity as a consequence of heavy pollution. A present, the significant 

increase in fish biodiversity indicates that the lagoon is submitted to the important influence of nearby sea and 

the drastic reduction of anthropic pressures. 


Physical processes affecting survival of eelgrass 

(Zostera marina) seedlings in a Danish fjord: 

macroalgae drift, sediment reworking and resuspension 

Impact des processus physiques sur la survie des semis de phanérogame marine Zostera marina 

dans un fjord danois : les macroalgues emportés par les courants, le remaniement sédimentaire 

et la résuspension 

Valdemarsen Thomas 1 , P. Canal-Vergés 1 , M. D. Kristiansen 1 , E. Kristensen 1 , M. Holmer 1 , M. R. Flindt 1 

1. Intitute of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5320 Odense M, Denmark 

valdemarsen@biology.sdu.dk 

The distribution of eelgrass (Z. marina) in Odense Fjord (Denmark) has decreased markedly during the last 

decades, almost to the point of extinction. The decline was probably caused by excessive nutrient discharge from 

land before the late 1980´s and associated stress on eelgrass through e.g. reduced light penetration, epiphytes, 

opportunistic algae and hypoxic events. However, despite considerable reduction in nutrient loading and marked 

improvement of water quality from 1990, no reestablishment of eelgrass has been observed in Odense Fjord. We 

hypothesized that the survival of eelgrass seedlings are negatively impacted by physical stress in the environment. 

It was tested at a selected study site (Enebærodde) during the summer of 2009. The density of seedlings 

outside established eelgrass patches decreased rapidly from 1.4 to 0.2 m -2 during the first month of observations 

(15 th June-15 th July). No seedlings survived past 31 st August and the average seedling loss during the 2.5 month 

study period corresponded to 0.02 m -2 d -1 . Much lower seedling mortality was observed (0.003 m -2 d -1 ) for experimentally 

protected seedlings, indicating that physical stress may explain the low survival. Three possible mechanisms 

for loss of seedlings were identified; (1) the impact of drifting macroalgae, (2) the impact of sediment 

reworking by Arenicola marina and (3) the impact of current driven resuspension events. Since sediment reworking 

and resuspension disturbed up to 400 cm 3 sediment m -2 d -1 , a significant number of seedlings may have been lost 

due to burial or uprooting. However, a significant correlation (r 2 = 0.84) between seedling loss and macroalgae 

drift indicated that the majority of seedlings were lost due to the scouring effects of drifting macroalgae (especially 

Fucus sp.). We therefore suggest that physical disturbance and especially macroalgae drift has a strong negative 

effect on the reestablishment of eelgrass by seedlings in Odense Fjord. 



Water Quality and Human Influence on Coastal Ecosystem 

of South India 

La qualité de l’eau et l’influence anthropique sur l’écosystème côtier du sud de l’Inde 

Sannadurgappa D 

Centre for Sustainable Technologies, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012 - India 

durgesh@astra.iisc.ernet.in 

The problem confronting coastal resource managers in the west coast of India is analogous to the question 

of whether economic policy makers in India should be focusing on restoring the fundamentals of capitalism. 

Pragmatic monitoring and prediction capabilities must also be built to provide further confidence that human 

impacts are being minimized. There is a need to develop a framework to integrate biodiversity effects methods 

with risk assessment methodology. Such integration will improve the basis for risk-based assessment of coastal 

health. To protect estuary and coastal ecosystems and the health of communities effectively, management 

infrastructure requires the tools and resources necessary to detect damage to estuary and coastal ecosystems 

and their components, identify causative agents, impose remedial action, and demonstrate that measures have 

been effective. In contrast, bottom-up restoration strategies not only simplify planning, but they recognize that 

basal ecological mechanisms are what define coastal ecosystems. Populations of the majority of fish species 

showed drastic reduction over the past five decades in west coast of India. We conducted an intensive study of 

Aghanashini estuary for water quality and fish diversity in west coast of India. Coastal ecosystems are impacted 

by many stressors and are continually subjected to threats from multiple stresses imposed mostly by human 

activities predominantly as a result of increased population growth in India. The most significant categories 

of threats derive from water pollution from numerous sources including thermal effluents, heavy metals, oil, 

sewage, pesticides, pulp mills, habitat loss and degradation: over-exploitation: eutrophication and misguided 

human perceptions. Wide array of prohibited fishing methods are rampant by using of insecticides as poisons, 

destruction and modification of habitats, dynamiting, using chemical and herbal poisons. Due to deteriorated 

water quality from anthropogenic activities fish diversity has drastically reduced. In complex coastal ecosystems, 

strategies for restoration can become equally complicated. Our tendency to want to predict and establish 

performance targets for the charismatic megafauna which populate the higher trophic levels of an ecosystem 

may reduce our ability to actually implement restoration plans. 


Effect of submerged aquatic vegetation on turbulence induced 

by an oscillating grid 

Effet de la végétation aquatique sur la turbulence générée par une grille oscillante 

Pujol Dolors, J. Colomer, T. Serra, X. Casamitjana 

University of Girona, Campus Montilivi, PII, Department of Physics, 17071 Girona - Spain 

mdolors.pujol@udg.edu 

Although the behavior of flow through marsh vegetation is extensively studied, the relationship between submerged 

aquatic vegetation (SAV) and turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) is only partially understood. The aim of this 

study was to advance in the comprehension of the effect of submerged aquatic vegetation on a fluid dominated 

by turbulence created by an oscillating grid. There, we present a quantification of the vertical distribution and 

reduction of TKE. Experimental conditions were: two SAV models, seven solid plant fractions (SPF) three stem 

diameters (d) and three oscillation grid frequencies (f). Besides, four natural SAV were evaluated as well. The 

observations suggested that above SAV, TKE was higher than that found without plants, at the same depths for 

all the experiments. However, the vertical profile of TKE varied according to the geometry characteristics of the 

plants. Inside the SAV, two zones appeared. The first zone, situated few centimetres behind the top of the SAV, 

was characterized by a reduction of the TKE. This region was called the “transition zone”. Below this zone, the 

TKE progressively decayed as plants clearly dissipated the turbulence, creating a zone where the TKE was lower 

than that found without SAV. This was a well known effect of plants and was called sheltering. Results also 

showed that for large values of the frequency of the oscillating grid, more difficult was for the plants to reduce 

the TKE. Inside the SAV, for small stem diameters and for the rigid SAV model, the energy was rapidly dissipated. 

In addition, sheltering was enhanced as SPF increased, especially for the smallest diameter (d=4 and 6mm). 

In the semi rigid SAV model, the transition zone disappeared and two zones situated above and below the top 

of the SAV could be distinguished. Concretely, inside the SAV, sheltering was intensified. Finally, with SAV 

formed by real plants, results were similar to those found with semi rigid plants with large sheltering inside. 



Contribution of GIS to the evaluation of the bacteriological 

quality of Oualidia lagoon (Morocco) 

Apport des SIG à l’évaluation de la qualité bactériologique d’une lagune Marocaine : 

la lagune de Oualidia 

Hennani Mouni 1 , C. Khadija 2 , M. Robin 3 , S. Etahiri 2 , O. Assobhei 2 

1. Université Chouaib Doukkali, Faculté des Sciences El Jadida, BP: 20, 24000 El Jadida - Morocco 

2. Laboratoire de Biotechnologies Marine et de l’Environnement, Faculté des Sciences, El Jadida - Morocco 

3. Laboratoire UMR 6554 CNRS LETG, Université de Nantes. Cedex 3, Nantes - France 

hennanimouna@yahoo.fr 

Oualidia lagoon is a natural, very rich and particularly propitious to mussel and oyster production. However, 

the lack of an appropriate strategy for management of waters discharged into the lagoon (village wastewaters, 

stormwaters and agricultural runoffs), has resulted in significant fecal pollutions. Oualidia lagoon has been the 

subject of several studies to monitor the bacteriological quality of its waters. In order to assess the impacts 

of anthropogenic pollution on lagoon water quality, we have monitored for two years (October 2003-October 

2005) the concentration of fecal coliforms (FC) in lagoon waters. We also determined the factors influencing 

fecal bacteria survival and their origin in the lagoon by referring to the FC/FS ratio. Data processing and spatial 

analysis were performed using the thematic mapping tool: ArcGIS©. The results show that fecal contamination 

of the lagoon waters occurs throughout the year. The origin and intensity of this contamination varies according 

to area, season and environmental factors. Indeed, during the rainy season (November to May), fecal pollution 

affects the entire lagoon and intensifies upstream. This contamination originates from animals, due to runoffs 

that drain manure used for fertilizing vegetable crops or grazing activities that occur along the lagoon edges. On 

the other hand, summer is marked by a downstream intensification of fecal contamination with a strictly human 

origin. Contamination of the Oualidia lagoon ion summer is attributed to increasing human activities (bathing, 

nautic activities). The seasonal distribution of fecal coliform concentration within the lagoon is also regulated by 

changes in environmental conditions of the ecosystem lagoon, specially turbidity. 

La lagune Oualidia est un milieu naturel, très riche et particulièrement propice aux développement des moules et des huîtres. 

Toutefois, l’absence d’une stratégie adéquate pour une gestion des eaux rejetées dans la lagune (eaux usées du village, eaux 

pluviales et agricoles), a entraîné une importante pollution fécale. La lagune Oualidia a fait l’objet des nombreux travaux de 

recherche qui ont pour but le suivi de la qualité bactériologique de ses eaux. A fin d’évaluer les impacts consécutifs de la pollution 

anthropique des eaux lagunaires, nous y avons suivi, sur une période de deux ans (octobre 2003-Octobre 2005), l’évolution 

de la concentration des coliformes fécaux (CF) dans les eaux de la lagune Oualidia. Nous avons également déterminé 

les facteurs agissant sur la survie de ces bactéries fécales, ainsi que leur origine dans la lagune en se référant au ratio CF/SF. 

Le traitement des données obtenues et leurs analyses spatiales ont été réalisés à l’aide de l’outil de cartographie thématique : 

ArcGis. Les principaux résultats obtenus durant cette étude, mettent en évidence une contamination fécale de la lagune tout 

au long de l’année. L’origine et l’intensité de cette contamination varient en fonction de l’espace, de la saison et des facteurs 

environnementaux. 

En effet, pendant la période pluvieuse (Novembre jusqu’à Mai), la pollution fécale affecte l’ensemble de la lagune et s’intensifie 

en amont. Cette contamination serait d’origine animale, en raison des apports par ruissellement des fumiers utilisés pour 

fertiliser les cultures maraîchères ou bien des activités du pâturage qui caractérisent les berges de la lagune. Alors que la saison 

estivale est marquée par une intensification de la contamination fécale en aval de la lagune. L’origine serait purement humaine. 

La contamination de la lagune Oualidia en cette saison serait imputée à l’intensification des activités anthropiques (baignades, 

sports aquatiques...). La répartition saisonnière des coliformes fécaux le long de la lagune est régit également par les variations 

des conditions environnementales de l’écosystème lagunaire et en particulier la turbidité. 


Sea Water Pump from an Open Parabolic Channel: 

a method for restauration of coastal lagoons 

Un canal parabolique comme pompe à eau de mer : 

une méthode pour la restauration des lagunes côtières 

Gustavo Bautista Eric 1 , F. Méndez 2 , E. Sanchez-Badorrey 3 

1. Instituto Politécnico Nacional de México - Mexico 

2. Departamento de Termofluidos, Facultad de Ingeniería, UNAM - Mexico 

3. Instituto del Agua, Departamento de Mecánica de Estructuras e Ingeniería Hidráulica, Universidad de Granada - Spain 

elenasb@ugr.es 

As it is widely known, the use of renewable energy sources is increasing as part of man’s efforts to preserve and 

protect the environment that surrounds us. The development of a seawater pumping based on the concentration 

of ocean wave energy in an open parabolic channel in order to interchange water between lagoon and sea, is an 

example of these efforts. An essential aspect of the propagation of ocean waves as described by the shallowwater 

approximation is that they are strongly influenced by geometrical and physical parameters. These include 

sharp variations in the depth and width, which are characteristic parameters of the specific geometry of the open 

channel, and other factors like friction and wind velocity effects that can also affect the motion of ocean waves. 

As a first approximation, in this work, we examine theoretically -under the shallow water flow approximation- the 

spreading of an ocean wave that penetrates into an open parabolic channel of constant depth, taking special 

care to describe the influence of the channel’s geometry on wave propagation. We combine the momentum 

equation -neglecting viscous effects- with the continuity equation to derive a unique equation of motion which 

depends on two dimensionless parameters, namely the Froude number and a geometrical parameter. We show 

that, as a consequence of the boundary conditions, the non-dimensional ordinary differential equation resulting 

from the shallow water equations represents a boundary value problem. The system is transformed into an initial 

value problem and is solved in its extensive form using the conventional 4 th Runge-Kutta method. We obtain 

numerical solutions for different values of the non-dimensional parameters, clearly establishing its influence on 

the surface elevation of the water wave. In order to validate the numerical method, we add an analytical solution 

of the equation of motion in the asymptotic limit, where the phenomenon exhibits linear behavior. The results 

are promising. 


POSTER l 4 l Global approach 

Local water management planning for a better integrated 

management of the lagoons: the French experiment 

of watershed management schemes (SAGE) 

La planification locale de la gestion de l’eau au service de la gestion intégrée des lagunes : 

l’expérience française des Schémas d’Aménagement et de Gestion des Eaux (SAGE) 

Lafaye de Micheaux Flore, G. Lecat 

Direction régionale de l’environnement de Languedoc-Roussillon, 58, av Marie de Montpellier, 34965 Montpellier Cedex 02 - France 

flore.lafayedemicheaux@developpement-durable.gouv.fr 

How to reconcile “economic development, land planning and sustainable management of water resources”? Watershed 

management schemes (SAGE) were created by the law in 1992 to answer that question. Each scheme 

is drawn up at a coherent hydrographic scale by a local commission (named CLE) made up of local councilors, 

users and NGO and government offices. As a strategic plan, SAGE aims at a sustainable balance between water 

resources and wetlands protection and satisfaction of the uses. This balance must henceforth meet the objective 

of good state of the water bodies introduced by the European Water Framework Directive (WFD) of October 23, 

2000. SAGE represents a key tool of local implementation of the WFD beyond its concerted management approach. 

The Water law of December 30, 2006 has deeply modified the procedure and the contents of watershed 

management scheme (SAGE): ability to establish comprehensive rules and increased participation of the public. 

SAGE can indeed define its proper zoning and establish rules of management of the wetlands. Besides, urban 

land planning has to match with watershed management scheme clauses. The water local commission (CLE), 

true local parliament of water, is a specific place of appropriation, debate and orientations of the water local 

policy. Thanks to the watershed scale combined with a concerted approach integrating all uses and users, SAGE 

seems a particularly appropriate tool to meet the specific problems of the lagoons and their associated conflicts. 

The principal lagoons of the French Region Languedoc-Roussillon are drawing up their SAGE or under revision 

of their former scheme. 

Comment concilier “développement économique, aménagement du territoire et gestion durable des ressources en eau” ? C’est 

en réponse à cette question que les Schémas d’Aménagement et de Gestion des Eaux (SAGE) ont été créés par la loi sur l’eau 

de 1992.Le SAGE est élaboré à l’échelle d’une unité hydrographique cohérente sous l’égide d’une commission locale de l’eau 

composée d’élus locaux, d’usagers et de services de l’Etat. Outil stratégique de planification le SAGE vise un équilibre durable 

entre protection des milieux aquatiques et satisfaction des usages. Cet équilibre doit dorénavant satisfaire à l’objectif de bon 

état des masses d’eau, introduit par la DCE. Démarche de gestion concertée, le SAGE doit désormais s’inscrire comme un outil 

privilégié de mise en œuvre locale de la DCE. La procédure a été profondément modifiée avec l’adoption de la loi sur l’eau et 

les milieux aquatiques (LEMA) du 30 décembre 2006 : renforcement de la portée juridique par l’adjonction d’un règlement 

et accroissement de la participation du public. Un SAGE peut désormais définir des zonages et instaurer des règles de gestion 

des zones humides. En outre, les documents d’urbanisme doivent être compatibles avec ses dispositions. La commission 

locale de l’eau, véritable parlement local de l’eau, est un lieu unique d’appropriation, de débat et d’orientations de la politique 

locale de l’eau. Grâce à l’approche par bassin versant conjuguée à une démarche concertée intégrant l’ensemble des usages 

et des usagers, le SAGE apparaît comme un outil particulièrement adapté aux problématiques spécifiques des lagunes et leurs 

conflits associés. Les principales lagunes de la région Languedoc-Roussillon font l’objet d’une démarche d’élaboration ou de 

révision de leur SAGE. 


The socio-economic value of the natural areas of lagoons 

La valeur socio-économique des espaces naturels lagunaires 

Engles Emilie 

Conservatoire des Espaces Naturels du Languedoc Roussillon, 474 allée henri II de Montmorency, 34000 Montpellier - France 

tourisme.durable@cenlr.org 

The “Pôle relais lagunes méditerranéennes” coordinates an integrated a wide scale project of sustainable 

tourism in the Mediterranean lagoons. Using our role as a network animator, we have compiled and publicly 

disseminated the experiences that the lagoon managers have obtained with ecotourism in their natural areas. 

Collectively, these experiences highlight the importance of natural lagoon areas for recreation and their socioeconomic 

values in general. Good practice for developing ecotourism in coastal lagoon sites include i) control 

and regulation of the frequency of visits, ii) welcome and reception of the public, iii) environmental outreach and 

education targeting the visitors, iv) good practice of professionals of tourism in general. Using different examples 

of ecotourism in lagoons based on good practice, we will initiate a discussion on what are the potential socioeconomic 

functions of these areas. Certain sites will be the object of a more complete socio-economic study in 

order to evaluate the contribution of the lagoon to ecosystem services. 

Le pôle relais lagunes méditerranéennes porte un projet global de tourisme durable sur les lagunes méditerranéennes. Le pôle 

lagunes, par son rôle d’animateur de réseau a mis en lumière plusieurs retours d’expérience de gestionnaires d’espace naturels 

lagunaires en terme d’écotourisme. Ce retour d’expérience met en évidence la contribution sociale des espaces naturels lagunaires 

comme espace récréatif, mais également la valeur socio-économique de ces espaces. A travers plusieurs exemples de 

bonnes pratiques écotouristique sur des sites lagunaires, (telles que la gestion de la fréquentation, l’accueil du public, l’éducation 

à l’environnement des visiteurs, bonnes pratiques des socio-professionnels du tourisme) une réflexion sur la contribution 

socio-économique de ces espaces sera apporté. Certains sites feront l’objet d’une étude socio-économique à part entière afin 

d’évaluer la contribution de ces espaces. 



Four years of monitoring activities of the effects 

of the MOSE’s work site at the Venice lagoon inlets 

on highly valuable ecosystems 

Quatre années de suivi des conséquences des travaux au site atelier de MOSE 

sur le grau de la lagune et des écosystèmes de grande valeur 

Dabala Caterina, P. Campostrini 


dabala@corila.it 

The core of Venice lagoon safeguarding are the actions for the defense of all the settlements of the lagoon from 

high water. The MOSE System construction requires the execution of wide engineering works in environmentally 

precious and fragile coastal areas. Since 2007 almost all the Lagoon has been classified as SPA (Directive 

79/409/EEC), and some Sites of Community Importance areas (according to Directive 92/43/EEC) are closed 

to the work sites. The Venice Water Authority indicated the necessity that an independent Institution, such 

as CORILA, would perform a wide monitoring program about the environmental and socio-economic effects 

of the MOSE works’ of construction, at the three Venice lagoon inlets. The Monitoring Plan is mainly oriented 

to prevent any possible environmental damage and involves 12 scientific national institutions, coordinated by 

CORILA. After the definition of reference state and attention thresholds, occurred in 2004, the monitoring 

activities have been undertaken for five years at the present date. A synthesis of the main overall results for high 

valuable ecosystems (including any possible cumulative effect) will be presented. 


Anthropogenic impact on the Pulicat lagoon monitoring 

with foraminifera, East coast of India 

Evaluation environnementale avec les foraminifères de l’impact anthropique 

sur la lagune de Pulicat, côte Est de l’Inde 


Jayaraju N. 

Department of Geology and Geoinformatics, Yogi Vemana, University, Kadapa - 516 003 - India 

nadimikeri@gmail.com 

Coastal lagoons are well investigated areas because of their economical and ecological importance. It is possible 

to improve the productivity of these areas but very susceptible ecosystem balances should not be ignored. 

Pulicat Lagoon system. which is a store house of all resources is under great threat following the anthropogenic 

pollution. This complex lagoon ecosystem’s surface area is about 500 sq.kms. In spite of the System’s conservation 

statutes its structure has been degenerating rapidly because of pressures fishing, tourism and agricultural 

activities. The areas fish productivity has been gradually decreasing and it has been losing properties of 

sheltering, spawning and developing environment by reason of above-mentioned factors and anoxic layer due 

to anthropogenic pollution. Lagoon management has been founded on incorrect bases in the system. Fishing 

production of Pulicat Lagoon System is approximately 52 tons/ha/year. Although a serious fishery pressure has 

been determined in the area, according to mortality rate and age compositions, it has been found that the growth 

of marine life in the environment is in unhealthy condition. The date show that land -based and atmospheric 

sources account about two-thirds of the total impact of contaminants in to the marine lagoon constituting 44 % 

and 33 % respectively. The present study attempts to biomonitor the anthropogenic press on the lagoon. A total 

of 25 sediment samples were collected with in the depth zone of 5 fathoms from the lagoon. The study yielded 

20 benthic foraminiferal species. Variations are also reflected on the foraminiferal test morphology, diversity 

and distribution. A high percentage of foraminifers almost exclusively Ammonia have damaged shells with a 

few channels to entire whorl missing. The phenomenon is stress response to the anthropogenic pollution. The 

study contains against assuming that lower densities, species richness and shell deformations etc. The present 

work indicates that Pulicat lagoon under the main stress of anthropogenic pollution. In addition, suggestions for 

development of the lagoon management and maximum sustainable marine life production have been offered by 

determining the present lagoon management and some a biotic characteristics of this ecosystem.


Vulnerability to the pollution of alluvial underground 

of Eastern Mitidjia (Algeria) 

Vulnérabilité à la pollution de la nappe alluviale orientale de Mitjida, Algérie 

Djoudar-Hallal Dahbia 1 , A.C. Toubal 2 

1. ENSH, Arbaoui Abdellah, BP31, Sommaa, 09000 Blida - Algeria 

2. U.S.T.H.B., F.S.T.G.A.T., LP 32, 16111 Bab-Ezzouar, Algiers - Algeria 

dalydz@yahoo.fr 

The plain of Mitidja saw a severe crisis of its environment, in terms of air pollution and surface and underground 

water pollution. In order to better manage the increasing demand for drinking water and to ensure its protection 

against this pollution, it became pressing to carry out a methodical cartography of the vulnerability of the 

underground (Djoudar/Hallal, 2003). In this respect, two approaches are used: the DRASTIC method modified 

by Sinan et al. in 2003 associated to a second method based on an indexing of the sensitivity of water based 

on the chemistry of the water of the area of study. Both are based on a numerical system of quotation, integrating 

a GIS (Map information 7.0), which allows the use of digitalized or directly seized graphic data bases. The 

sensitivity index (SI) with the contamination of water were calculated by taking the product of the vulnerability 

index (VI) and the quality index (QI); IF = (VI)*(QI) (O.Tolga Pusatli et al., 2007). The index VI is deduced by 

using the DRASTIC method to evaluate the hydrogeologic characteristics of the aquifer. The quality index (QI) 

is calculated by basing our study on the hydrochemical classification of water. The chart of sensitivity obtained 

reveals a similarity with the zones of strong anthropic activities. 


Nutrient load and trophic conditions 

in several coastal lagoons 

Apports en nutriments et conditions trophiques de plusieurs lagunes côtières 

Roselli Leonilde 1 , M. Cañedo-Argüelles 2 , M. Rieradevall 2 , P. Costa Goela 3 , S.C. Vitorino Cristina 3 , R. D’Adamo 1 

1. Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche - Istituto di Scienze Marine - Via Pola 4 71010 Lesina (FG) - Italy 

2. Group F.E.M., Departamento de Ecología, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Cataluña - Spain 

3. IMAR - Institute of Marine Research, FCT- University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro - Portugal 

raffaele.dadamo@fg.ismar.cnr.it 

In the European contest, intermediate waters include important ecosystems such as littoral lagoons. We present 

a comparative study of seven lagoons located in the south-eastern coasts of Italy (Lesina and Varano) and Spain 

(Remolar, Ca L’Arana, Ricarda and Cal Tet) and on the Portuguese coast (Ria Formosa). The comparison is based 

on the nutrient load expressed as N/P ratio and on the total biomass in terms of chlorophyll a. N/P the values 

range from 27 to 223 in Lesina ; from 80.5 to 603 in Varano; from 2.13 to 360,3 in Remolar; from 11.5 to 

184.5 in Ca L’Arana; from 11.3 to 281.2 in Ricarda; from 15.3 to 1062.8 in Cal Tet; from 0.7 to 23 in Ria 

Formosa. Chlorophyll a concentration (µg.l -1 ) ranges vary from 1.8 to 8.99 in Lesina; from 2.3 to 13.4 in Varano; 

from 36 to 339 in Remolar; from 5.8 to 91 in Ca L’Arana; from 20.3 to 72.9 in Ricarda; from 0.21 to 10.8 in 

Cal Tet; from 0 to 13.4 in Ria Formosa. The relative importance of N and P in driving production processes in 

different aquatic environments has raised strong debate. In peculiar environments such as lagoons, where the 

ratio N/P is largely dependent on the spatial and temporal dynamics of land runoff, the relationship between 

the relative concentrations of the two nutrient and production processes deserve close attention if one of the 

mechanisms driving trophic conditions and ecological quality of the system are to be understood. 



WFD implementation and national monitoring network 

in Transitional Waters in Greece 

Mise en place de la DCE et de son réseau national de surveillance pour les Eaux de Transition 

en Grèce 

Reizopoulou Sofia 1 , S. Orfanidis 2 , N. Simboura 1 , P. Panayotidis 1 

1. Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Oceanography, P.O.BOX 712, 19013 Anavyssos, Greece 

2. Fisheries Research Institute-NAGREF Nea Peramos, GR-640 07 Kavala - Greece 

sreiz@ath.hcmr.gr 

System B has been applied for the discrimination of the Greek transitional waters in two main types: coastal 

lagoons and deltas/river mouths. A classification into five classes and mapping of transitional water bodies of 

Greece has been undertaken, based on existing data and pressure information (implementation of article 5), and 

the application of classification tools included in the WFD guideline documents for typology, reference conditions 

and classification (EC, 2003). A total of 31 transitional water bodies were defined based on the typological 

characterization and the Ecological Quality Status classification. Based on this assessment a monitoring plan 

for 31 transitional waters of sufficient size has been designed, and operational monitoring is applied (at risk of 

achieving environmental objectives until 2015). The transitional water bodies monitoring network was designed 

taking into account basic networks of European projects (TWReferenceNET), regional monitoring networks 

carried out by national institutions members of ElNET, and reference networks, such as the Natura 2000. A total 

of 31 water bodies has been included in the transitional operational monitoring network. 


Assesing the ecological quality of Kaiafas lagoon 

(W Greece, Ionian sea) by monitoring the submerged aquatic 

macrophytes 

Evaluation de la qualité écologique de la lagune de Kaiafas (Grèce occidentale, Mer Ionienne) 

Chrysoula Christia, E.S. Papastergiadou 

Department of Biology, Section of Plant Biology, University of Patras GR 26 500 Patras - Greece 

xchristi@upatras.gr 

Aquatic macrophyte communities are an important component of aquatic ecosystem used widely within the 

Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC, to establish ecological quality in coastal lagoons. Surveillance and 

monitoring are the main drivers to determine long-term changes to coastal environments due to natural cycles 

or anthropogenic activities. Kaiafas lagoon is a shallow lagoon, situated in the western part of Greece, at 

Peloponnese. The lagoon communicates with the open sea by one narrow opening and the Hellenic Tourist Real 

Estate Agency keeps that narrow opening closed during summer months in order to maintain the temperature 

of thermal springs stable. The study is based on the monitoring of key water quality parameters (depth, transparency, 

pH, DO., salinity, alkalinity, nutrients of N and P) and primary production (Chl#a) at seven stations during 

the vegetated periods 2005-2007. During the extended monitoring period important variations were recorded in 

salinity and nutrient concentrations of the lagoon mainly due to increased human interventions. High concentrations 

of NH4-N and total P to the southern part of the lagoon revealed the limited function of the biological 

treatment and the disturbance from anthropogenic pressures. Side scan sonar and samplings were successfully 

used to detect the extension and the coverage of the dominant submerged meadows and the bottom relief. 

Different acoustic types revealed the presence or absence of the dominant macrophytes Potamogeton pectinatus 

and Chara hispida f. corfuensis. After the extended fires of August 2007 the whole area was changed. The 

unique pine forest above the lagoon was totally destroyed and the lagoon is exposed to flooding, agricultural 

drainage and silt accumulation. This process will gradually decrease the water depth and help the intensification 

of macrophyte growth. The current study is going to contribute to the evaluation of ecological quality and to the 

sustainable management of Kaiafas lagoon. 



Global economy and climate change jeopardize flamingo 

conservation 

L’économie financiarisée et le réchauffement climatique menacent la conservation 

des flamants roses 

Béchet Arnaud 1 , M. Rendón-Martos 2 , M.A. Rendón 3 , J.A. Amat 3 , A.R. Johnson 1 , M. Gauthier-Clerc 1 

1. Tour du Valat, research center for the conservation of Mediterranean wetlands, Le Sambuc, 13200 Arles - France 

2. Reserva Natural de Fuente de Piedra, Junta de Andalucía, Apartado de correos N° 1, 29520 Fuente de Piedra, Malaga - Spain 

3. Estación Biologica de Doñana, CSIC, Avda. Américo Vespucio s/n, 41092 Sevilla - Spain 

bechet@tourduvalat.org 

The Mediterranean population of Greater flamingos Phoenicopterus roseus was seriously threatened during the 

mid-20 th century because of a shortage of breeding islands as a result of coastal wetlands loss and stabilization. 

On the north shore of the Mediterranean, investment in conservation to counterbalance habitat changes and 

disturbance allowed restoring the flamingo population by island construction and surveillance. On the south 

shore, breeding has remained dependent on natural habitats in areas of scarce rainfall. Here we show that flamingos 

now face both the hazards of climate warming and of global economy. In the south, increased drought 

threatens the flooding of natural breeding sites. In the north, in the last five years, 46% of chicks fledged in 

active saltpans, in which water management depends on the continuation of salt production. In 2007, after 

non-stop successful breeding for 37 years, the French population failed due to an interruption in salt production 

following a dismissal plan caused by market fluctuations and financial distress. Until now, the flamingo situation 

in the northern Mediterranean seemed to be safe for the long term thanks to conservation actions in habitats 

linked to a sustainable economic activity. However, the species now faces the new challenge of global economy 

stochasticity and recession. 

La population méditerranéenne de flamants roses a été très menacée dans les années 1960 à cause d’un manque d’îlots de 

reproduction dû à l’anthropisation des deltas et à leur stabilisation. Sur la rive nord, des efforts de conservation importants, notamment 

la construction d’îlots artificiels, ont permis à la population d’augmenter de nouveau. Sur la rive sud, la reproduction 

est restée dépendante des rares précipitations. Aujourd’hui les flamants sont confrontés à la fois au risque de réchauffement 

climatique au Sud et à la stochasticité de l’économie financiarisée au Nord. Ces cinq dernières années, 46% des poussins se 

sont envolés de salins commerciaux de la rive nord dont la survie économique et la poursuite des mises en eau dépend des 

fluctuations du marché et de l’impact croissant de la finance. Cette perspective est illustrée par l’échec de la reproduction 

des flamants en France en 2007 suite à une grève déclenchée par l’annonce d’un plan social résultant à la fois de pertes de 

débouchés et d’une importante restructuration financière. 


Influence of climatic changes and anthropogenic meddling 

in benthic communities of the estuary of the Sevastopol Bay 

(Black Sea). 

Impact des changements climatiques, et de l’interférence anthropique sur les communautés 

benthiques dans l’estuaire de Sevastopol (Mer Noire) 

Nickolai Shalovenkov 

Center for Ecological Studies, Sevastopol 

shaloven@ukr.net 

The estuary of the Sevastopol Bay is the unique area of ecological researches during almost hundred years. 

The studies of this area by Zernov (1913) at the beginning of the 20th century were an important basis for the 

analysis of temporary changes of the benthic communities in ecosystem of the Black Sea. The zoobenthos was 

the peculiar indicator of long-term ecological changes in estuarine area of Sevastopol Bay. The received facts 

about restoration of some biological parameters (increase of biodiversity and biological productivity) in development 

of benthic communities indicate on positive consequences after reduction of anthropogenous loading 

on the Sevastopol Bay Ecosystem during last five - ten years. The restoration of local populations of these benthic 

species has followed after significant decrease (practically on the order) anthropogenous loading on sea 

ecosystems by significant reduction of basing of the military ships in the Bay during the last five - ten years. 

The faunistic complex of mass benthic species registered in 1913 had the greatest similarity to the benthic 

species complex of 2002. However final restoration of the faunistic complex, which registered in the beginning 

of 20-th century, is not possible. The bottom of the estuarine area was dredged for navigation. Such actions have 

changed hydrological structure in the estuary and have strengthened influence of seawaters. After that Zostera 

and Potamogeton habitats decreased to small areas along the coast. The penetration of marine benthic species 

in the estuary indicate the increase of salinity here as a dominant tendency. The intensity of fresh water input 

into Sevastopol Bay is governed by seasonal fluctuations in the amount of rain, availability or absence of freshet 

as well as in the character of seasonal circulation of the atmosphere. The climatic fluctuations in the last years 

resulted in reduction of the level of fresh water in estuarine area of Sevastopol Bay. Occupancy of the Sevastopol 

Bay Estuary by trans-atlantic species, Rhithropanopeus harrisii tridentatus crab is one more feature (over climatic 

fluctuations) in species structure of macrozoobenthos now. 


POSTER l 5 l Sediment biogeochemistry 

Bioturbation variability along a land-ocean continuum 

Variabilité de la bioturbation le long d’un continuum terre-océan 

Michaud Emma 1 , M. Taglioro 1 , J. Grall 1 , M. Nonent 2 , O. Ragueneau 1 

1. Laboratoire des Sciences de l’environnement marin, LEMAR UMR 6539, Université de Bretagne occidentale, Technopole Brest-Iroise, 

Place copernic, 29280 Plouzane - France 

2. Université de Bretagne occidentale, UFR de médecine 2, avenue Camille Desmoulins, 29238 Brest Cedex 3 - France 

emma.michaud@univ-brest.fr 

Estuaries represent a critical connection between land and ocean where the bio-geochemical cycles are intense 

and need to be accurately quantified. This study is a part of a multidisciplinary project targeting the organic 

matter and silica processing in two estuaries located in the bay of Brest (Brittany, France). This region was 

submitted to high nutrients inputs from agricultural activities. The bioturbation activities by the benthic macroinvertebrates 

playing a key role for the degradation and mineralization of the organic matter in aquatic sediments, 

we had determined the functional biodiversity of the macrobenthic communities along the land ocean 

continuum and quantified the bioturbation activities related to this composition. First results showed the high 

spatial variability of the functional groups along the continuum. The vertical spatial distribution of the macroinvertebrates 

inside the sediments, revealed by x-tomography, act as one key factor on the bio-geochemical 

cycles dynamical. 

Les estuaires représentent une zone critique entre les bassins versants et les océans où les cycles biogéochimiques y sont 

intenses et doivent être précisément quantifiés. Cette étude est une partie d’un projet multidisciplinaire visant à déterminer 

le devenir de la matière organique et siliceuse dans deux estuaires de la rade de Brest (Bretagne, France). Cette région a été 

soumise à d’importants enrichissements en nutriments dus à l’agriculture intensive. Les activités de bioturbation par la macrofaune 

benthique jouant un rôle clé dans les processus de dégradation et de minéralisation de la matière dans les sédiments 

aquatiques, nous avons déterminé la biodiversité fonctionnelle des communautés benthiques le long du continuum terre-mer 

et quantifié les activités de bioturbation associées. Les premiers résultats montrent une forte variabilité spatiale des groupes 

fonctionnels le long du continuum. La distribution verticale des macro-invertébrés dans le sédiments, révélée par la tomodensitométrie 

axiale, agit comme un des facteurs clés sur la dynamique des cycles biogéochimiques. 


In situ deployment of voltammetric solid-state microelectrode 

to determine the effect of tidal forcing on biogeochemical 

processes in the Arcachon lagoon sediments (France) 

Utilisation des microélectrodes voltamétriques in situ pour déterminer les effets du forçage 

des marées sur les processus biogéochimiques dans les sédiments du Bassin d’Arcachon 

Delgard Marie Lise 1 , B. Deflandre 1 , E. Metzger 2 , D. Nuzzio 3 , P. Anschutz 1 


2. Laboratoire des Bio-Indicateurs Actuels et Fossiles Université d’Angers, 2 bd Lavoisier, 49045 Angers Cedex 01 - France 

3. Analytical Instrument Systems Inc., 118 Old York Road, Ringoes, NJ 08551 - USA 

m.delgard@epoc.u-bordeaux1.fr 

Bio-geochemical processes are subjected to spatial and temporal variations in marine sediments. However, little 

is known about how the composition of pore waters in intertidal sediments responds to the diurnal rise and fall 

of the tide. In this study, we deployed an in situ volt-metric technique to measure simultaneously the concentration 

of several redox species (O 2 , Mn 2+ , Fe 2+ , HS - , FeSaq, Fe 3+ ) in order to determine the role of tidal forcing 

on early diagenetic processes in Arcachon lagoon sediments. Profiling measurements and time series at several 

depths were performed in permeable and cohesive sediments. The observations were supplemented with measurements 

of O 2 (Clark type sensor), pH, Corg, reactive manganese and iron, porosity, salinity, and permeability. 

Results indicate that the tidal cycle greatly influences the distribution of redox species in these sediments. The 

oxygen dynamic is mainly controlled at low tide by the microphytobenthic activity, which seems to be affected 

by the rise of the tide. Bio-geochemical processes at high tide display a classical diagenetic sequence with high 

concentrations of Fe 2+ and low concentrations of HS - in the sediment pore water. At low tide, depth profiles and 

times-series measurements suggest that an upward advection of pore water may transport reduced chemical 

species, resulting in a significant increase of HS - and FeSaq close to the sediment-water interface and a concomitant 

decrease of Fe 2+ concentrations. Our results clearly show that tidal forcing influence the bio-geochemistry 

of these intertidal sediments. This work is supported by the ANR within the frame of the project “PROTIDAL”. 



Impact of oyster farming on the bacterial community 

and the physico-chemical characteristics of the sediment 

Impact de l’ostréiculture sur la communauté bactérienne 

et les caractéristiques physico-chimiques des sédiments 

Azandégbé Afi 1 , F. Poly 2 , F. Andrieux 3 , X. Philippon 3 , J.L. Nicolas 1 

1. IFREMER PFOM/LPI BP70 Pointe du diable, 29200 Plouzane - France 

2. Microbial Ecology Center University of Lyon 1, 16 rue Dubois, 69622 Villeurbanne - France 

3. IFREMER Dyneco BP70, Pointe du diable, 29280 Plouzane - France 

aazandeg@ifremer.fr 

In this study, we investigated from June 2007 to May 2008 bacterial community structure and physicochemical 

characteristics of sediment in two oyster farming sites in Brittany (France), Aber Benoît and Rivière d’Auray to 

detect the ecological impact of oysters on sediment. The experimental design consisted of 6 oyster bags placed 

on a rack at 50 cm above the sediment. Samples of sediment were regularly taken below the oyster bags and 

at 30 m away from the bags (control). Microbial community structure analyses were performed with denaturing 

gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) using eubacterial 16S rDNA and some bands were characterized by cloning 

and sequencing. Ammonium, sulphide, nitrate and phosphate were measured and their diffusive fluxes from 

sediment were calculated. Results revealed a high diversity in microbial community composition at both sites. 

From microbial community structures, statistical analysis using ANOSIM showed significant effect of oysters in 

June 2007 in Aber-Benoît and in June, August and September 2007 in Rivière d’Auray. In 2008 a significant 

effect was observed in February for the two sampling sites and only in Rivière d’Auray in March. The bacterial 

groups identified are commonly found in intertidal and marine sediments. Gammaproteobacteria is the most 

represented. As, alphaproteobacteria, deltaproteobacteria, and Acidobacter classes, members of the Vibrionacae 

were also represented, including Vibrio aestuarianus, a known pathogen of Crassostrea gigas. However, no 

bacterial group distinguished the control from the oyster samples except Deltaproteobacteria in Rivière d’Auray. 

In Aber Benoît, the diffusive fluxes of ammonium, phosphate and sulphide were always much higher and more 

fluctuating over the year in oyster sediments than in control samples. In the Rivière d’Auray significant effect of 

presence of oyster was observed for phosphate fluxes whereas only slight effect was detected on the ammonium 

and sulphide fluxes. 


Impact of oyster farming on Diagenetic processes in sediments 

of two oyster sites (Aber Benoît and Rivière d’Auray, Brittany, 

France) 

Impact de l’ostréiculture sur les processus diagénétiques dans les sédiments 

de deux parcs à huîtres (Aber Benoît et Rivière d’Auray, Bretagne, France) 

Andrieux-Loyer Françoise 1 , F. Caradec 1 , A. Azandegbé 2 , X. Philippon 1 , R. Kérouel 1 , A. Youenou 1 

1. IFREMER Dyneco, BP70, Pointe du diable, 29280 Plouzane - France 

2. IFREMER PFOM/LPI BP70 Pointe du diable, 29200 Plouzane - France 

francoise.andrieux@ifremer.fr 

Summer mortalities of oysters Crassostrea gigas are observed since ten years along the French coast. It’s important 

to characterize causes of these episodic processes. The sedimentary compartment of two oyster sites (Aber 

Benoît and Rivière d’Auray) was studied in this report. Firstly, the objective is to identify the potential influence 

of oyster cultures on diagenetic sedimentary processes and particularly their influence on the phosphorus cycle. 

In each site, the experiments were performed, over a seasonal cycle, at a station under the influence of oyster 

cultures compared to processes in a station outside their direct influence (reference station). Secondly, the 

evaluation of the “stress” that sediment may represent for oysters with the emission of potentially toxic substances 

(H S and NH ) is discussed. Oxygen concentrations at the sediment-water interface show a rapid state 

2 3 

of anoxia (< 5 mm) for both study sites but not allow to highlight a difference of mineralization between sites 

under tables and reference sites. However, the distribution of phosphorus forms has shown a temporal and 

spatial correlation between total phosphorus (P-Tot), organic phosphorus (P-Orga), phosphorus bound to iron 

(P-Fe) and phosphorus apatite authigenic bound to calcium (P-Ca authigenic). Moreover, phosphorus forms 

show a concomitant distribution with chlorophyll a. Results of potential toxic substances highlight high concentrations 

in the Aber Benoît under tables (up to 2000 µmol l-1 + -1 - in NH and up to 4000 µmol l in HS ). This 

4 

could induce -in the event of a re-suspension sediment- a toxicity of the oysters environment. Diffusive fluxes 

of chemical “stressors”(ammonium and sulphide) are higher in Aber Benoît (up to 1020 µmol m-2 h-1 ) than in 

Rivière d’Auray (up to 317 µmol m-2 h-1 ) for ammonium. For sulfide, they can reach 215 µmol m-2 h-1 in Aber 

Benoît and 105 µmol m-2 h-1 in Rivière d’Auray. These supplies of toxic substances from sediment, occurring 

before mortalities, could thus play a role either directly on the species Crassostrea gigas in weakening the 

immune system, or indirectly, on the chemical oyster environment or on trophic resource. 



Geochemistry of surface sediments 

in the Messolonghi lagoon, Greece 

Géochimie des sédiments superficiels dans la lagune de Messolonghi, Grèce 

Karageorgis Aristomenis 1 , A. Sioulas 1 , C. Anagnostou 1 , E. Krasakopoulou 1 , H. Kyriakidou 1 , K. Vasilopoulos 2 

1. Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Oceanography, 46.7 km Athens-Sounio Avenue, 19013 Anavyssos - Greece 

2. Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Mechanical Engineering, 54124 Thessaloniki - Greece 

ak@ath.hcmr.gr 

The Messolonghi lagoon complex is located in the western Greek mainland and covers an area of approximately 

16000 ha; it comprises the Etoliko, Messolonghi, and Klisova lagoons. The complex is a wetland of great 

ecological importance protected under the Ramsar Convention. The main pollution sources in the area are 

agricultural and domestic effluents entering into the lagoon through temporary streams, and diffused sources. 

Thirteen surface sediment samples were recovered from the seabed of the study area during July 1999. The 

samples were analyzed in the laboratory for: grain-size, organic and inorganic carbon, total nitrogen, total sulfur, 

major and minor elements. The sediments are sandy in the western sector and gradually become finer toward 

the east (Klisova). A study of the correlation coefficients matrix reveals that Si, Al, Ti, Fe, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, 

and Rb are significantly correlated. This group represents the terrigenous aluminosilicates, which seem to have 

their primary source in the Klisova lagoon, where most of the temporal streams discharge. In contrast to this 

group appear Ca and Sr, which belong to the autocthonous biogenic phase. Another group of elements shows 

strong correlation of Corg, S, N, Zn, and Pb and to a lesser extent with other metals, i.e., V, Co, Ni, and Cu. This 

pattern indicates that organic carbon and organic nitrogen are efficient scavengers of some metals, probably 

under reducing conditions. Similarly, iron and manganese show positive correlation to a number of metals, i.e., 

Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, which could be attributed to metal scavenging by Fe-Mn oxy-hydroxides. In order to elucidate the 

possibility of contamination of the lagoon’s surface sediments by heavy metals, enrichment factors (EFs) were 

estimated using as reference one radiocarbon-dated pre-industrial sediment from a neighboring drill hole. The 

EFs for Fe, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Pb are generally ~1 indicating absence of contamination. However, 

some metals (V, Mn, Ni, Zn, and Pb) exhibit EFs > 1, which in most cases appear in the Klisova lagoon. Although 

EFs values are not very high, it is indicative that Klisova is to some extent influenced by human activities. In fact, 

the municipal wastewater treatment plant of Messolonghi and the dumping site of the city influence directly the 

Klisova lagoon. Lead is the metal showing the highest EFs (1.96) in the Klisova lagoon and also shows relatively 

elevated values in all samples probably originating in gasoline combustion. 


The role of the sediment in dissolved organic carbon 

and nutrient cycling in the Curonian lagoon (Lithuania) 

Rôle du sédiment dans le cycle du carbone dissous et des nutriments 

dans la lagune Curonienne (Lituanie) 

Zilius Mindaugas 1 , M. Bartoli 2 , A. Razinkovas 1 

1. Coastal Planning and Research Institute, Klaipeda University, H. Manto 84, Klaipeda - Lithuania 

2. Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Parma, 43100 Parma - Italy 

trilobitas@gmail.com 

The role of sediments in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and nutrient cycling was investigated in the Curonian 

lagoon, a large shallow highly eutrophic coastal lagoon in the SE Baltic. The Lithuanian part of the lagoon is 

dominated by the fine sandy sediments that are poor in organic, while muddy sediments rich in organic content 

cover small areas in deeper parts. Porewater nutrient (N, P, Si forms) and DOC concentration profiles were 

measured at 8 sites representing main bottom sediment types in the lagoon in March, July and October via 

sediment slicing and squeezing. The highest nutrient concentrations were found in the muddy sediment, while 

in the transit sand dominated zone nutrient concentrations were several times lower. However the highest DOC 

concentrations were detected in sandy sediments. The diffusive fluxes of nutrient, computed from the pore water 

gradient, were significantly lower in March, before the start of the planktonic algae development than during the 

midsummer phytoplankton bloom period. The variability in diffusive fluxes in between seasons could be also 

affected by the difference in water temperature and sediment oxygen consumption. 



How well do sediment characteristics reflect geochemical 

and biological properties of the sedimentary environments 

in the Curonian lagoon (the Baltic Sea)? 

Dans quelle mesure les caractéristiques du sédiment reflètent-elles les propriétés géochimiques 

et biologiques des environnements sédimentaires de la lagune Curonienne (Mer Baltique) ? 

Darius Daunys 1 , R. Paskauskas 1 , K. Jurate 2 , K. Alina 2 , A. Kucinskiene 2 


2. Institute of Botany, Vilnius - Lithuania 

darius@corpi.ku.lt 

The Curonian lagoon is the largest lagoon in the Baltic Sea shaped by riverine freshwater runoff and short term 

seawater inflows through the narrow strait. The surface sediment in the shallow areas mainly consist of very 

fine sand, whereas lagoon bottom in the deeper sites is predominantly covered by mud. Traditionally, sediment 

type is considered as one of the most informative parameters for ecological zoning of aquatic systems due to its 

complex nature and ability to reflect numerous environmental processes. This study is aimed at characterization 

of two principally different sedimentary environments (deep mud bottoms and shallow fine sand) by traditional 

geological (grain size), geochemical (organic carbon, total nitrogen and total phosphorus concentrations, 

sulphate reduction and organic mineralization rates) and biological (structure of benthic macrofauna and 

diatoms) measures with special reference to the spatial variability of these parameters. Relationships between 

biological, geological and geochemical parameters are particularly addressed in order to examine possibilities 

of the sediment map extrapolation into complex geo-ecological zoning of the lagoon. The results of the study 

indicate, that geologically uniform fine sand areas are relatively heterogeneous in respect to all geochemical 

and biological variables. Aerobic organic matter mineralization rate varied in range from 90 to 180 mg C/m 2 

day -1 , whereas total phosphorus and total nitrogen concentrations in the fine sand sediment differed 2-3 times 

between sampling sites as well. Concentrations of total nitrogen, total phosphorus and organic carbon in the 

muddy bottoms were by order of magnitude higher than in fine sand environments. However, total (aerobic + 

anaerobic) organic matter decomposition rates were similar in both environments and varied between 730 and 

1730 mg C/m 2 day -1 . 


Sediment deposition at the water-sediment interface 

of the Bay of Brest (W-N France): comparison of maërl 

and Crepidula fornicata communities 

Dépôt sédimentaire à l’interface eau-sédiment dans la baie de Brest (N-O de la France) : 

comparaison des communautés du maërl et de Crepidula fornicata 

Schmidt Sabine 1 , G. Thouzeau 2 , S. Bujan 1 , X. Philippon 4 , F. Andrieux-Loyer 4 , H. Etcheber 1 


2. LEMAR UMR 6539 CNRS, Université Bretagne Occidentale - France 

4. IFREMER - Brest, Département Dynéco - France 

s.schmidt@epoc.u-bordeaux1.fr 

In the Bay of Brest, the spreading of an introduced species, Crepidula fornicata, is rising and explains the 

progressive substitution of native communities, like maërl, by this gastropod. Such a transition from maërl to 

Crepidula may also have an impact on sediment deposition at the water-sediment interface, i.e. sedimentation, 

bio-deposition or re-suspension, in relation to changes in ecosystem functioning. Naturally occurring particle 

reactive radionuclides are useful chronometers of these processes on time scales of weeks to decades. Due to 

their continuous production in the atmosphere, 7 Be (53 d) and 210 Pb (22.3 yr) are appropriate for quantifying 

mixing and sedimentation rates in coastal environments. 234 Th (24.1 d), produced continuously in situ by decay 

of the conservative 238 U, provides additional constraints on particles deposition at the water-sediment interface. 

As a contribution to the EC 2 CO MICROCREP program, the present work aims to compare sedimentation 

processes in the Bay of Brest in an area presenting a rapid transition between maërl and Crepidula communities. 

Sediment cores were collected during one year (Oct. 2008; March, April, July & Sept. 2009) along a transect 

from slipper limpets (C0, C1) to maërl (C3, C4) dominated-communities; a reference station (C2) was also 

collected. Porosity, granulometry and particulate organic carbon were determined on bulk sediments; radionuclides 

were measured by $ spectrometry on sieved sediments (500 µm, to remove shells). Sediment characteristics show 

large contrasts between the two communities, with finer sediments deposited in the Crepidula area. Mixing 

intensities present less differences between the two communities. Interface sediment ages, calculated using the 

7 Be/ 210 Pb activity ratios, are readily different between the reference station and the other ones. The occurrence 

of communities, whatever the species, is favorable to sediment deposition, as indicated by younger particles. 

La prolifération de la crépidule Crepidula fornicata (mollusque gastéropode), espèce invasive, s’accroit en Rade de Brest au 

détriment des espèces locales, telles le maërl. Un tel changement de communauté doit aussi avoir des répercutions sur le dépôt 

sédimentaire à l’interface eau-sédiment (sédimentation, biodépôt, remise en suspension) en lien avec le fonctionnement propre 

à chaque écosystème. Les isotopes radioactifs naturels sont des chronomètres utiles pour étudier la sédimentation aux échelles 

de temps de quelques semaines à plusieurs dizaines d’années. En raison de leur production continue dans l’atmosphère, 7 Be 

(53 jours) et 210 Pb (22,3 ans) sont bien adaptés à l’estimation des taux de bioturbation et de sédimentation en milieux côtiers. 

Le 234 Th (24,1 jours), produit in situ par décroissance de son père conservatif, 238 U, fournit des contraintes complémentaires 

sur les flux particulaires à l’interface eau-sédiment. Ce travail, conduit dans le cadre du programme EC 2 CO MICROCREP, a pour 

objectif de comparer les processus de sédimentation en rade de Brest dans une zone qui présente une transition rapide entre 

les communautés de crépidules et de maërl. Des carottes de sédiment ont été échantillonnées pendant une année (Oct, 2008; 

Mars, Avril, Juillet, Sept. 2009) le long d’un gradient crépidules (C0, C1) - maërl (C3, C4), en comparaison avec une station 

de référence (sans organisme, C2). La porosité, la granulométrie et le carbone organique ont été déterminés sur le sédiment 

brut; les radioisotopes ont été mesurés par spectrométrie $ sur la fraction < 500 µm. La nature du sédiment est différente 

entre les deux communautés, avec un matériel plus fin déposé dans la zone à crépidule. Les taux de bioturbation présentent 

moins de différences. Les âges des sédiments, calculés à partir du rapport d’activité 7 Be/ 210 Pb, sont très différents entre le site 

de référence et ceux où une des communautés est présente. La présence de communautés biologiques, indépendamment des 

espèces, est favorable au dépôt de sédiments, révélé par des sédiments plus jeunes. 



Diagenesis of photosynthetic pigments and organic matter 

in Mediterranean estuarine sediments 

Diagénèse des pigments photosynthétiques et de la matière organique dans des sédiments 

estuariens de Méditerranée 

Arrojo M. Ángeles, F.X. Niell 


maarrojo@uma.es 

Organic matter in estuarine sediment has different sources: plankton, vascular plants and detritus material 

coming from the upper basin, salt marshes or anthropogenic activities (agriculture, industry and urban waste). 

Nowadays anthropogenic organic matter contribution is increasing. Lutein is a carotene strictly restricted to 

rhodophytes and chlorophytes sensu lato. The concentration of pigments, mainly lutein, and the C:N in sources 

of organic matter allow to distinguish the precedence of the organic material in sediment along one axial and 

one vertical transect. Using sedimentation rates obtained previously, rates of mineralization and accumulation 

have been estimated. Chlorophyll a disappears at 20.3 % y -1 , lutein decreases slowly at a rate of 17.3 % y -1 . 

Organic matter is more resistant to be degraded and is accumulated up to 5 cm depth into the sediment. The 

isotopic discrimination values are used to validate the hypothesis of the model in a further set of samples 

collected at various places. 


Benthic/pelagic coupling in a shallow oligotrophic ecosystem: 

the importance of microphytobenthos and spatial heterogeneity 

Couplage benthos/pelagos dans un écosystème oligotrophe peu profond : 

l’importance du microphytobenthos et de l’hétérogénéité spatiale 

Hochard Sébastien 1 , O. Pringault 2 , C. Pinazo 1 , E. Rochelle-Newall 3 

1. LOPB UMR CNRS 6535, Université de la Méditerranée, Centre d’océanologie de Marseille, Station marine d’Endoume, 

Ch. de la Batterie des Lions, 13007 Marseille - France 

2. UMR 5119 ECOLAG, Université Montpellier II, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, Station Méditerranéenne de l’Environnement Littoral, 

1, quai de la daurade, 34200 Sète - France 

3. UR103 CAMELIA, ECOLAG : UMR 5119, Université Montpellier II, Case 093, 34095 Montpellier Cedex 05 - France 

sebastien.hochard@univmed.fr 

The benthic pelagic coupling was studied at three contrasted stations in the shallow oligotrophic lagoon of 

South-West New Caledonia. The aim of this study was to link the nutrient exchanges at the sediment water 

interface to the benthic metabolism, and to assess the response of bacterioplankton production to the sediment 

input. In spite of very different sedimentary characteristics (mud content, microphytobenthic biomass), 

the sediments at the three stations were net autotrophic, and the exchanges of nutrient were very low. The 

benthic metabolism appeared to be driven by microphytobenthos, with a strong correlation between the benthic 

primary production and the sediment oxygen demand, and an immobilization of nutrient into the sediment by 

microphytobenthic assimilation. The bacterioplankton production did not show any significant response to the 

presence of sediment compared to the control (incubated without sediment). This suggested a decoupling between 

the sediment and the water column. Both of them functioned as independent systems based on an efficient 

microbial loop fueled respectively by benthic and pelagic primary production. Nevertheless this view might hide 

some important exchanges between the sediment and the water column. Indeed physical processes, as sediment 

resuspension, porewater advection, and macrofauna bioturbation, might be responsible of enhanced exchanges 

between the sediment and the water column. These hypotheses were examined thanks to a mathematical model, 

which depicted the coupling between the water column and an autotrophic sediment. We showed how physical 

disturbance might break up the filter effect of microphytobenthos for the nutrient exchange at the sediment 

surface. Benthic pelagic coupling appeared to be highly mediated by microphytobenthos, and spatial heterogeneity, 

due to sediment disturbance, of major importance for the assessment of the nutrient exchanges at the 

sediment interface. 



Modelling the effects of drifting macroalgae 

on the light condition and the sediment transport 

in estuaries and lagoons 

Modélisation de l’impact des macroalgues dérivantes sur le transport sédimentaire et sur 

la pénétration du rayonnement lumineux dans les sédiments des estuaires et lagunes côtières 

Canal Vergés Paula, C. Jørgensen, M.R. Flindt 

Institute of biology, University of southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M. - Denmark 

paulacanal@biology.sdu.dk 

It is well-known that opportunistic macroalgae starts to drift at low current velocities and that the nutrient transport 

in many aquatic systems are dominated by this process. New studies have shown that macroalgae moves 

as bed-load transport at low current velocities, and that they are creating resuspension while they are drifting. 

Thresholds of sediment stability are very depending on light availability due to most of the stability is created 

by benthic diatom production. Depending on light and nutrient availability the sediment stability thresholds may 

increase by a factor of 2-3 and hereby becomes the magnitude of sediment transport dependent on the activities 

of the benthic diatoms.Therefore, the aim of this study was to create a dynamic model, which simulates the 

sediment resuspension at low free stream velocities (5-15 cm s -1 ), created by different densities of macroalgae 

movements in cohesive sediments with different development of sediment stability. Results of simulations 

shows, that the amount of suspended matter is highly dependent both on the algal densities and the current 

velocities. The results obtained by the model, appear to be consistent with the ones obtained by flume experiments 

and field observations in protected and semi-protected shallow estuarine waters. 


Complementarity in organic matter degradation capacity 

of fish assemblages 

Complémentarité dans la capacité de dégradation de la matière organique 

des communautés ichtyologiques 

Mouchet Maud, D. Mouillot 


maud.mouchet@univ-montp2.fr 

The “fish” compartment, which dynamic has been widely studied thoroughly, has rarely been considered in its 

ecosystemic dimension. Fish are a key element of the functioning of coastal ecosystems and lagoons. They play 

a regulatory role on benthos and a decrease in their biomass can have important consequences on the functioning 

of ecosystems. Thus, fish excrete dissolved nutrients that are directly available for primary producers. The 

recycling of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) is partly assumed by fish assemblages. Any change in these 

assemblages can affect services provided by the ecosystem. We know that fish have a certain complementarity 

in their diets and their functional traits. These two “sides” of the functional niche of the fish does not provide 

information on their ability to degrade organic matter and thus to influence the flow of matter in the ecosystem. 

This degradation is a complex process that takes place in the digestive tract, the bacterial flora driving it. 

To our knowledge, no study has sought to i) quantify the level of similarity and functional redundancy between 

the bacterial flora of fish and ii) identify the sources of variation (species, environment) of the functional and 

phylogenetic diversity of bacteria in the digestive tract of fish. By studying the functional and phylogenetic 

diversity of bacterial flora of the digestive tube of 28 species of fish from the lagoon system Patos-Mirim (Brazil), 

we determined that the species is the major factor of variation. Moreover, different species are complementary 

in their potential for degradation. 

Le compartiment “poisson”, pourtant abondamment étudié quant à sa dynamique, a rarement été envisagé dans sa dimension 

écosystémique. Les poissons constituent pourtant un élément clé du fonctionnement des écosystèmes littoraux. Ils jouent 

un rôle régulateur vis à vis du benthos et une diminution de leur biomasse peut avoir des conséquences importantes sur le 

fonctionnement des écosystèmes. Ainsi, les poissons excrètent des nutriments sous forme dissoute qui sont directement 

assimilables par les producteurs primaires. Le recyclage des nutriments (azote et phosphore) est en partie assuré par les peuplements 

de poissons et toute modification du peuplement peut affecter ce service fourni à l’écosystème. Nous savons que 

les poissons présentent une certaine complémentarité dans leurs régimes alimentaires et leurs traits fonctionnels. Or ces deux 

“facettes” de la niche fonctionnelle des poissons ne renseignent en rien sur leur capacité à dégrader la MO et donc à agir sur 

les flux de matière dans l’écosystème. Cette dégradation est un processus complexe qui prend place dans le tube digestif, la 

flore bactérienne en étant le “moteur”. A notre connaissance, aucune étude n’a cherché i) à quantifier le niveau de similarité 

et de redondance fonctionnelle entre les flores bactériennes des poissons, et ii) à identifier les sources de variation (espèce, 

environnement) de la diversité fonctionnelle et phylogénétique des bactéries contenues dans les tubes digestif des poissons. 

En étudiant la diversité fonctionnelle et phylogénétique de la flore bactérienne des tubes digestifs de 28 espèces de poissons 

originaires du système lagunaire Patos-Mirim (Brésil), nous avons établi que l’espèce est le facteur majeur de variation. De 

plus, les différentes espèces sont complémentaires dans leur potentiel de dégradation. 



Spatial distribution of granulometric composition and 

heavy metal content of the sediments in an aquatic ecosystem 

(Bay of Dakhla, S. Marocco) 

Distribution spatiale de la granulométrie et contenus en métaux lourds dans les sédiments 

d’un écosystème aquatique (baie de Dakhla, sud du Maroc) 

Zidane Hakima 1 , A. Orbi 2 , A. Mouradi 3 , J.F. Blais 4 , F. Zidane 5 

1. Institut National de Recherche Halieutique, Centre Régional Dakhla, Km 7, BP 127 bis (CIV), Dakhla - Morocco 

2. INRH, Département d’Océanographie et d’Aquaculture, rue de Tiznit Casablanca - Morocco 

3. Université Ibn Toufail, Faculté des sciences, Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biotechnologies Marines, Kénitra - Morocco 

4. Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS-ETE), Université du Québec, 490 rue de la Couronne, 

Québec, Qc, G1K 9A9 - Canada 

5. Université Hassan II, Faculté des Sciences Ain Chock, Km 8, BP 5366, Casablanca - Morocco 

hakima_zidane@yahoo.fr 

The Bay of Dakhla is the most important paralytic system in Morocco both because of its surface (37 km length 

by 12 km width) and because of richness of fish stocks, and quality of its waters and sediments. Presently, 

this ecosystem is used for large shellfish farming projects (oysters, clams, mussels), which have entered in the 

fifth year of exploitation. In parallel with the extension of shellfish farming, the Bay of Dakhla has shown an 

important touristic development of important seaside resorts. This could cause the start of contamination of the 

lagoon; The Oued Eddahab-Lagouira region is a mining zone par excellence and the bay is also located in the 

area of coastal upwelling. For this reason it was necessary to establish a first inventory of heavy metals present 

in the lagoon sediments. The Laboratory of Aquaculture and Coastal resources of the regional INRH center in 

Dakhla in collaboration with the INRS-ETE of Canada have realized sampling campaigns during the summer of 

2007 for the analysis of toxic (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn) and undesirable (Al, Fe, Mn) metals. The distribution of heavy 

metals in the Bay of Dakhla and in the adjacent coastal zones show that this environment is very susceptible to 

a contamination by heavy metals. The richness of heavy metals in sediments in mainly related to inputs from 

upwelling and from the mining areas in the region. 

La baie de Dakhla est le plus important système paralique au Maroc, d’une part par sa grande superficie (37 km de longueur 

et 12 km de largeur) et d’autre part, par sa richesse halieutique et par la qualité des ses eaux et de ses sédiments. A l’heure 

actuelle, cet écosystème abrite des grands projets conchylicoles (ostréiculture, mytiliculture et élevage des palourdes) qui sont 

en phase de leur cinquième année de production. En parallèle à cette extension conchylicole, la baie de Dakhla a connu, ces 

dernières années, un développement touristique et balnéaire très important. Ce qui peut engendrer, plus tard, le début d’une 

pollution. Aussi, la région Oued Eddahab-Lagouira est une zone minière par excellence, et se situe dans les zones d’upwelling. 

Pour ce, une première connaissance globale des métaux lourds présent dans les sédiments de la baie s’avère nécessaire. 

L’Institut National de Recherche Halieutique, par le biais du Laboratoire d’Aquaculture et Ressources Littorales (CR/Dakhla) 

et en collaboration avec l’INRS-ETE du Canada, a procédé à une campagne (été 2007) d’échantillonnage de sédiment de 

surface pour une analyse des teneurs de certains éléments métalliques toxiques (cadmium, chrome, cuivre, plomb, zinc) et 

indésirables (aluminium, fer, manganèse). La distribution des métaux lourds dans le sédiment de la baie de Dakhla et les zones 

littorales adjacentes montre bien que la baie de Dakhla est un écosystème très sensible à une contamination par les métaux 

lourd. Cette richesse est du principalement à un apport par les upwellings et la présence des réserves minière dans la région. 


Trophic transfer of trace metals in the isotopically reconstructed 

food web of a mediterranean coastal lagoon 

Transfert trophique des métaux traces dans le réseau trophique d’une lagune méditerranéenne 

étudié à l’aide du traçage isotopique 

Vizzini Salvatrice, C. Tramati, V. Costa, A. Mazzola 

University of Palermo, Department of Ecology, via Archirafi 18, 90123 Palermo - Italy 

vizzini@unipa.it 

The number of studies on the fate of trace metals in marine ecosystems has increased noticeably in recent 

years. Trace element accumulation is particularly evident in coastal and transitional environments, which act as 

organic matter and contaminant buffer between the continental and marine systems and where fish and other 

species used for human consumption result highly vulnerable. In this study we compared metal transfer to the 

biota in three sites with a different exposure to the open-sea in a partially-enclosed coastal ecosystem (Stagnone 

di Marsala, Sicily, Italy), using isotopically reconstructed food webs. Sampling was carried out in July 2006 

and consisted in the collection of samples of sediment, macroalgae, seagrasses, benthic invertebrates, fish and 

birds. Stable isotope analysis highlighted a different spatial role of primary producers. Seagrass detritus seems 

to be mainly exploited by consumers where environmental features favour its accumulation and the enhancement 

of its nutritional value. The relationships between trophic position derived from stable nitrogen isotopes 

and metal concentrations were evaluated. Higher levels of heavy metals where found in primary producers and 

birds. The first are commonly used as biological indicators of metal contamination in coastal ecosystems due to 

their ability of concentrate metals, while the second, being often top-level consumers, undergo bioaccumulation 

and bio-magnification. The low transfer of contaminants from primary producers to benthic invertebrates and 

fish can account for their small size and short life-cycle. The results of this study emphasise the role of biota 

in affecting metal storage in the sediments and the involvement of environmental features, hydrodynamism in 

particular, in the accumulation and transfer of trace metals. 



Evaluation of metals bioavailability in coastal sediments 

of the Berre lagoon for the polychaete Nereis succinea 

Evaluation de la biodisponibilité des métaux dans les sédiments lagunaires de l’étang de Berre 

pour le polychète Nereis succinea 

Rigaud Sylvain 1 , O. Radakovitch 1 , X. Moreau 2 , L. De Jong 2 , T. Alain 2 , J.M. Garnier 1 

1. CEREGE (Centre Européen de Recherche et d’Enseignement des Géosciences de l’Environnement), 

UMR6635, Europôle Méditerranéen de l’Arbois BP 80, 13345 Aix-en-Provence cedex 04 - France 

2. IMEP - UMR 6116, Faculté des Sciences St Charles, 3 place Victor Hugo, 13331 Marseille - France 

rigaud@cerege.fr 

As a result of anthropogenic activities, sediments in aquatic environment are often contaminated. In order to 

address the risk assessment that metals contaminated sediments constitute for benthic organisms numerous 

methods were developed based on the estimation of the bioavailable fraction of metals in sediments: e.g. 

porewater extraction, sequential or selective chemical extraction, Acid Volatile Sulphide and Simultaneously 

Extracted Metals (AVS/SEM) or Diffusive Gradient in Thin-films (DGT). However, such assessments are method 

dependent and consequently difficult to compare. In this work, four anoxic brackish sediments from the Berre 

lagoon, a heavily industrialized coastal area, South of France, were investigated for the assessment of trace 

metals bioavailability. We compare labile fractions of Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn assessed from several chemical 

extractions (extractions with EDTA 0.1 M, synthetic seawater adjusted to pH = 4 and pH = 6) and from DGT 

devices. In order to show if these various labile pools of metals in sediment are representative of the bioavailable 

form of metals for benthic organisms, we compared them to i) the total bioassimilated metals contents in 

polychaetes Nereis succinea as well as ii) to a more metal specific stress marker given by the metallothionein 

contents in cells of the intestinal walls in the same organisms. Results are discussed in relation with total metals 

contents in sediment and porewaters, and with physicochemical parameters of sediments. 

Du fait de l’activité humaine, les sédiments des écosystèmes aquatiques sont souvent contaminés. Afin d’estimer le risque 

toxicologique que les contaminants métalliques présents dans les sédiments peuvent constituer pour les organismes 

benthiques différentes méthodes ont été proposées, toutes basées sur l’estimation de la fraction biodisponible des métaux dans 

les sédiments : extraction des eaux interstitielles, extractions chimiques séquentielles ou sélectives, AVS/SEM (Acid Volatile 

Sulphide and Simultaneously Extracted Metals) et DGT (Diffusive Gradient in Thin-films). Cependant, les résultats obtenus 

selon les méthodes divergent parfois et sont par conséquent difficiles à interpréter. Dans ce travail, l’estimation de la biodisponibilité 

des métaux traces a été réalisée sur quatre sédiments anoxiques provenant de l’étang de Berre, une zone fortement 

industrialisée dans le Sud de la France. Les fractions labiles de Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn sont estimées par plusieurs extractions 

chimiques (extraction à l’EDTA 0.1 M, à l’eau de mer synthétique ajustée à pH = 4 et pH = 6) et par la méthode des DGT. Afin 

de déterminer si les différentes fractions labiles des métaux dans les sédiments sont représentatives de la forme biodisponible 

des métaux pour les organismes benthiques, nous comparons les différentes fractions labiles obtenues i) aux teneurs totales 

de métaux bioassimilés dans les polychètes Nereis succinea ainsi ii) qu’à un biomarqueur spécifique de stress que sont les 

teneurs en metallothionéines dans les cellules internes du tube digestif de ces mêmes organismes. Les résultats sont discutés 

en relation avec les teneurs totales de métaux dans les sédiments et dans l’eau interstitielle, et avec les paramètres physicochimiques 

des sédiments. 


Sediment biogeochemistry, nutrients and trace metals fate 

during bottom water hypoxia in the Berre lagoon using 

a multi tools approach 

Biogéochimie des sédiments et devenir des nutriments et métaux traces pendant un épisode 

d’hypoxie des eaux de fond de l’étang de Berre par une approche multi-outils 

Rigaud Sylvain 1 , D. Cossa 2 , S. Castelle 2 , B. Deflandre 3 , Y. Roncin 2 , O. Radakovitch 1 , J.M. Garnier 1 

1. CEREGE (Centre Européen de Recherche et d’Enseignement des Géosciences de l’Environnement), 

UMR6635, Europôle Méditerranéen de l’Arbois BP 80, 13345 Aix-en-Provence cedex 04 - France 

2. Laboratoire de Biogéochimie des Contaminants Métalliques, Département Biogéochimie et Ecotoxicologie, 

IFREMER, Centre de Méditerranée, BP 330, Zone Portuaire de Brégaillon, 83507 La Seyne-sur-mer - France 

3. EPOC, University Bordeaux I, CNRS, Avenue des Facultés, 33405 Talence - France 

rigaud@cerege.fr 

During the last century the Berre lagoon was deeply impacted by industrial and urban development providing 

high amount of contaminants and nutrients. Although contaminants inputs into the lagoon were strongly 

decreased since the 1980’s, large concentrations of contaminants have been accumulated in sediments, and 

then constitute a stock available for remobilization and exchange with the water column. Furthermore, the 

Berre lagoon is subject to important hypoxia events, which is known to play a primary role in the sediment/water 

exchanges. Within the global effort to improve water quality there is a requirement to get a better knowledge 

of the biogeochemical processes and benthic exchanges during changes in column water oxygenation. In this 

study, biogeochemical processes and associated fluxes of nutrients and trace metals were investigated two times 

- - 3- 

during one event of water column hypoxia in one site in the Berre lagoon. Profiles of nutrients NO , NO2 , PO4 

3 

+ 2+ 2+ and NH ), Fe , Mn , trace metals (Hg, Pb, Zn, Cu, Cd, Ni, Cr, Co), DOC, H2S and alkalinity contents in bottom 

4 

water and sediment porewaters were obtained using a multi-tools approach: in situ deployment of Suprabenthic 

sampler (Susane), dialysis devices (peepers) and of DET/DGT sediment probes, as well as sediment cores collection 

and use of micro-sensors (O , H S, pH). In addition, sediment cores incubations with variable oxygen 

2 2 

water contents were carried out in order to obtain information on kinetic processes of releases. Results clearly 

show that during the same hypoxic event, fluxes at the interface greatly differ, meaning that processes of release 

are kinetically controlled, and that the duration of the hypoxia episode is the key parameter in the control of 

sediment/water exchange. Finally, implication for water quality in the Berre lagoon is discussed. 

Durant ce dernier siècle l’étang de Berre a été fortement impacté par le développement industriel et urbain de ses rives, se 

traduisant par d’importants rejets de contaminants et nutriments. Malgré une forte diminution de ces rejets depuis les années 

1980, de fortes concentrations de contaminants ont été accumulées dans le sédiment, et constituent aujourd,hui un stock 

pouvant être remobilisé vers la colonne d’eau. De plus, l’étang de Berre est sujet à d’importants épisodes d’hypoxie, pouvant 

fortement influencer les échanges à l’interface eau/sédiment. Dans un but global d’amélioration de la qualité des eaux, il est 

nécessaire de bien caractériser les processus biogéochimiques et les échanges benthiques dans des conditions changeantes 

d’oxygénation de la colonne d’eau. Dans ce travail, les processus biogéochimiques et les flux associés de nutriments et de métaux 

traces sont étudiés à deux reprises pendant le même épisode d’hypoxie de la colonne d’eau sur un site de l’étang de Berre. 

- - 3- + 2+ 2+ Les profils des concentrations de nutriments (NO , NO2 , PO4 and NH4 ), Fe , Mn , métaux traces (Hg, Pb, Zn, Cu, Cd, Ni, 

3 

Cr, Co), COD, H S et de l’alcalinité des eaux de fond et des eaux interstitielles ont été obtenues par une approche multi-outil : 

2 

déploiement in situ d’un échantillonneur des eaux suprabenthiques (Susane), de dialyseur (peepers) et de sondes DET/DGT 

mais aussi par la collecte de carottes et par l’utilisation de micro-électrodes (O , H S, pH). De plus, des carottes ont été mises 

2 2 

à incuber avec des teneurs en oxygène variables afin d’obtenir des informations sur les cinétiques de relargage. Les résultats 

montrent clairement que pendant le même épisode d’hypoxie, les flux diffèrent grandement, soulignant le rôle clé joué par la 

cinétique dans les processus de relargage, et donc l’importance de la durée de l’hypoxie sur les échanges à l’interface eau/ 

sédiment. Au final, les implications que cela engendre sur la qualité des eaux dans l’étang de Berre sont discutées. 



Temperature methanogenesis regulation 

in shallow temperate estuaries 

Régulation thermique de la méthanogénèse dans des estuaires tempérés peu profonds 

Moreno Sonia, F.X Niell 


msonia@uma.es 

The dynamics of methane production at different temperatures (15, 25, 30 and 35 ºC) and the main factors that 

control this process were investigated in fresh water and marine habitats (intertidal sediment and salt marsh) 

of a Mediterranean temperate estuary in southern Spain. The results indicated that methanogenesis is strongly 

influenced by temperature, observing activity at 35 ºC. The fresh water site showed the highest rate of methanogenesis, 

being one order of magnitude higher than in marine sediment. The factors that regulate methanogenesis 

were different depending on the site. In the fresh water site, the available substrate in situ (acetate) was 

the limiting factor of methanogenesis. The control factors were different in intertidal sediment and salt marsh. 

In the latter, the high sulphur load with the tidal movement is the most important methanogenesis control 

factor. Under this condition, sulphate-reducting bacteria activity is higher than methanogenesis, competing 

more efficiently for the same substrate. In the former, vascular plants and tidal oscillations have a key role in the 

sediment biogeochemical properties. Oxygenated sediment with positive oxido-reduction potential and acid pH 

are not a suitable environment for methanogenic bacteria activity. 


N:P ratio versus nutrient concentration as key variables 

in salt marsh plant assimilation 

Rapport N:P ou concentration en nutriments comme variable clé pour l’alimentation des plantes 

des marais salants 

Muñoz-Jimenez Rocio, F.X Niell 


rociomj@uma.es 

Plants growing in the estuaries have been studied in many ways. About their assimilation performances, they 

have been studied under optimal or suboptimal condictions. This physiological point is far from the aims of the 

+ - 3- ecology. In this paper, the input of (NH , NO3 , PO4 ) by Sarcocornia perennis, an intertidal macrophyte, has 

4 

been studied under the modal (more frequent) condition recorded in the salt marsh. Nutrient concentration 

plays an important role in the uptake, but the N, P stoechiometry is manifested as key for assimilation processes 

accounting for much more variability than nutrient concentration. Affinity for the sustrate at different N:P ratios 

is discussed in order to understand competition exclusion between S. perennis and other salt marsh plants with 

data recorded from previous studies. 


POSTER l 6 l Sustainable aquaculture and fisheries 

Sustainable fisheries in the Venice lagoon 

in the context of climate change 

Pêcheries durables dans la lagune de Venise face au changement climatique 

Silvestri Silvia 1 , M. Ghezzo 2 , G. Umgiesser 2 , M. Pellizzato 3 , P.A.L. Dias Nunes 4 

1. UNEP-WCMC, 219 Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 ODL - United Kingdom 

and Department of Economics, Ca’ Foscari, Venice University. S. Giobbe 873, 30121 Venice - Italy 

2. National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Marine Science (ISMAR), Venice - Italy 

3. AgriTeCo sc. Via C. Mezzacapo, 15 - 30175 Marghera, Venice - Italy 

4. Department of Economics, Ca’ Foscari, Venice University. S. Giobbe 873, 30121 Venice - Italy 

and Fondazione ENI Enrico Mattei,FEEM, Palazzo Querini Stampalia, 30122 Venice - Italy 

travel@unep-wcmc.org 

In the last decade clam production has declined in the Venice lagoon, following a similar trend of other local 

species. Some studies have shown that, other than fishing effort, the biological response can be influenced 

by pollutants, and other chemical-physical components, such as temperature, salinity, oxygen availability and 

nutrients. This work is aimed at analyzing the potential impacts of climate change on the clam fishery in the 

Venice lagoon by 2030, and how this activity can be managed in a sustainable way in face of climate change. 

The clam fishery has a significant role locally as it is one of the most profitable activities, even if it is linked 

to numerous social and environmental problems. Although this fishery was initially undertaken in the whole 

lagoon it was subsequently limited to specific areas or “concessions” in order to minimise any further impacts. 

A numeric model was applied to simulate the spatio-temporal evolution of hydrodynamic and hydrological 

parameters, and assess how they may affect the dynamics related to the settlement of clams, in terms of their 

biomass abundance and distribution. Two scenarios were evaluated combining the increase in temperature with, 

and without, the change in the actual sea level rise. Results show that the clam biomass can be negatively 

impacted in the future and the impact is not homogeneous across the lagoon, leading to a variable distribution. 

The actual sea level combined with the increase in temperature might be the most critical scenario. Where there 

is no management policy intervention, with respect to the sector’s organization, the income could decrease by 

approximately 30 % and consequently the fishery would become unsustainable for around 200 fishermen. The 

tool is aimed at supporting policy makers to deal with environmental changes with respect to the clam fishery 

and help them develop a sustainable management strategy in terms of area extension, position of “concessions” 

and number of fishermen. 


Bacteriological water quality issues in the Thau lagoon: 

assessing the commercial cost for shellfish culture 

Problèmes de qualité bactériologique de l’eau dans la lagune de Thau : 

évaluation du coût commercial de la conchyliculture 

Mathé Syndhia, H. Rey-Valette 

LAMETA, Université Montpellier 1, Faculté de sciences économique, Site Richter Avenue de la Mer, CS 79 606, 


syndhia.mathe@univ.montp1.fr 

Areas of shellfish production activity are divided into four categories of decreasing quality according to a public 

health rating system defined by prefectorial decree. Through these categories, some areas, monitored by analyses 

of microbiological contamination of, and heavy metal concentration in, shellfish, can be downgraded or 

closed temporarily. Following a re-rating in 2004, the Thau lagoon changed from an A to a B category in water 

quality. This change led on the one hand to significant expense for professionals insofar as they have had to 

invest in shellfish purification tanks but on the other hand to an opportunity for them insofar as the health hazard 

threshold for the commercial closure of the lagoon was set at a higher level, thus making it possible for producers 

to avoid loss of earnings related to episodes of closure. Within the framework of the DITTY1 programme (Development 

of an information technology tool for the management of Southern European lagoons), we have assessed 

the economic risks related to water quality in the Thau lagoon, that is to say the occurrence of contamination 

episodes and the commercial cost to shellfish farmers of banning the selling of shellfish. The authors begin by 

tracing the history of commercial closures in the Thau lagoon highlighting three periods (Christmas, summer, 

others) and the wind direction during these periods. Then, we present an assessment of the commercial costs 

related to closures. We conclude with a more general discussion of the value of concerted water quality management 

within the context of the European water framework directive, focussing on lagoon waters. 

Les zones dans lesquels s’exerce une activité de production de coquillages font l’objet d’un classement sanitaire en quatre 

catégories de qualité décroissante, définies par arrêté préfectoral. De part ces catégories, contrôlées par des analyses de 

contamination microbiologiques et de teneur en métaux lourds des coquillages, certaines zones peuvent faire l’objet de 

déclassement ou de fermeture temporaire. Après un reclassement en 2004, la lagune de Thau est passé d’une catégorie A à 

une catégorie B de qualité des eaux. Cet événement représente à la fois une dépense importante pour les professionnels dans 

la mesure où ils ont dû investir dans des bassins de purification mais aussi une opportunité dans la mesure où ce reclassement 

a permis de fixer le seuil d’alerte sanitaire enclenchant la fermeture commerciale de l’étang à un niveau plus élevé, permettant 

ainsi aux producteurs d’éviter les manques à gagner liés aux occurrences de fermeture. Dans le cadre du programme DITTY 

, nous avons évalué les risques économiques liés à la qualité de l’eau sur l’étang de Thau c’est-à-dire les occurrences des 

épisodes de contamination et le coût économique induit par une interdiction de la commercialisation des coquillages pour 

les conchyliculteurs. Dans un premier temps les auteurs retraceront l’historique des fermetures à la commercialisation sur le 

Bassin de Thau en mettant l’accent sur trois périodes (Noël, été, autres) et sur la direction des vents lors de ces périodes. Dans 

un second temps, nous proposerons une évaluation du coût commerciale lié aux fermetures. Enfin, nous terminerons sur une 

discussion plus générale sur l’intérêt de la gestion concertée de la qualité de l’eau dans le cadre de la directive cadre européen 

sur l’eau en mettant un accent sur l’eau des lagunes. 



Oyster culture and dystrophy: 

a management strategy based on several tools 

Crises dystrophiques et conchyliculture : 

vers de nouveaux outils de gestion de ces phénomènes naturels ? 

Gervasoni Erika 1 , A. Fiandrino 2 , N. Gaertner-Mazouni 1 



gervasoni@cepralmar.org 

Dystrophic crisis (locally known as “Malaigue”, which means “bad water” in occitan) is a natural and recurrent 

phenomenon in shallow coastal lagoons. This process occurs during particular climatic conditions in summer 

(no wind and high temperatures). It is characterized by a drastic decline of dissolved oxygen in the water column 

(hypoxia) and by the development of anaerobic microbial communities, particularly those using sulfate. The 

consequence of such a phenomenon is catastrophic for exploited system, because it can induce total mortality 

of the reared stocks. The management of this crisis is particularly crucial in the Thau lagoon which produces 

10 % of the French oyster production of Crassostrea gigas. In this “deep” lagoon (the average depth is 

around 4 meters), dystrophic crisis occur frequently, around every 6 years in average for the last two decades. 

Responsible of more than 30 % decrease of the oyster production, its impact for shellfish firms is considerable. 

While different sources of financial supports from governmental funds can be mobilized to help the farmers 

(agricultural disaster, helps for sowing, etc.), the recurrence of this phenomenon considerably weaken the sector. 

In the context of the global climate change, the management of such natural event is a priority. In the Thau 

lagoon, several measures have been tested to better inform the producers on the occurrence of the “malaigue” 

(dissolved oxygen monitoring system), to reduce the risk (by changing reared techniques), etc. In addition 

coupled mathematic models have been developed to better predict the spatial dispersal of this phenomenon, or 

to simulate the effects of planning structures dedicated to improve the water circulation in the lagoon. 

La malaïgue (“mauvaise eau” en Occitan) est un phénomène naturel particulièrement fréquent dans les étangs littoraux peu 

profonds. Cette crise dystrophique se déclenche et se développe en périodes de fortes chaleurs et en l’absence de vent. Elle 

se caractérise par un abaissement excessif de la teneur en oxygène de l’eau allant jusqu’à rendre le milieu impropre à la vie 

aérobie du fait du développement de bactéries anaérobies, en particulier les bactéries sulfato-réductrices. Ce phénomène est 

particulièrement dévastateur, lorsqu’il se développe dans des systèmes lagunaires aquacoles. C’est le cas sur l’étang de Thau, 

principal site conchylicole de méditerranée française qui assure 10 % de la production nationale d’huître creuse, Crassostrea 

gigas (L.). Dans cette lagune profonde, la malaigue est un phénomène récurrent. Au cours des 20 dernières années, on compte 

une malaïgue tous les six ans en moyenne. Son impact sur la productivité des entreprises conchylicoles est majeur : 30 % 

de production en moins. Les conséquences socio-économiques sont très lourdes pour les professionnels. Bien que différents 

dispositifs d’aides publiques (calamité agricoles, aides au réensemencement, etc...) soient mobilisables afin d’aider les 

entreprises à dépasser ces périodes difficiles, la récurrence de ces évènements fragilise particulièrement ce secteur. Dans un 

contexte de réchauffement global des eaux, la gestion de ces évènements naturels revêt un caractère prioritaire. Différentes 

mesures de gestion ont été testées à l’échelle de l’étang de Thau pour diminuer les risques de malaïgue (suivis de l’oxygène 

dissous, etc...). A l’échelle des entreprises, des pratiques responsables peuvent également être mises en œuvre. Enfin, en 

accompagnement de ces démarches, des modèles mathématiques ont été développés pour simuler l’évolution des malaïgues 

en fonction de paramètres environnementaux et climatiques, ou encore pour simuler l’impact d’aménagements visant à améliorer 

la circulation des eaux dans la lagune. 


Demographic structure, age and growth of the European eel 

Anguilla anguilla in the Mellah lagoon (NE Algeria) 

Structure démographique, âge et croissance de l’anguille européenne Anguilla anguilla 

dans la lagune du Mellah (Algérie du Nord-Est) 

Youbi Chemseddine, L. Chaoui, M.I. Kara 

Laboratoire Bioressources marines, Université d’Annaba, BP 230 Oued Kouba, Annaba 23003 - Algeria 

kara_hichem@yahoo.com 

The European eel, Anguilla anguilla (L., 1758), is an endangered species, listed within the Annex II of the 

Convention in International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Indeed, the eel 

fishery has declined severely in most of its biogeographic distribution area, and its stock is outside of the boundaries 

for biological safety (ICES, 2006). Thus, the working group EIFAC / CIES on A. anguilla recommends 

more research studies on silver eels, the potential breeders. Currently, management measures to preserve the eel 

are operative in some European countries. However, due to the transboundary nature of its migration, national 

measures are insufficient to ensure an appropriate level of preservation and similar actions need to be operated 

across its whole geographic range. European eel is widely distributed from Scandinavia to North African coast. 

However, although significant research has been conducted in the north Atlantic and Mediterranean, little work 

has concerned the North African coast, either on biology, ecology or population dynamic. As part of a project 

upon the population fractions of eels in the hydrosystems of North East of Algeria, we present here the first 

results regarding eel from the Mellah lagoon. Several parameters are used to characterize the morphology and 

eventually to sex specimen. The demographic structure is analyzed globally, according to sex and development 

stage, for 1600 specimen collected at different times of the year. Age is determined by otholitometry and 

growth is described using Von Bertalanffy model. The sizes range between 24 and 76 cm in a population composed 

of 5 age classes. Some individuals are up to 8 years old. The parameters of Von Bertalanffy model are: 

L ∞ = 53 cm, K = 0.65, to = 0. The length-weight relationship is tested monthly, its overall expression is: 

P = 3.403 L - 3.516 (r² = 0.927). 

L’anguille européenne Anguilla anguilla (L., 1758) est une espèce menacée, listée dans l’annexe II de la Convention sur le 

commerce international des espèces sauvages menacées d’extinction (CITES). En effet, sa pêcherie a sévèrement décliné 

dans la majorité de son aire de distribution, et son stock est en dehors des limites de sécurité biologique (ICES, 2006). Ainsi, 

le groupe de travail EIFAC/CIES sur A. Anguilla recommande davantage de recherches sur les anguilles argentées, potentiels 

reproducteurs. Actuellement, des mesures de préservation de l’anguille sont en vigueur dans certains pays européens. 

Toutefois, étant donné le caractère transfrontalière de sa migration, les mesures nationales ne suffisent pas à assurer un niveau 

approprié de préservation et des actions analogues s’imposent dans toute son aire de distribution géographique. L’anguille est 

largement distribuée de la Scandinavie aux côtes nord-africaines. Cependant, si d’importantes recherches ont été menées en 

Atlantique et au nord de la Méditerranée, peu de travaux ont concerné les côtes nord-africaines, aussi bien du point de vue de 

sa biologie que de son écologie et de sa dynamique. Dans le cadre d’un projet sur les fractions de populations d’anguilles dans 

les hydrosystèmes du Nord-Est de l’Algérie, nous présentons ici les premiers résultats sur l’anguille de la lagune du Mellah. 

Plusieurs caractères métriques sont utilisés pour caractériser sa morphologie et différencier éventuellement les sexes. La structure 

démographique est analysée globalement, en fonction du sexe et selon le stade de développement chez 1600 individus, 

pêchés à différentes périodes de l’année. L’âge est déterminé par otholitométrie et la croissance est décrite par le modèle de 

Von Bertalanffy. La taille est comprise entre 24 et 76 cm chez une population composée de 5 classes d’âge. Quelques individus 

ont jusqu’à 8 ans. Les paramètres du modèle de Von Bertalanffy sont : L∞ = 53 cm, K = 0,65, to = 0. La relation taille-poids 

est analysée mensuellement, son expression globale est : P = 3,403 L 3,516 (r 2 = 0,927). 



Assessing the impact of artisanal and recreative fishing and 

protection on the dynamics of the sea bream population in the 

North-western Mediterranean Sea using a simulation model 

Evaluation de l’impact de la pêche artisanale, de loisir et de la protection sur la dynamique de la 

population du sar commun en Méditerranée Nord occidentale au moyen d’un modèle de simulation 

Hussein Chirine 1 , P. Lenfant 1 , J. Pastor 2 , G. Saragoni 1 , D. Pelletier 3 , M. Verdoit-Jarraya 1 

1. UMR 5244 CNRS-EPHE-UPVD, Biologie et Ecologie tropicale et méditerranéenne, CBETM, Université de Perpignan, 

66860 Perpignan - France 

2. Université de Nice Sophia- Antipolis, EA 4228 ECOMERS, Parc Valrose, 06108 Nice - France 

3. Département LBH, IFREMER, BP 70, 29280 Plouzané Cedex - France 

chirine.hussein@voila.fr 

This study focuses on the parameter setting of a model describing the dynamics of a population exploited by 

fishing, in order to improve its management by simulating different management scenarios. The selected study 

case is the white sea bream (Diplodus sargus sargus) population, exploited by the mixed fishery of the French 

Catalan coast, located in the Gulf of Lion (NW Mediterranean). The study area includes a Marine Protected area 

created more than 30 years ago, the Cerbère-Banyuls marine reserve, and the Salses-Leucate lagoon, a nurcerie 

area for this species. We used ISIS-Fish, a simulation tool aimed at evaluating the impact of spatial and seasonal 

management measures on the dynamics of complex fisheries. In a first time, most of the work consisted 

in setting the parameters of the three sub-models which compose the simulator, each spatially and seasonally 

explicit, namely sub-model of population dynamics describing the biology of the considered species, sub-model 

of exploitation dynamics describing the fishing activities and sub-model for management measures. The parameters 

were defined according to a bibliographical analysis and analyses of existing fishery data. In a second 

part, various management measures were simulated in order to evaluate potential impact of fishing and protection 

on the sea bream population, including closure of areas to fishing by season, notably inside and around the 

reserve. Behaviour of fishermen in reaction to these measures was also taken into account. In addition to this, 

sensitivity analysis were carried out in order to quantify the uncertainties on the outputs of the model, using a 

reference set of parameters derived from empirical studies. 

Cette étude est consacrée au paramétrage d’un modèle décrivant la dynamique d’une population exploitée par la pêche, en vue 

d’améliorer sa gestion en simulant divers scénarios de gestion. Le cas d’étude choisi est la population de sar commun, Diplodus 

sargus sargus, exploitée par les pêcheries mixtes de la côte catalane française, située dans le golfe du Lion (Méditerranée nord 

occidentale). La zone d’étude inclue une Aire Marine Protégée crée il y a plus de 30 ans, la réserve naturelle marine de Cerbère- 

Banyuls, et une zone lagunaire, l’étang de Salses-Leucate, une nourricerie pour les juvéniles de cette espèce. Nous avons utilisé 

ISIS-Fish, un outil de simulation dont l’objectif est d’évaluer l’impact de mesures de gestion spatiales et saisonnières sur 

la dynamique de pêcheries complexes. Dans un premier temps, l’essentiel du travail a consisté à paramétrer les 3 sous modèles 

qui composent le simulateur, chacun d’entre eux étant spatialement et saisonnièrement explicites : le sous modèle de dynamique 

de population qui décrit la biologie de l’espèce considérée, le sous modèle de dynamique d’exploitation qui décrit les 

activités de pêche et le sous modèle de dynamique de gestion qui décrit les différents scénarios de gestion à mettre en œuvre. 

Les paramètres ont été déterminés d’après une analyse bibliographique et des analyses de données halieutiques existantes. 

Dans une seconde partie, diverses mesures de gestion ont été simulées pour évaluer l’impact potentiel de la pêche et de la 

protection sur la population de sar, telles que des fermetures de zones par saison à la pêche, notamment à l’intérieur et à 

l’extérieur de la réserve. Le comportement des pêcheurs en réponse à ces mesures de gestion a aussi été pris en compte. En 

complément, des analyses de sensibilité ont été implémentées afin de quantifier les incertitudes sur les sorties du modèle, à 

partir d’un jeu de paramètres de référence issus d’études empiriques. 


The effects of fisheries on the fish community 

of the Ebro Delta coastal lagoons 

L’impact de la pêche sur la communauté des poissons dans les lagunes côtières du delta de l’Ebro 

Rodríguez Climent Sílvia, C. Alcaraz Cazorla, A. Nebra Costas, G. Muñoz Camarillo, C. Ibañez Martí, N. Caiola 

IRTA-Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries. Ctra. de Poble Nou Km 5.5. E-43540 Sant Carles de la Ràpita, Tarragona - Spain 

silvia.rodriguez@irta.cat 

In a local context, the Ebro Delta fisheries in shallow waters have a rather important role from the socioeconomic 

point of view. Although fish captures decreased over the last two decades, the reasons of such decline have 

never been assessed. There are two main factors affecting fish communities from the Ebro Delta coastal lagoons: 

water management schemes (freshwater inputs for agriculture and environmental purposes) and fisheries. 

Recent studies show that freshwater inputs in the coastal lagoons affect negatively commercial species and 

favor the establishment and dispersal of introduced species. In the present study, the effect of fisheries on the 

fish communities from the Ebro Delta coastal lagoons is assessed. There are strong evidences of overfishing, 

with reductions of more than 50 % of some fish species stocks. The fisheries management model is critically 

discussed and some recommendations to ensure local fisheries sustainability are proposed. 



Gillnet selectivity in the Ebro Delta coastal lagoons 

Sélectivité des filets à mailles différentes dans les lagunes côtières du delta de l’Ebro 

Rodríguez Climent Sílvia, C. Alcaraz Cazorla, A. Nebra Costas, G. Muñoz Camarillo, C. Ibañez Martí, N. Caiola 

IRTA-Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries. Ctra. de Poble Nou Km 5.5. E-43540 Sant Carles de la Ràpita, Tarragona - Spain 

silvia.rodriguez@irta.cat 

Multimesh nylon gillnets were set in three coastal lagoons from the Ebro Delta (NE Spain) to determine mesh 

selectivity for the inhabiting fish community. Each gillnet consisted on a series of twelve panels composed 

by twelve random meshes (5.0, 6.25, 8.0, 10.0, 12.5, 15.5, 19.5, 24.0, 29.0, 35.0, 43.0 and 55.0 mm). 

SELECT method code developed by Millar was used to estimate retention curves under the assumption of five 

models: Normal location, Normal scale, Gamma, Log-Normal and Inverse Gaussian. Each model was fitted 

twice, under the assumptions of equal and proportional to mesh size fishing effort. No differences were found 

between lagoons or approaches. As expected, larger fish were captured in bigger meshes. The minimum size of 

a locally important commercial species, Atherina boyeri, was not yet established and therefore its exploitation 

is uncontroled. The importance of minimum size meshes regulation for this species for sustainable resource 

exploitation is discussed. 


Mar Menor coastal lagoon fisheries: evolution related 

to changes in lagoon ecology and human activities 

La pêche côtière en Mar Menor : évolution par rapport aux changements écologiques 

et activités humaines dans la lagune 

López-Capel Antonio, A. Pérez-Ruzafa, C. Marcos 

Departamento de ecología e hidrología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, Campus de espinardo, 30100, Murcia - Spain 

antonio.lopezcapel@alum.uca.es 

Fisheries activity in the Mar Menor coastal lagoon (SE Spain) has an old tradition and involves different types 

of fishing gears (trammel nets, ring nets, beach seines, traps and lines). Despite of relevance of statistical data 

about temporal catch and effort to fisheries management in the Mar Menor, this information is not available to 

public access. The evolution of fisheries in the Mar Menor and the related adjacent Mediterranean Sea were studied 

since 1879 to 2007 by gathering data about landings, interviews to fishermen and review of bibliographic 

sources. Many important changes in fishing structure and in the most important target species occurred during 

the time period studied. Considerable decline in the traditional target species Mugil cephalus, (L. 1758), Liza 

ramada (Risso 1810), Liza aurata (Risso 1810), Chelon labrosus (Risso, 1827), Anguilla anguilla (L. 1758), 

Sparus aurata (L. 1758), was observed associated to changes in the inlets communication with the Mediterranean. 

All the same, diversity loss for fishing gear was observed, and devices with high socioeconomic and 

traditional values disappeared, e.g;, the so-called “Encañizadas” and “Pantasanas”. Despite that, total catch 

was keep relatively constant about 300-400 ton/year due to increase in number of species into lagoon and firstly 

during the last decades by the Mediterranean Sea catch. Database originated in this survey is a potential tool 

for the fisheries management and made possible a subsequent analysis about the relation between fisheries and 

ecological conditions of the Mar Menor coastal lagoon over the same historic period. 



Fishing activity and ecological unbalancing: an example 

from the meiobenthic community in the Venice lagoon 

Actvité de pêche et déséquilibre écologique : un exemple basé 

sur la communauté méïobenthique de la lagune de Venise 

Cavraro Francesco, F. Pranovi, P. Torricelli 



The Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) represents an important resource for the fishing activity in the Venice 

lagoon. In shallow waters harvesting is carried out by a particular fishing technique consisting in a small engine 

located on the side of the boat, which produces a water flow mobilizing bottom sediments and an iron cage 

to collect clams. This kind of fishing causes the resuspension of sediment and the organisms living in: while 

macrobenthic organisms are directly removed by the gear, meiofauna is indirectly affected, being displaced. This 

study aims to assess effects of mechanical clam harvesting on the meiofauna community structure and function 

by analysing the short-medium terms recovery dynamics, under different disturbance intensities. In general 

term, effects of the fishing activity mainly consists in a significant decrease of the number of species and total 

abundance immediately after the disturbance event. In a few days a partial recovery of the impacted community 

was observed, followed two week after by strong delayed effects, which produce a sharp decrease of vales to the 

minimum recorded. Among different factors influencing meiofauna responses to disturbance, fishing intensity 

was found to be the most important, while season and disturbance iteration played minor roles. Effects in terms 

of community functioning were assessed by calculating the loss in secondary production due to modification in 

the meiofauna community structure. The results were discussed in the light of the possible alteration of energy 

flows considering the fishing activity on a basin scale, which can deeply affects ecosystems processes. 


Introduction of Tapes decussatus farming 

in an Albanian Lagoon (Divjaka lagoon): 

results from the “Aquaculture in Adriatic” Project 

Introduction de l’élevage de Tapes decussatus dans une lagune albanaise (lagune de Divjaka) : 

resultats du projet “Aquaculture en Adriatique” 

Giordani Gianmarco 1 , F. Paesanti 2 , E. Mara 3 , R. Azzoni 1 , G. Angonese 2 , S. Bencivelli 2 

1. Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Parma, via USberti 33/A, 43100 Parma - Italy 

2. Province of Ferrara, Coastal Waters and Fishery unit, C.so Isonzo, n°105/a, 44100 Ferrara - Italy 

3. KEA Foundation, Rruga “Mine Peza” Pall. 87/3, Hyrja I, Tirana - Albania 

giordani@nemo.unipr.it 

In the framework of the “Aquaculture in Adriatic (AiA)” INTERREG/CARDS-PHARE project (http://www.interregaia.eu), 

a pilot plant for clam farming was installed in a selected Albanian coastal lagoon located a couple of 

kilometers north of the Lagoon of Karavasta. This lagoon (40.986 °N, 19.466 °E) is located close to the village 

of Divjakë and was selected for its high hydrodynamism, the presence of natural stocks of Tapes decussatus and 

the availability of local partners to maintain and control the structure. The activity was conducted by experts 

from the Province of Ferrara, Italy and KEA foundation, Albania with the support of the Universities of Parma 

and Ferrara, Italy. The T. decussatus species was selected in place of the more convenient T. philippinarum due 

to Albanian governmental restrictions to the introduction of non autochthonous species. T. decussatus seeds 

(14-15 mm) were sown in July 2007 in a 10 m 2 area and covered with a plastic net to avoid natural predation 

by crabs and birds. In parallel, water and sediment samples were collected for environmental assessment and to 

evaluate the impact of the pilot plant on the superficial sediment. Sampling were repeated in January and May 

2008, when sediment samples were collected inside the pilot plant and just outside for comparison. Salinity, 

nutrients and chlorophyll-a concentrations were measured in the water column while porosity, granulometry, 

organic matter and inorganic reduced sulphur content were measured in the sediment. In June 2008, clams 

reached commercial size and mortality was very low. Environmental analysis support the suitability of this site 

for clam farming and the lower reduced sulphur concentrations measured inside the plant indicate that clam 

bioturbation can improve the oxidation of the sediment in condition of high water flushing. 



Impact of transfer of clams between coastal environments 

(in Tunisia) on the physiology and growth of the clam 

Ruditapes decussatus (L., 1758) (Mollusca, Bivalvia) 

Effet du reparcage sur la croissance et la physiologie de la palourde Ruditapes decussatus 

Dghim Nawel 1 , L. Hmida 2 , M.S. Romdhane 1 

1. Institut National d’Agronomique de Tunisie, Université 7 Novembre à Carthage, 43 Av. Charles Nicolle, 1082 Tunis - Tunisia 

2. Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir. Département de Biotechnologie Marine et Aquaculture. Av. Taher Haded. 

5000, Monastir - Tunisia 

nawel.dghim@gmail.com 

The contamination of marine food products is considered as a serious danger threatening our coastal zone and 

negatively impacting the economic and sanitary sectors. In spite of the introduction of a monitoring program for the 

harvesting of clams in Tunisia, frequently the exportation of clams is hindered by the presence of microorganismes, 

particularly by bacteria and biotoxin containing species in the production zones. Transfer of contaminated clams 

to a healthier environment or to purification basins may contribute for a solution. This has been the object of our 

study. The experiment included a transfer of clams from the Boughrara site (S Tunisia) where we presume that the 

annually occurring biotoxins represents a risk for contamination, to the presumably healthy site of Oued Maltine, 

Mahres (South of Sfax). The bimonthly monitoring program, which was run from 18 February 2009 to 26 May 

2009, included physicochemical variables (temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen) and biological variables (body 

condition indices, mortality). During the harvesting period, the contaminated site Boughrara showed a salinity of 

43.5 psu, a temperature of 10.9 °C and an O 2 concentration of 9.4 mg/l. In contrast, the supposedly healthy site 

of El Mahres, Oued Maltine, presented a temperature of 20 ± 4 °C, a salinity of 46.4 ± 3.2 psu and an oxygen 

concentration of 8.5 ± 1.6 mg/l. The Oued Maltine site showed a good adaptation of the transferred clams, which 

was reflected by a stably low mortality rate of 1 % during the entire experiment and by an average body condition 

index of 9.91. These results confirm the adaptability of the clams after transfer, which aims at their decontamination 

and purification. 

La contamination des produits marins est considérée comme un péril sérieux menaçant notre littoral, en touchant les secteurs 

économique et sanitaire. Malgré la mise en place d’un réseau de contrôle de collecte de palourdes en Tunisie, l’exportation 

de ce type de produit se trouve entravée par la présence des microorganismes tels que les bactéries et les biotoxines dans les 

zones de production. Le reparcage des palourdes contaminés dans un milieu naturel salubre ou des bassins de conditionnement 

constitue une solution pour ce problème ceci fut l’objet de cette présente étude. L’expérience de reparcage de la palourde 

a été effectuée depuis le site Boughrara (Sud Tunisie), présumé contaminer par la présence annuelle des biotoxines, vers le 

site Oued Maltine, Mahres (Sud de Sfax) présumé salubre. Le suivi des paramètres physico-chimiques (Température, salinité, 

oxygène dissous O 2 ) ainsi que biologique (Indice de condition, mortalité) a été réalisé bimensuellement pour le site de reparcage 

pendant la période allant de 18 février 2009 jusqu’à 26 mai 2009 et une seule fois pour le site contaminé lors de la collecte 

des palourdes le 17 février 2009. Le site contaminé Boughrara présente lors de la collecte des palourdes une salinité de l’ordre 

de 43,5 ; température de 10,9°C ; et un taux d’oxygène dissous de 9,4 mg/l. En revanche, le milieu salubre, site de reparcage 

(El Mahres, Oued Maltine). Ce site présentait une température de saison (20 ± 4°C), une salinité de l’ordre de 46,4 ± 3,2%0 

et un taux d’oxygène dissous de 8,5 ± 1,6 mg/l. Par ailleurs, ces caractéristiques physico chimiques du site Oued Maltine sont 

le siège d’une bonne adaptation des palourdes reparquées ; ceci est témoigné par un taux de mortalité stable et très fiable de 

l’ordre de 1 % tout au long de l’expérience. En outre, la croissance des individus étant convenable avec un indice de condition 

moyen de l’ordre de 9,91. Ces résultats peuvent confirmés dans la possibilité de l’adaptation des palourdes lors du reparcage 

dans le but de leur décontamination et purification. 


A study of the growth of the Japanese oyster Crassostrea gigas 

farmed in the Bay of Dakhla (S Morocco) 

Étude du cycle de croissance de l’huître creuse Crassostrea gigas en élevage 

dans la baie de Dakhla (sud du Maroc) 

Zidane Hakima 1 , A. Orbi 2 , A. Mouradi 3 , M. Ait Chattou 1 , Z. Saad 1 

1. Institut National de Recherche Halieutique, Centre Régional Dakhla, Km 7, BP 127 bis (CIV), Dakhla - Morocco 

2. INRH, Département d’Océanographie et d’Aquaculture, rue de Tiznit Casablanca - Morocco 

3. Université Ibn Toufail, Faculté des sciences, Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biotechnologies Marines, Kénitra - Morocco 

hakima_zidane@yahoo.fr 

The Moroccan coast comprises different paralytic environments comprising lagoons, estuaries and coastal bays, 

which are among the most productive ecosystems on earth. The Bay of Dakhla is the most important site in 

Morocco both because of its surface and because of importance for fisheries. The bay has a strong potential for 

aquaculture and particularly for shellfish farming with specific sites that are suited for the farming of oysters, 

mussels and clams, respectively. Oysterfarming has been introduced since 2003 in agreement with the management 

plan that is based on the concept of ecological planning. Presently, 5 projects are realized where in total 

148 tons of Crassostrea gigas have been produced from 2003 to 2006. The first project has started in 2003 

and this oyster parc constitutes the subject of our study. C. gigas seedlings (“naissains”) have been imported 

from hatcheries in the Vendée region (W France). A monitoring of growth has been performed by the Laboratory 

of Aquaculture and Coastal resources of the regional INRH center in Dakhla, which included allometric variables 

and reproduction effort. The results of the present study showed very high growth rates during the first months 

after their introduction. However, from September 2004, the index of body condition decreased, which suggest 

that this period corresponds to a reproduction phase. Moreover, we also used an assay of capturing (“captage”) 

the juveniles on chalked tiles. The tiles installed on the oyster parks in May 2005 were checked for presence of 

oysters in August 2005. The number of tiles installed (9) does not allow to conclude about a significant production 

of juveniles but suggests that the Bay of Dakhla provides the hydrodynamic conditions favoring the captage 

and thus to envision the development of naissain production. 

Le Maroc abrite le long de ses côtes des milieux paraliques tel que des lagunes, des estuaires et des baies qui comptent parmi 

les plus productifs au monde. La baie de Dakhla est le site le plus important au Maroc , tant par sa superficie que par sa 

richesse halieutique. Ainsi, elle a des fortes potentialités en termes d’aquaculture et, principalement, la conchyliculture, et 

abrite des zones propices pour la tapiculture, la mytiliculture et l’ostréiculture. Cette dernière et conformément au plan d’aménagement 

basé sur le concept de la planification écologique s’est installée dans la baie de Dakhla depuis 2003. Actuellement 

on compte 5 projets qui sont en phase de production d’huîtres Crassostrea gigas (148 tonne de 2003 à 2006). Le premier 

projet a démarré en 2003 et dont son parc à fait objet de cette présente étude. Un suivi de cycle de croissance allometrique 

et pondérale est entamé depuis avril 2004 jusqu’au mois de mars 2006 sur des naissains de l’huître creuse C. gigas en provenance 

d’une écloserie de Vendée (France) et est assuré par le laboratoire d’Aquaculture et Ressources Littorales, du Centre 

Régional, INRH Dakhla. Les résultats de cette présente étude montrent que les huîtres mises en élevage présentent un taux 

d’accroissement très élevé pendant les premiers mois d’élevage. A partir du mois de septembre 2004, l’indice de condition 

baisse ce qui laisse penser que cette période correspond à une phase de reproduction. Aussi un essai de captage de naissains 

sur des tuiles chaulées. Les tuiles mises sur tables ostréicole en mai 2005, et on été vérifiées en août 2005, vue le nombre 

des tuiles utilisée pour l’expérimentation (9 tuiles) ne permet pas de parler d’une production de naissains mais laisse avancer 

que la baie de Dakhla présente les caractéristiques hydrodynamiques qui permettent la possibilité de captage de naissains et 

par la suite le développement d’une production de naissain de captage. 


POSTER l 7 l The aquatic continuum 

Transfer of matter and fluxes from the catchment to the Moulay 

Bousselham lagoon (Atlantic coast of Marocco): historical trends, 

current state and future perspectives, a modelling approach 

Transfert de flux et de matière du bassin versant au bassin lagunaire (Moulay Bousselham, 

côte atlantique marocaine) : évolution historique, état actuel et évolution prospective; 

Approche par modélisation 

Hosni Kaoutar 1 , B. Zourarah 1 , M. Robin 2 , M. Maanan 2 , A. Aajjane 2 

1. Equipe des Sciences du sol - LGMSS, Département de Géologie. Faculté des sciences. BP.20., El Jadida (24000) - Morocco 

2. Géolittomer, LETG UMR 6554-CNRS, Institut de Géographie et d’Aménagement Régional de l’Université de Nantes, BP 81227 

44312 Nantes Cedex 3 - France 

hosnikaoutar@gmail.com 

The lagoon of Moulay Bousselham covers a surface of 35 km 2 and is situated 135 km to the North of Rabat 

between 34°47 and 34°52 N and between 6°13 and 6°18 W on the Atlantic coast of Morocco. This ecosystem 

receives freshwater inputs from different tributaries; the most important are the Oued Drader in the North-east 

and the Channel of Nador in the South. The study of the Moulay Bousselham lagoon has been initiated because of 

its importance as a biological reserve and its global importance for avifauna. The lagoon is also known under the 

name of Merja Zerga and is an important site for overwintering birds and a restplace for the migrating avifauna. The 

lagoon, with 3 other sites have been selected for inclusion on the RAMSAR list, the international convention for 

the conservation of wetlands of international importance. This ecosystem presents several ecological originalities 

and is used for important socio-economic activities comprising artesanal fisheries and natural resource exploitation 

(oysters, clams, and eel). The intensification of the agriculture in the surrounding of the Merja has resulted in 

important inputs of many chemical substances including fertilizer and pesticides. However, it is complicated to 

study these phenomena and relies on the use of sophisticated equipment, because of the strong spatial heterogeneity 

of land use, of the physical characteristics of the environment, and of the hydrological processes in the catchments. 

In particular, waste water is directly discharged in surface water and is transferred to the lagoon through 

the Nador Canal. The aim of this study is to characterise the origin of the different inputs related to the different 

land use in the catchment. These will be studied from an environmental point of view and how these inputs impact 

the physicochemical variables observed in the lagoon. Thus, we want to check whether the catchment represents 

a source of pollution for the lagoon. The monitoring of the inputs and their fate in the lagoon will be studied using 

hydrodynamical modelling. Two approaches have been followed. The first consisted in evaluating the risks of 

pollution in the catchment using GIS mapping of indices. The second consisted of modelling the polluting fluxes 

by using AVSWAT, particularly to estimate the flux of pollutants from catchments that are poorly equipped with 

measuring devices and that are characterised by a strong variability of land use. 

Étendue sur une surface de 35 km 2 , la lagune de Moulay Bousselham est située à 125 km au nord de Rabat, entre 34°47 et 

34°52 de latitude nord et entre 6°13 et 6°18 de longitude ouest sur la côte atlantique marocaine. Cet écosystème est alimenté 

par un ensemble d’apports en eaux douces : les débouchés de l’oued Drader, au nord-est, et du canal de Nador, au sud, y demeurent 

d’un apport important. L’étude de la lagune de Moulay Bouselham a été motivée par son importance comme réserve 

biologique d’intérêt mondial pour l’avifaune. Cette lagune nommée aussi Merja Zerga est un site d’hivernage et d’escale pour un 

grand nombre d’oiseaux migrateurs entre l’Afrique et l’Europe. Elle est aussi classée parmi les quatre sites marocains retenus 

par la convention de RAMSAR pour la conservation des zones humides d’importance internationale. Cet écosystème présente 

plusieurs originalités écologiques et connaît d’importantes activités socioéconomiques, en raison de la pratique de la pêche artisanale 

des poissons et l’exploitation des ressources à haute valeur commerciale (huîtres, palourdes, anguilles). L’intensification de 

l’agriculture aux alentours de la Merja a entraîné l’introduction de nombreuses substances chimiques : fertilisants et pesticides. 

Cependant, les hétérogénéités spatiales des usages du sol, les caractéristiques physiques du milieu et les processus hydrologiques 

sur ces bassins versants(en particulier le rejets des eaux usées directement dans des affluents qui arrive a la lagune via canal 

de Nador), font qu’ils sont complexes à étudier, et impliquent l’utilisation d’outils performants. L’objectif de cette étude est de 

caractériser sur le plan environnemental l’origine des apports des divers usages du sol présents sur le bassin versant, ainsi que leur 

relation avec la variation des paramètres physico-chimiques observée sur le milieu , et par la suite connaître les secteurs à risques 

et vérifier si le bassin versant étudié est une source de pollution, dont la dynamique sera déterminer par la suite. Le suivi des 

apports au niveau de la lagune et la caractérisation de leur devenir seront assurés par le biais de modélisation hydrodynamique. 

Pour répondre à cet objectif deux approches sont conduites. La première consiste à une évaluation des risques de pollution des 

bassins versants par l’intermédiaire d’indices élaborés à partir du SIG. La seconde consiste à la modélisation par AVSWAT des flux 

de polluants des bassins versants peu instrumentalisés et caractérisés par une forte variabilité des usages. 


Quantification of the water, salt and sediment fluxes 

into the Vaccarès lagoon (S France) 

Quantification des flux hydro-salins et sédimentaires dans l’hydro-système de Vaccarès 

Chauvelon Philippe 1 , M. Pichaud 1 , A. Loubet 1 , Chérain 2 , E. Coulet 2 

1. Tour du Valat, centre de recherche pour la conservation des zones humides méditerranéennes, Le Sambuc, 13200 Arles - France 

2. Réserve Nationale de Camargue, La Capelière, 13200 Arles - France 


Hydraulic exchanges between the lagoon system and the sea were quantified for a period of 15 years. On the 

period 2003-2008, hydro saline fluxes at the surface sea-lagoon interface, and input from the catchment were 

estimated and compared to a lagoon salt stock indicator established with monthly salinity measurements made 

by the “Reserve Nationale de Camargue” (RNC). Quantifying the catchment flow also allowed us to estimate 

the total suspended material (TSM) entering the lagoon. Whereas re-suspension with the wind in the lagoons 

upstream the sluices, combined with discharge calculations made possible to estimate TSM flux to the sea. We 

observe on the period 1995-2008 a sediment deficit for the lagoon system. A net loss of 13000 tons of TSM 

is cumulated since 1995. This deficit is compensated on the 1993-2008 period only while taking into account 

the crisis situation of 1993-1994 (Rhone river floods and inundations). Salt stock variations for the lagoons 

and the balance of estimated fluxes on the Vaccarès system were estimated monthly for periods 2003-2004 

and 2006-2008. Examining results show sometimes strong differences between the two methods, with possible 

“inverse” results: a negative salt stock variation, while the calculated balance give a net increase of salt stock. 

First, compared values do not represent exactly the same processes. The balance is made at the boundaries 

of the system (lagoons and potentially flooded areas), whereas stock variation only consider the lagoons water 

bodies. This is probably the main explanation for observed differences. Considering the lagoon salt stock 

variability, the central south area of RNC is appearing either as a sink or a source for salt. The filling of this area 

is rather made with “impulse” conditions, when water inflow is a consequence of wind induced southern water 

level increase, and of course with direct strong rains. The preponderance and/or conjunction of the two processes 

are giving varied effects on the “lagoon salt stock indicator”, and possibly explain divergences between its 

variations and the fluxes balance. 

Nous nous sommes attachés à quantifier les échanges hydrauliques sur une période de 15 années entre le système d’étang et 

la mer. Sur la période 2003-2008, les flux hydro-salins en continu à l’interface mer-lagune, et ceux liés aux apports du bassin 

versant ont pu être estimés et comparés à l’indicateur stock de sel dans les étangs établi à partir des mesures mensuelles de salinité 

effectué par la Réserve Nationale de Camargue. La quantification des apports du bassin versant, nous a également permis 

d’estimer les entrées de matières en suspension dans les étangs ; et la remise en suspension en amont du pertuis sous l’effet 

du vent de calculer, combinée aux débits d’échanges, les flux sortant de MES vers la mer. D’une manière générale, on observe 

sur l’ensemble de la période 1995-2008 un déficit sédimentaire pour le système lagunaire. On estime en effet une perte nette 

de 13000 tonnes de MES sur le système des étangs depuis 1995. Toutefois, la prise en compte de l’évènement de crise des 

années 93-94 permet de compenser ce déficit sur la période 93-2008. Les variations de stock de sel des étangs et le bilan 

des flux estimés sur le système Vaccarès ont été estimées respectivement pour les périodes 2003-2004 et 2006-2008 au pas 

de temps mensuel. L’examen des résultats montre parfois des différences très significative entre les 2 méthodes, puisque l’on 

peut avoir sur un intervalle donné des résultats “contraires” : la variation de stock étant négative et le bilan des flux montrant 

un gain net. D’abord, les valeurs comparées ne représentent pas exactement le même processus. Le bilan est effectué aux 

limites du système (lagunes + terrains inondables), alors que la variation de stock ne considère que la masse d’eau “étangs”. 

C’est là qu’il faut chercher en grande partie l’origine des différences observées. Vis-à-vis de la variabilité du stock de sel de la 

masse d’eau, le secteur central du sud de la Réserve Nationale apparait selon les cas comme une “source” ou un “puits”. Son 

remplissage se fait de manière assez “impulsionnelle”, lors de basculements du plan d’eau par vent de secteur nord et bien 

sur lors des fortes pluies. La prépondérance et/ou la conjonction des deux processus donnent des effets variés sur l’indicateur 

“stock de sel des étangs” et permettent d’expliquer les divergences entre ce dernier et le bilan des flux. 



Water salinities and hydrosaline dynamics of a coastal lake 

and its groundwater; the case of the Fedzara Annaba lake 

(NE Algeria) 

Salinités des eaux, dynamique hydrosaline d’un lac côtier et de ses eaux souterraines ; 

Cas du lac Fedzara Annaba (N.E. Algérien) 

Djabri Larbi 1 , S. Habes 2 , Y. Djabri 3 , A. Hani 2 , S. Bouhsina 4 

1. Laboratoire contrôle de la qualité des aliments et de l’environnement, Université de Annaba, Annaba 23000 - Algeria 

2. Département de géologie, Université de Annaba, Laboratoire de géologie - Algeria 

3. Service de gynécologie obstétrique, CHU de Annaba - Algeria 

4. Laboratoire de catalyse et environnement, Université de Dunkerque - France 

djabri_larbi@yahoo.fr 

The Fedzara Annaba lake is situated in the coastal zone at less than 10 km from the sea. This lake receives water 

inputs from different small tributaries locally known as “Oueds” (Zied, Mellah, Hout, Taieb and others). These 

tributaries are alimented from different horizons and their water qualities are significantly modified during their 

flow paths depending on the geological formations they traverse. These geological formations are very different 

in the different regions around the lake; i.e., metamorphosed geological formations occur in the NW sector of 

the lake while the other sectors are composed of sedimentary settings. Moreover, the lake bottom comprises 

a clay surface layer. The changes of water qualities are mainly caused by dilution as the tributaries originate 

from the high plateaus of Seraidi and Ain Berda which are located at 800 m and 150 m altitude, respectively. 

During their flow path the flowing water becomes enriched or impoverished in certain elements according the 

lithological nature of the area it traverses. Chemical element mass balances have been realized at the inflow and 

outflow of the lake. At the inflow we observed an input (positive flux) of all studied elements (Cl- 2- - , SO , HCO3 , 

4 

Ca2+ , Mg2+ , Na + and K + ). At the outflow we noticed particulary an increase of the following (Cl- 2- - 2+ , SO , HCO3 , Ca , 

4 

Mg2+ , Na + ). However, we noticed a strong decrease of K + fluxes. This modification can be explained by dilution 

provoked by the dissolution of the silicates forming part of the metamorphosed Seraidi formations. The study of 

the Sr2+ /Ca2+ ratio in the waters of the Oueds tributaries allows to detect a possible influence of the evaporitic formations 

on the water salinities. Hence, the water salinity of the Oued Mellah is about 3 ‰, which characterizes 

a salinity level provoked by evaporate dissolution. This study showed that the chemical modifications between 

inflow and outflow of the lake are mainly determined by geological factors, while evaporation as confirmed by 

isotope studies constitutes a secondary factor for explaining the salinity of the lake. 

Le lac Fedzara est située en zone côtière à moins de dix kilomètres de la mer, il est alimenté par plusieurs oueds (Zied, Mellah, 

Hout, Taieb, ...). Ces cours d’eau proviennent de divers horizons, les eaux au cours de leur écoulement subissent des modifications 

assez significatives de leurs qualités. Les formations géologiques traversées par les eaux diffèrent d’une région à une 

autre. Elles sont métamorphiques au Nord Ouest du lac et sédimentaires sur les autres limites. Par ailleurs la matrice du lac 

est tapissée d’argile. Les changements observés sont engendrés par le phénomène de dilution, en effet les eaux alimentant 

le lac proviennent des hauteurs de Seraidi et de Ain Berda situés respectivement à 800 m et 150 m d’altitude. Au cours de 

leurs écoulements les eaux s’enrichissent ou s’appauvrissent en éléments chimiques selon la nature lithologique des terrains 

traversés. Les bilans chimiques réalisés aux entrées et à la sortie du lac montrent à l’entrée des apports (flux positifs) pour tous 

les éléments (Cl- 2- - 2+ 2+ + + - 2- - , SO , HCO3 , Ca , Mg , Na et K ) à la sortie un accroissement des flux particulièrement (Cl , SO4 , HCO3 , 

4 

Ca2+ , Mg2 + , Na + ) est noté. On remarque une baisse très importante des flux en potassium. Cette modification s’explique par la 

dilution qui provoque une hydrolyse des silicates contenus dans les formations métamorphiques de Seraidi. L’étude du rapport 

Sr2+ /Ca2+ des eaux des Oueds alimentant le lac permet de déterminer une éventuelle influence des formations évaporitiques 

sur la salinité des eaux, ce dernier est de l’ordre de 3 ‰ au niveau de l’Oued Mellah caractérisant ainsi une salinité provoquée 

par les évaporites. Cette étude a montré que les processus régissant le chimisme des eaux à l’entrer et à la sortie d’un lac sont 

essentiellement d’origine géologique, cependant l’évaporation intense des eaux du lac, constitue le second facteur de salinité 

(confirmée par l’étude isotopique). 


LOICZ biogeochemical model applied to the Western part 

of Ria Formosa coastal lagoon in the south of Portugal 

Modèle biogéchimique LOICZ appliqué à la partie occidentale de la lagune de Ria Formosa 

(S Portugal) 

Cristina Sónia 1 , G. Giordani 2 , A. Newton 1 , P. Goela 1 

1. IMAR- University of Algarve, FCT- Gambelas Campus, Faro, 8005-139 - Portugal 

2. Dept. of Environmental Science, University of Parma via Usberti 33/A, 43100 Parma - Italy 

cristina.scv@gmail.com 

Ria Formosa is a shallow lagoon with a mean depth of 1,5 m, extends for about 55 km along the coast and 

it’s separated from the Atlantic Ocean by several barrier islands and sand spits. Due to the complexity of Ria 

Formosa coastal lagoon the Land-Ocean Interactions in the Coastal Zone (LOICZ) biogeochemical model (LBM) 

was applied not in all lagoon but in the extreme west part of the lagoon. Considering its shallowness and the 

good vertical mixing in the system, a single-box single-layer LOICZ model was applied to data of 2008 to 

estimate the biochemical budget in this area. For that calculations of water, salt, non-conservative materials 

budgets and stoichiometric calculations of Carbon:Nitrogen:Phosphorous (C:N:P) for phytoplankton and marcroalgae 

were made. The data was study in a seasonal time scale to simulate the internal variability affected by 

the life cycle of the dominant primary producers. The nutrient loads of the lagoon are relatively small, special the 

dissolved inorganic phosphorous (DIP). Both fluxes of DIN and DIP were positive most of the season, indicating 

that the system acts as a source of DIN and DIP, with the exception of the winter were the acts as a sink. From 

the analysis of the stoichiometric calculations the Net Ecosystem Metabolism (NEM) was generally negative 

suggesting that respiration can prevail over production processes in Ria Formosa throughout most of the year. 

The system appears to be heterotrophic. However, NEM positive values between June and July and between 

October to December appear, suggesting that in some periods of the year the production processes in the lagoon 

can prevail over respiration the same happen with Nitrogen fixation dominated over nitrification in most of the 

year and act in the opposite way also between June and July and between October to December. Is a system very 

sensitive to tide with a water and nutrient budget with a strong seasonal variation. 



Sediments river contamination by waste water treatment plant 

Vene river: the main tributary of Thau lagoon 

Contamination des sédiments d’une rivière soumise aux rejets d’une station d’épuration, 

la Vène : principal affluent du bassin versant de l’étang de Thau 

Got Patrice 1 , A. Caro 1 , C. Bancon-Montigny 2 , J.L. Perrin 2 , N. Chahinian 2 , M.G. Tournoud 2 


2. HydroSciences Montpellier UMR 5569, Université Montpellier 2, place Eugène Bataillon CC MSE, 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5 - France 

got@univ-montp2.fr 

Outflow from waste water treatment plants (WWTP) can have a non-negligible impact on water quality and 

sediments in intermittent rivers. During low flow conditions, the riverbed dries contaminants (chemical and 

biological) accumulate adjacent to the outfalls in permanent water holes where high abundances of thermo-tolerant 

coliforms (TTC) are often observed. In the River Vène, organotin compounds are present, and tributyltin, 

a priority dangerous substance, exhibits concentrations higher than environmental water quality limits. Butyl 

compounds such as mono, di- and tributyltin (MBT, DBT and TBT, respectively) are also frequently measured 

in this system. A survival experiment using TTC from sediments of the Vène was performed. We used two incubation 

temperatures (5 °C and 20 °C) and an initial concentration of 10 3 CTT/cm 3 . The results show that at 5 °C 

the TTC are still present after 163 days of incubation whereas at 20 °C less than 1 % remains after 44 days. In 

comparison, the biological standard Esherichia coli 0126B16 incubated at 5°C under the same conditions was 

reduced to 16 % after 45 days. The degradation of organotin was also measured. Initial concentrations of 10 

ng (Sn)/g of sediment for DBT and TBT and 40 ng (Sn)/g of sediment for MBT were examined. The results show 

that almost 80 % of DBT and TBT was degraded after 37 days of incubation at both temperatures, whereas only 

20 % of MBT was degraded after 163 jours at 5 °C and only 5 % at 20 °C. These results highlight the capacity 

of TTC originating from WWTP to survive in river sediments and demonstrate the persistence of MBT in these 

systems. During river spate conditions TTC and MBT are an important source of contamination to the Lagoon of 

Thau and its impacts on shellfish production must be taken into account. 

Les rejets directs des stations d’épuration ont un impact marqué sur la qualité de l’eau et des sédiments dans les rivières intermittentes. 

En période de basses eaux, le lit de la rivière s’assèche et les contaminants (chimiques et biologiques) s’accumulent 

à l’aval immédiat des rejets dans des trous d’eau permanents, où on observe une forte sédimentation des coliformes thermotolérants 

(CTT). Les composés organostanniques sont également présents dans l’eau de la Vène et notamment le tributylétain, 

substance dangereuse prioritaire, dont la concentration mesurée est supérieure aux normes de qualité environnementale. Dans 

les sédiments la présence de composés butylés (mono-, diet tributylétains MBT, DBT et TBT) est systématique. 

Une expérience de survie des CTT dans ces sédiments a été réalisée à deux températures d’incubation (5 °C et 20 °C) en partant 

d’une concentration initiale de 10 3 /cm 3 . Les résultats montrent qu’à 5 °C les CTT sont toujours présents après 163 jours 

d’incubation alors qu’à 20 °C il en reste moins de 1 % au 44 ème jour. Par ailleurs une souche de reférence E. coli 0126B16 

placée dans les mêmes conditions voit son abondance réduite à 16 % au bout de 45 jours à 5°C. La dégradation des composés 

organostanniques a également été suivie, avec des concentrations initiales de 10 ng(Sn)/g de DBT et TBT et de 40 ng(Sn)/g de 

MBT. Les résultats montrent que la dégradation du DBT et TBT est proche de 80 % après 37 jours d’incubation à 5 °C et 20 °C, 

alors que le MBT est dégradé de 20 % après 163 jours à 5 °C et de 5 % seulement à 20 °C. Ces résultats mettent en évidence 

d’une part la forte capacité des CTT issus des stations d’épuration à survivre dans les sédiments des rivières et d’autre part, la 

persistance du MBT dans les sédiments. Ces derniers constituent des sources de contamination très importantes en période de 

crue et renforcent les risques de contamination de la production conchylicole. 


Fresh water and Escherichia coli loads during rainfall events: 

from the surface watershed to the lagoon (OMEGA Thau project) 

Apports en eau douce et en Escherichia coli par temps de pluie : du bassin versant superficiel 

à la lagune (projet OMEGA Thau) 

Delichere Stephane 1 , C. Lequette 2 , B. Boudong 2 , M. Raymond 2 , P. Couton 1 , D. Marty 1 

1. BRLingénierie, 1105 avenue Pierre Mendès France, B.P. 94001, 30001 Nîmes Cedex 5 - France 

2. Egis Eau, 78 allée John Napier, 34965 Montpellier Cedex 2 - France 

stephane.delichere@brl.fr 

The Thau lagoon is the largest and the deepest pond of the Mediterranean coastline in Languedoc-Roussillon 

(area 75 km 2 , average depth 4.5 m - S France). In addition to his ecological interest, this coastal ecosystem is an 

economic resource primarily for shellfish farming and swimming. The OMEGA Thau project (environmental and 

warning management tool for the Thau Basin) is led by the SMBT (Syndicat Mixte Bassin Thau) and teams many 

technical and institutional partners up. The OMEGA Thau project aims both at i) improving the microbiological 

contaminants dynamics knowledge on the watershed to guide public investment for the pollution reduction of 

the lagoon water quality; and ii) implementing a decision-aid tool dedicated to the integrated management of 

microbiological pollution to anticipate the risks (early warning system for the lagoon professionals). A modelling 

approach was developed to combine a “Watershed” model upstream the pre-existing “Lagoon” model (MARS- 

3D hydrodynamic model coupled to a biological module developed by Ifremer). The “Watershed” model has 

been implemented using the data acquired during the measures campaigns which occurred simultaneously on 

the watershed and in the lagoon in 2007-2009. It is a conceptual and semi-distributed model (division of the 

surface basin - 294 km² - in 78 sub-basins) that simulates the water discharges and the bacteriological loads 

produced by the watershed during rainfall events with a less-than-one-hour time step. The studied pollution 

sources are: the urban and rural leaching, the combined and non-combined sewage network overflows (CSO and 

non-CSO), the releases by wastewater treatment plants, industries and autonomous sanitation systems and the 

reloads by the river-reservoirs. 

L’étang de Thau est le plus étendu et le plus profond du littoral méditerranéen en Languedoc-Roussillon (superficie 75km 2 , 

profondeur moyenne 4,5m - France). Outre son intérêt écologique, cet écosystème côtier constitue une ressource économique 

principalement pour la conchyliculture et la baignade. Le projet OMEGA Thau (Outil de Management Environnemental et 

de Gestion de l’Avertissement sur le bassin de Thau), porté par le Syndicat Mixte du Bassin de Thau (SMBT), rassemble de 

nombreux partenaires techniques et institutionnels. Les objectifs du projet sont doubles : améliorer les connaissances des 

apports en polluants microbiologiques du bassin versant pour orienter les investissements publics permettant de les réduire ; 

mettre en place un outil d’aide à la gestion intégrée vis-à-vis des pollutions microbiologiques pour anticiper les risques de 

pollution (système d’avertissement précoce des professionnels sur la lagune). Une approche par modélisation a été conduite 

en associant en amont du modèle “lagune” préexistant (modèle hydrodynamique MARS-3D couplé à un module biologique 

développé par Ifremer), un modèle “bassin versant”. Celui-ci a été implémenté et validé sur la base des données acquises 

lors des campagnes de mesures réalisées simultanément sur le bassin versant et dans la lagune en 2007-2009. Il s’agit d’un 

modèle conceptuel et semi-distribué (sectorisation du bassin superficiel d’alimentation de la lagune - 294 km 2 - en 78 sousbassins) 

qui simule en temps de pluie à un pas de temps infra-horaire les apports en eau et en bactéries aux exutoires dans 

la lagune. Les sources de pollution étudiées sont : le lessivage des zones urbaines et rurales, les déversements par les réseaux 

d’assainissement collectif, les rejets des stations d’épuration, des industries et des systèmes d’assainissement autonome et le 

relargage par les stocks-rivières. 



Hydrodynamic and dynamic model of Escherichia coli 

contamination in water and oyster in the Thau lagoon 

(S France) 

Modélisation de la dynamique de la contamination d’Escherichia coli de l’eau et des coquillages 

dans la lagune de Thau (France) 

Cesmat Ludovic 1 , A. Fiandrino 1 , F. Dumas 2 , O. Serais 1 , V. Derolez 1 , T. Laugier 1 


2. Ifremer Laboratoire DYNECO/PHYSED, ZI Pointe du Diable, BP 70, 29280 Plouzané - France 

ludovic.cesmat@ifremer.fr 

The yearly oyster harvest on Thau lagoon represents 10 % of the French shellfish production. The microbiological 

quality of shellfish is regularly impacted by several sources of faecal pollution, leading the Administration 

to impose the purification of oysters before marketing, and to forbid temporarily their marketing. The objective 

of the OMEGA THAU project is to improve the microbiological quality of the lagoon, by the implementation of 

works program on the watershed targeted on the most critical sources of microbiological pollution. To identify 

the most critical sources according to their impact on the quality of lagoon water, the hydrodynamics model 

“Mars 3D” was coupled with different models of Escherichia coli mortality in seawater : i) model based on a 

constant T90 (average time required for 90 a % reduction in Escherichia coli number), ii) model based on a T90 

dependent on light intensity (Fiandrino et al., 2003), iii) model simulating E. coli transformation into a viable 

but non-culturable state (Troussellier et al., 1998). 

The calibration and the validation of this coupled model use a data base which was collected simultaneously 

on the watershed and on the lagoon, after four rainfaill events (2007-2009). Observed and simulated E. coli 

levels in the water and in the oysters were compared spatially and temporally in order to choose the optimal 

parameters of the mortality model (Fiandrino et al., 2003; Troussellier et al., 1998) and to adjust the constant 

T90 parameter. For the four rainfall events, Troussellier and Fiandrino models seem to overestimate E. coli 

mortality. The spatio-temporal variability of E. coli concentrations found in the lagoon was best explained by 

T90 values between 24 and 48 hours. Finally, before rainfall events and periods without wind, simulations show 

a high stratification of water column, improving the horizontal dispersal of E. coli, and increasing E.coli levels 

in shelffish and the surface of areas impacted. 


Ecological techniques for treatment of domestic wastewater: 

developments and perspectives in the Hérault Department 

(S. France) 

Ecotechniques d’assainissement des eaux usées domestiques : évolution et perspectives 

dans le département de l’Hérault 

Brouillet Jean-Louis, J. Brémond 




This paper introduces the international and national context as well as the context within the Hérault department 

with maps of the wastewater treatment systems in this department. The use of waste stabilization ponds 

(i.e. “Lagunage”) for waste-water treatment will be discussed with a focus on their bacteriological performance 

and the possibilities for improvements. Other treatments are based on use of macrophytes, which include reed 

(Phragmites) filters, natural wetland vegetation and waste spreading on lignin-rich plants according the GeoAssev 

procedure. Finally we will focus on combinations on treatments as e.g. combining waste stabilization ponds 

(i.e. “Lagunage”), trickling filters, reed filters and the GeoAssev procedure. 

i) introduction : présentation des contextes international, national, départemental cartographie de la répartition des filières 

de traitement des eaux usées dans le département de l’Hérault, ii) le lagunage : généralités, performances en bactériologie, 

et possibilités d’amélioration, iii) les filières à macrophytes filtres plantés de roseaux zones humides naturelles épandage sur 

plantes ligneuse procédé GeoAssev, iv) les combinaisons de filières lagunage et filtre planté de roseaux, lagunes et rockfilters, 

et filtres plantés de roseaux et GeoAssev. v) conclusion. 



Monitoring network of the surface water quality 

in the Hérault department 

Réseau départemental de suivi de la qualité des eaux superficielles 

Roumagnac Corinne, J. Brémond 




The Hérault department (S France) is responsible for studies of the water quality of the watercourses on its 

territory since 2000. The monitoring of the water quality is technically realized in partnership with the competent 

institutions (Water Agency, DIREN MISE CSP, water management structures) and benefits from financial 

support by the Water Agency, and the Languedoc Roussillon Region. The aims of this monitoring programme 

are to describe and follow the water quality of the watercourses and evaluate the impact of public policies for 

water quality improvements and focus and optimize future investments in this area. The Department monitors 

every year one or several different catchments area according their size. The monitored variables allow to judge 

the physicochemical, bacteriological and hydrobiological quality of the surface water and detect the presence 

of heavy metals and pesticides on selected points. The departemental monitoring network has been designed 

in perfect coherence with the existing surveillance schemes (RCS) in 2007 as well as with the network for 

complementary observations (RCO) which have been initiated for the water Framework Directive. The monitored 

catchments area that have an outflow to a coastal lagoon comprise the Lez-Mosson system and the catchments 

area of the Etang de l’Or and the Etang de Thau. The latter two have been monitored in 2003/2004 and in 

2008, while the former has been monitored in 2004/2005 and during 2009. 

Le Département de l’Hérault est maître d’ouvrage depuis 2000 d’études sur la qualité des principaux cours d’eau de son territoire. 

Ces suivis de qualité sont réalisés dans un contexte de partenariat technique avec les institutions compétentes (Agence 

de l’eau, Etat, DIREN MISE CSP, Région LR, structures de gestion) et avec la participation financière de l’Agence de l’eau, et 

de la DIREN. Les objectifs de ce réseau de suivi de la qualité des cours d’eau sont de connaître et d’observer l’évolution de 

l’état qualitatif des cours d’eau et d’évaluer l’impact des politiques d’amélioration de la qualité de l’eau pour cibler et optimiser 

les investissements futurs. Le Département suit chaque année un ou plusieurs bassins versants selon leur taille. 

Les paramètres suivis permettent d’évaluer la qualité physico-chimique, bactériologique, hydrobiologique des cours d’eau et la 

présence de métaux et pesticides recherchés sur certains points. Ce réseau départemental est structuré en parfaite cohérence 

avec les réseaux de surveillance (RCS) en 2007 et réseau complémentaire d’observation (RCO) en 2008 mis en place dans le 

cadre de la directive cadre sur l’eau. Les bassins versants ayant pour exutoire une lagune côtière sont ceux du Lez/Mosson, de 

l’Or et de Thau. Les bassins versants de Thau et de l’etang de l’Or ont été suivis en 2003/2004 et 2008 ; le bassin versant du 

Lez a été suivi en 2004/2005 et 2009. 


Use of waste stabilization ponds (i.e.“Lagunage”) 

for waste-water treatment 

Utilisation de lagunage pour le traitement des eaux usées 

Khodjet Kesba Omar 1 , A. Kettab 2 

1. Ecole Nationale Supérieure de l’Hydraulique, BP. 31 Blida 09000 - Algeria 

2. Ecole Nationale Supérieure Polytechnique El-Harrach, ENSP, Alger - Algeria 

okhodjet@yahoo.fr 

The wastewater collection systems in the different municipalities collect all waste waters and direct them to 

wastewater treatment plants. Both natural treatments including waste stabilization ponds (“lagunage”) and 

artificial treatments are employed for eliminating or at least decreasing the level of pollution of the waste water. 

We are interested in the waste stabilization ponds and study its advantages, its disadvantages and its performance. 

To evaluate the performance we consider the water quality of the outflow from the final treatment basin. 

To establish equilibrium between different users, the urban wastewater is recycled for covering a part of the 

water demand for irrigation. Presently, the reutilization of recycled wastewater for agricultural purposes differs 

among countries. This practice will bestrongly developed in the future as a part of an integrated approach for the 

management of water resources. Therefore, the technical, socio-economic and legal and reglementary aspects 

needs to be considered. 

Les réseaux d’assainissement implantés dans les différentes communes, collectent et évacuent toutes les eaux vers des 

stations de dépollution. Il existe des traitements naturels (lagunage) et des traitements artificiels, destinés à éliminer ou à 

diminuer considérablement la pollution contenue dans les eaux usées. Nous nous intéressons au principe de fonctionnement 

du lagunage, ses avantages et ses inconvénients ainsi que ses performances. C’est-à-dire la qualité de l’eau à la sortie du 

dernier bassin de traitement. Ainsi pour établir un équilibre entre les différents utilisateurs de l’eau, les rejets urbains sont 

recyclés pour couvrir une partie des volumes d’eau d’irrigation. En effet la réutilisation des eaux usées à des fins agricoles 

connaît des applications variables suivant les pays. Elle est appelée à se développer dans le cadre d’une approche intégrée de 

la gestion des ressources en eau, supposant la prise en compte de facteurs techniques, socio-économiques, réglementaires et 

environnementaux. 



Using nitrogen stable isotopes of macroalgae to evaluate 

the dispersion of anthropogenic nitrogen loading 

in mediterranean lagoons 

Utilisation de la composition istopique de l’azote dans les macroalgues pour évaluer la dispersion 

des apports azotés d’origine anthropique dans des lagunes méditerranéennes 

Malet Nathalie, J. Oheix, G. Messiaen, T. Laugier, L. Joassard, L. Cesmat, S. Mortreux 

Ifremer LERLR, Laboratoire Environnement Ressources du Languedoc Roussillon, Bd Jean Monnet, BP 171, 34203 Sète - France 

nathalie.malet@ifremer.fr 

Since recent decades, nitrogen loading, originating from agricultural use of fertilizer and waste water treatment 

plant can be considered worldwide as a major disturbance for coastal lagoons. Coastal lagoons are very shallow 

and enclosed ecosystems, and dependent on continental influences, thus they appear particularly sensitive 

to eutrophication. Use of stable nitrogen isotope ratios has been proposed to indicate anthropogenic nutrient 

enrichment in aquatic ecosystems. However, the role of stable isotopes as a tool in monitoring the dispersion 

and magnitude of nitrogen anthropogenic loading in ecosystem has not been fully developed and never dedicated 

to Mediterranean lagoons. The aim of this study is to develop a method using in situ macroalgae and their 

nitrogen isotopic signature to assess and map the influence of anthropogenic nitrogen enrichment in Mediterranean 

lagoons. Different macroalgae were analyzed in order to determine which species were the most sensitive 

indicators of nitrogen loadings. A red and a green macroalgae Halopithys incurva and Ulva rigida were found on 

72 to 81 % of the Leucate lagoon stations sampled and allowed to map the anthropogenic nitrogen dispersion. 

Preliminary results show a correlation between the two macroalgae response and the nitrogen enrichment with 

different magnitude from 4.8 for H. incurva and 5.6 for U. rigida to 10 ‰ suggesting a higher sensitivity of 

the red macroalgae. The GIS nitrogen loading dispersion mapping showed evidences of nitrogen inputs into the 

lagoon from distinct waste water treatment plant and suggested nitrogen release from fish farming. This study 

highlights the great potential of using stable isotopes techniques in environmental management and water 

quality monitoring programs for the Mediterranean lagoons. 


Spatio-temporal distributions of microbial food web components 

in Thau lagoon during a mediterranean river flash flood 

Distribution spatio-temporelle des composantes du réseau trophique microbien 

dans la lagune de Thau durant un épisode de crue 

Pecqueur David 1 , F. Vidussi 1 , C. Roques 1 , S. Mas 1 , E. Le Floc’h 2 , E. Fouilland 2 

1. ECOLAG, Laboratoire Écosystèmes Lagunaires UMR 5119 CNRS Université Montpellier 2 IRD IFREMER, place E Bataillon cc 093, 


2. ECOLAG, Laboratoire Écosystèmes Lagunaires UMR 5119 CNRS Université Montpellier 2 IRD IFREMER, SMEL quai de la Dorade, 

34000 Sète - France 

david.pecqueur@univ-montp2.fr 

Episodic river flash floods are characteristics of the Mediterranean climate and largely affect the functioning of 

coastal systems in particular coastal lagoons. River flash floods induce drastic changes in physical and chemical 

lagoon conditions by reducing the salinity and increasing the turbidity. In addition lagoon waters are enriched 

by nutrients from river flash floods (mainly nitrogen). These changes can affect the diversity, dynamics and 

functioning of microbial food web communities. Microbial abundances and diversity (bacteria, phytoplankton, 

heterotrophic flagellates and ciliates) were monitored in Thau lagoon (South of France) during a river flash flood 

occurring in November 2008. Samples were taken in Thau lagoon before the river flood and once a day for 4 days 

during the river flood at five stations along a salinity gradient from 20 to 36. Microbial food web communities 

showed a rapid change in term of biomass and diversity. These results will be presented and discussed. 



Impact of an autumnal river flood on Mediterranean coastal 

waters of Thau lagoon 

Impact d’une crue automnale sur les eaux de la lagune côtière de Thau (Méditerranée) 

Eric Fouilland 1 & RESTHAU group: C. Bancon 3 , T. Bouvier 1 , M. Bouvy 1 , M. Cantou 2 , M.G. Cordier 3 , 

J.L. Gonzalez 4 , E. Hatey 1 , C. Leboulanger 1 , E. Le Floc’h 1 , S. Mas 1 , C. Maurice 1 , B. Mostajir 1 , J. Nouguier 1 , 

D. Pecqueur 1 , E. Rochelle-Newall 1 , C. Rodier 3 , C. Roques 1 , C. Salles 3 , M.G. Tournoud 3 , A. Trottet 1 , F. Vidussi 1 

1. ECOLAG, Laboratoire Écosystèmes Lagunaires UMR 5119 CNRS Université Montpellier 2 IRD IFREMER, place E Bataillon cc 093 


UMR 5119 ECOLAG, Station Méditerranéenne de l’Environnement Littoral, 1 quai de la Daurade, 34200 Sète - France 

2. UMR 5119 ECOLAG - Université Montpellier 2, CNRS, IRD, IFREMER- Montpellier/Sète 2 SMEL Université Montpellier 2, 

34200 Sète - France 

3. UMR 5569 Hydrosciences Montpellier 4 IFREMER Département Biogéochimie & Ecotoxicologie, La Seyne/Mer - France 

eric.fouilland@univ-montp2.fr 

Population growth in the Mediterranean regions has lead to an increase in the pressure on aquatic resources 

(drinking water, aquaculture, tourism) and an acceleration in the degradation of these resources (bacteriological 

and chemical pollution). These anthropogenic forcings, combined with global climate change, affect hydrological 

cycles. In Mediterranean regions, the available predictive models suggest an increase in the frequency of 

exceptional events such as high precipitation, coinciding with an increased frequency of river floods, as has 

already observed during the 21st century in various parts of the globe. The impact of such disturbances on the 

marine ecosystem will be more important in confined ecosystems, such as lagoons, with restricted exchange with 

the sea. Consequences of a river flash flood on chemistry, hydrodynamics and the microbial components of Thau 

lagoon were investigated in Autumn 2008 within the framework of the national RESTHAU project “Response 

of microbial communities from Thau Lagoon to river floods”. Nitrogen, phosphorus and contaminant (metals) 

discharge from the river and the subsequent enrichments in marine waters of Thau lagoon were measured during 

a river flash flood occurring on the 1st of November 2008 in the main watershed of Thau lagoon. The potential 

impact of such loadings on the diversity and the activity of microbial communities measured in saline waters 

(> 20 psu) of Thau lagoon during the flood event is discussed. 


In situ decomposition study of Phragmites australis 

and Fucus vesiculosus along a salinity gradient 

Etude in situ de la décomposition de Phragmites australis et Fucus vesiculosus 

le long d’un gradient de salinité 

Lopes Marta, P. Martins, A.M. Rodrigues, V. Quintino 

CESAM, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro - Portugal 

martalobaolopes@gmail.com 

The present study presents the decomposition rates of Phragmites australis and Fucus vesiculosus, determined 

experimentally using the litterbag technique along a full salinity gradient. The study was carried out in Mira 

Channel, Ria de Aveiro, Western Portugal, in fifteen sites, arranged in groups of three sites per area, with the 

five areas extending from a freshwater environment, outside the tidal range, to the marine environment, near the 

mouth of the estuary. The litterbags were made with coarse-meshed net (5mm), submersed in the experimental 

sites at day 0 and collected at day 3, 7, 15, 30 and 60, using four replicates per site and species. The plant 

mass remaining in the litterbags was dried to constant weight and the data used to calculate the decomposition 

rates. The results obtained show that the decomposition is more intense in the beginning of the experiment, 

for both species, however with much higher values for the algae, F. vesiculosus. At day 60, no plant mass of 

this species was found in several of the study areas. Also, the decomposition rate of F. vesiculosus was higher 

at the mouth and diminished towards the freshwater end of the estuary. The decomposition rate of P. australis 

presented an overall opposite trend, with the higher values at the head of the estuary. The decomposition of 

each species was thus more intense in areas located closer to their respective natural habitat, indicating that any 

attempt to consider the decomposition rate as a measure of the functioning of the system must consider 

carefully the potential influence of the natural conditions in the study area and the species used. The study was 

complemented by comparing the invertebrate community collected in the litterbags of both species along the 

time. 



A 3D hydrodynamical model (MARS) for mediterranean lagoons: 

calibration and estimation of residence time in Thau lagoon 

(France) 

Un modèle hydrodynamique en trois dimensions pour les lagunes méditerranéennes (MARS) : 

calibration et estimation du temps de résidence hydrique dans la lagune de Thau (France) 

Fiandrino Annie 1 , L. Cesmat 1 , F. Dumas 2 , M. Jouan 2 , N. Laanaia 3 


2. Ifremer Laboratoire DYNECO/PHYSED, ZI Pointe du Diable, BP 70, 29280 Plouzané - France 

3. Société HOCER, 5 rue Eugène Bourdon, ZI de Kergaradec, 29490 Guipavas - France 


Mediterranean coastal lagoons are semi-enclosed ecosystems subject to intensive anthropogenic inputs. Residence 

time gives an idea of the efficiency of physical cleaning processes. Cleaning capacity of Mediterranean 

lagoons depends on three main hydrodynamic factors: flushing potential of tide, meteorological forcing and 

freshwater runoff. Local residence time that can be determined by hydrodynamic models is of major interest for 

environmental management of hydrosystem. The numerical hydrodynamic MARS model applied on the Thau 

lagoon can be used to calculate local residence time under various environmental conditions. The Thau lagoon is 

located on the French Mediterranean coast. It is connected to the Mediterranean sea through Sète channels and 

through Pisse-Saumes channel which is partly silted up. The volume exchanged via this channel is estimated 

to be less than 20 % of the total. The MARS model is implemented on a regular horizontal grid with a resolution 

of 100 m and 10 levels along the vertical. The connection with sea is schematically taken into account by 

considering only the Sète channels. The first aim of this communication is to present calibration of the model. 

Three ADCP were moored for 3 months in the lagoon. When wind intensity was high enough to induce significant 

currents comparison between measured and simulated currents was done. The capability of the model to 

reproduce wind induced water circulation in the lagoon is discussed. Two ADCP are permanently settled in Sète 

channels by Lyonnaise des eaux/SDEI company to measure flows. Measured and simulated free surface elevation 

in the lagoon and waterflows in Sète channels are also compared under various meteorological conditions to 

verify capability of the model to reproduce sea exchange processes. The calibrated model is then used to 

calculate local residence time with and without freshwater river discharges in order to estimate the relative part 

of marine and freshwater waters to physical cleaning processes. 


Spatio-temporal variability in organic matter sources 

for benthic production in a French Mediterranean lagoon 

(Mauguio lagoon, France) 

Variabilité spatiotemporelle des sources de matière organique alimentant la production benthique 

dans une lagune côtière française (Etang de Mauguio, France) 

Darnaude Audrey 1 , D. Kopp 2 , F. Ferraton 1 , I. Benthaleb 3 , P. Richard 4 

1. UMR 5119 Ecosystèmes Lagunaires, Université Montpellier II, CC 093, 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5 - France 

2. UMR 5245, Université Paul Sabatier, 118 route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse Cedex 09 - France 

3. Institut des Sciences de l’Évolution de Montpellier UMR 5554, Université Montpellier II, CC065, 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5 - France 

4. UMR 6250 Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés, Université de La Rochelle, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle - France 

audrey.darnaude@univ-montp2.fr 

The Mauguio lagoon is the second biggest lagoon in the Languedoc-Roussillon region. With more than 40 fish 

species, of which half are marine migrants with high commercial value, it is also one of the most valuable in 

terms of fishery. Yet, it is connected to the sea at one end only, via a narrow channel running into a small harbor, 

and its catchment area is highly urbanized. Biodiversity and water quality have decreased over the last 40 years 

in the lagoon, but benthic production is still high, which probably explains the lagoon attractiveness for marine 

fish. To better understand this phenomenon, we conducted an annual survey of the spatio-temporal variability in 

the type(s) of organic matter (marine, continental and/or autochthonous) sustaining benthic production in the 

lagoon. From January to December 2008, water particulate organic matter, surface sediment particulate organic 

matter and, if present, macroalgae, were collected monthly, at seven sampling sites spread over the lagoon. Their 

stable isotopic signatures (! 13 C and ! 15 N) were measured and compared to the monthly signatures of the main 

organic matter supplies to the lagoon (1 marine, 4 continental). The results are discussed in terms of importance 

of allochthonous inputs (marine or continental) for lagoon productivity and biodiversity, and of variability of environmental 

conditions in this type of transition ecosystem. 

L’étang de Mauguio est la seconde plus grande lagune de la région Languedoc-Roussillon. Avec plus de 40 espèces de poissons, 

dont presque la moitié correspond à des poissons migrateurs marins à forte valeur commerciale, il est également l’une 

des lagunes les plus précieuses en termes de pêcherie. Pourtant, il ne possède qu’une seule connexion avec la mer, via un 

canal étroit débouchant dans un petit port de plaisance, et son bassin versant est très urbanisé. La biodiversité et la qualité 

des eaux de l’étang de Mauguio ont fortement diminué au cours des 40 dernières années, mais la production benthique est 

toujours élevée, ce qui explique probablement l’attractivité de cette lagune pour les poissons marins. Afin de mieux comprendre 

ce phénomène, nous avons réalisé un suivi annuel de la variabilité spatio-temporelle des types de matière organique (marine, 

continentale et/ou autochtone) soutenant la production benthique dans l’étang. De janvier à décembre 2008, la matière 

organique particulaire en suspension dans l’eau, le sédiment de surface et, lorsqu’elles étaient présentes, les macro-algues 

benthiques ont été récoltés mensuellement, pour 7 sites d’échantillonnage répartis dans toute la lagune. Leurs signatures 

en isotopes stables (! 13 C et ! 15 N) ont été mesurées et comparées à celles des principales sources de matière organique pour 

la lagune (1 marine, 4 continentales). Les résultats obtenus sont discutés en termes d’importance des apports allochtones 

(marins ou continentaux) pour la productivité et la biodiversité dans la lagune, et de variabilité des conditions environnementales 

dans ce type d’écosystème de transition. 


POSTER l 8 l Ecophysiological and life-cycle adaptations 

Environmental variation and colonization of the Terminos lagoon 

by the seabob shrimp (Xiphopenaeus kroyeri Heller, 1862) 

Variations environnementales, et colonisation de la lagune de Terminos par la crevette seabob 

de l’Atlantique (Xiphopenaeus kroyeri Heller, 1862) 

Flores Hernández Domingo 1 , E. Flores Ramos 1 , J. Ramos Miranda 2 , F. Gómez Criollo 2 

1. Centro EPOMEX, Universidad Autónoma de Campeche. Av. Agustín Melgar s/n entre Juan de la Barrera y Calle 20, Col. Buenavista. 

CP. 24030, Campeche - México 

ECOLAG-UMR 5119, Université de Montpellier II, Place Eugenie Batallion, 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5 - France 

2. Centro EPOMEX, Universidad Autónoma de Campeche. Av. Agustín Melgar s/n entre Juan de la Barrera y Calle 20, Col. Buenavista. 


floresdom@netscape.net 

The seabob shrimp (Xiphopenaeus kroyeri Heller, 1862) is an important social fishery resource, the exploitation 

of this species employs a number of fishers in the Campeche-Tabasco littoral. In this region the Terminos lagoon 

is a habitat which is used by the seabob for protection, growth and gonad maturation. Nevertheless, during 

the last decades this lagoon has showed environmental variations (physical-chemical factors), this change has 

driven abundance variation of fisheries resources and biodiversity. In this work we studied the relationships 

between physical-chemical variables and seabob shrimp abundance during three periods (1998, 2003, 2006) 

in the Terminos lagoon, south of gulf of Mexico. Main results showed that seabob abundance was higher 

in 2006, during February to August (> 65 g/standard tow), 2003 showed the lowest monthly abundances. 

Abundance was related mainly to salinity and transparency. Reports from seventies and eighties showed that 

seabob was scarcely and almost nonexistent, but since late nineties it seems that seabob shrimps colonizes 

partially but permanently the Terminos lagoon. The environmental variations were important because they driven 

abundance variations of fishery resources with strong repercussions on fishers revenues. In the aim of manage 

this population of shrimp seabob we suggest to continue monitoring the relationships between environmental 

dynamics and their abundance variations. 


Effect of mining wastes on the Elysia timida (Risso, 1818) 

populations in the Mar Menor coastal lagoon (SE Spain) 

Effet des résidus des opérations minières sur les populations de Elysia timida (Risso, 1818) 

dans la lagune côtière de Mar Menor (SE Espagne) 

Belando Torrentes Maria Dolores, M.P. Conesa La Torre, A. Marín Atucha 

Department of Aquactic Ecology, Ecology and Hydrology, Faculty of Biology. University of Murcia. 30100 Murcia - Spain 

maridol83@hotmail.com 

The Mar Menor coastal lagoon is one of the biggest hypersaline and singular coastal lagoons in the Mediterranean 

Sea. At the same time, this lagoon have been contaminated by remains of the former mining activities 

during several years. In mining-contaminated areas of the Mar Menor lagoon have been observarved Elysia 

timida (Risso, 1818) populations. This molusc is a Mediterranean opisthobranch specialized herbivore feeding 

on Acetabularia acetabulum (L.) and incorporate chloroplasts that are photosynthetically active in the digestive 

cells. Since opisthobranch molluscs can be useful indicators of contamination, we have tested the effect 

of sediment and food contaminated by metals on E. timida population from Mar Menor lagoon. Growth rate 

(length), photosynthetic activity (pigments and oxigen measurements) and reproduction (breeding season and 

number of eggs) were compared in two E. timida populations collected in 2 different areas (one inhabits under 

influence of desert-stream draining old mining and other far from this wastes). Metal concentration (ICP-MS) 

was studied too. E. timida populations inhabit in contaminated areas showed higher metal concentrations than 

control populations. Sexual maturity of animals proceeding from contaminated areas was around ninety days 

later. Healthy A. acetabulum benefits growth and pigments acumulation in E. timida. Contaminated sediments 

induce a decrease in growth rate and photosynthetic activity in healthy populations. Furthermore, the highest 

photosynthetic activities in both groups were observed when each population was fed by A. acetabulum proceeding 

from the same area where the population was collected. In conclusion, in this study we have demonstrated 

that E. timida populations inhabit in mining-contaminated areas need more time to achieve the optimal size for 

reproduction, delaying the breeding season in comparison to populations collected in no contaminated areas, as 

consequence of a decrease on growth rate and photosynthetic activity. 



Reproductive cycle of Diopatra neapolitana Delle Chiaje 1841 

(Polychaeta, Onuphidae) in Ria de Aveiro, Western Portugal 

Cycle reproducteur de Diopatra neapolitana Delle Chiaje 1841 (Polychaeta, Onuphidae) 

dans la Ria de Aveiro, Portugal 

Pires Adilia 1 , F. Gentil 2 , V. Quintino 2 , A. Rodrigues 1 

1. CESAM, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro - Portugal 

2. Station Biologique de Roscoff, Place Georges Teissier, BP74, 29682 Roscoff Cedex - France 

adilia@ua.pt 

Diopatra neapolitana, a tubicolous polychaete of the Family Onuphidae, grows to about 50 cm, prefers mud or 

muddy sand sediments and is omnivorous. The species was originally described from the Mediterranean Sea, 

and subsequently reported from numerous localities worldwide, on the intertidal and shallow subtidal area, 

namely in the Red Sea and the Indian, the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. In Ria de Aveiro, Western Portugal, 

this species is an important economical resource, where it is harvested for fish bait. Nevertheless, very little is 

known about its reproductive cycle. In May 2007 a study on the reproductive biology of this species was initiated. 

Specimens of D. neapolitana were collected monthly, were sexually identified, and the diameter of eggs was 

measured in the females. Individuals with gametes inside the coelom were found all year round, and the main 

reproduction period occurred between May and August, when almost all individuals presented gametes in the 

coelom. In this period, the diameter of the oocytes varied between 160 and 200 µm and it was estimated that 

the females could contain between 100 thousand and 2 million oocytes in the body cavity. Adults have about 

200 to 300 chaetigers and the gametes appear between chaetigers 35 and 70, what could be important for this 

species survival, because usually just the anterior end of the worm is harvested by collectors. D. neapolitana is 

captured in Ria of Aveiro all year round, without regulation. We aim with this study to contribute to suggest a 

management strategy for a sustainable exploitation of the species. 


Inter individual variations in the epibiotic bacterial communities 

of Sphaeroma serratum (Isopod, Crustacean) of the Thau lagoon 

in relation with the molting cycle 

Variation de la communauté bactérienne épibionte entre les individus de l’isopode 

Sphaeroma serratum (isopode, crustacée) dans l’Etang de Thau en lien avec son cycle des mues 

Escalas Arthur, M. Charmantier-Daures, C. Bouvier, E. Grousset, C. Roques, A. Caro 

UMR-CNRS 5119, Laboratoire Ecosystèmes Lagunaires, Université Montpellier II, 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5 - France 

arthur.escalas@etud.univ-montp2.fr 

Lagoons are very sensitive to climatic variations. The ecology of lagoon living species is also very affected by 

climatic changes. Sphaeroma serratum is a small crustacean living in the Thau lagoon where salinity is generally 

close to sea water but variable. The senescent pubescent male lifespan was reduced by three months in thirty 

years probably due to the rise of temperature in the Thau lagoon. In addition, presence of epibiotic bacteria 

living on S. serratum cuticle and potentially favored by temperature rising had been observed. These bacteria 

colonize particularly abdominal appendix, the pleopods which possess a respiratory and osmoregulatory function. 

We used a qualitative approach to study epibiotic bacterial community diversity and to search for potential 

link between bacterial colonization and animal life cycle. Biofilm observations with Transmission Electronic 

Microscopy (TEM) and with epifluorescence microscopy reveal the presence of numerous bacterial morphotypes 

with notably filamentous bacteria. We also use Denaturing Gel Gradient Electrophoresis (DGGE) to study the 

whole bacterial community without the need to cultivate it. Thus we compared the bacterial communities of 

females, young pubescent males and senescent pubescent males. Community diversity is comparable within 

the same stage but different between the three groups. These results lead to a potential link between bacterial 

colonization and the molting cycle due to the presence of a terminal molt in the male cycle. Assessing the metabolic 

characteristics of these bacteria will be a necessary step to deduce any benefit or drawback for S. serratum. 



Symbiosis of epicuticular bacteria with Sphaeroma serratum 

(Crustacea, Isopoda) 

Symbiose entre les bactéries épicuticulaires et l’isopode Spaeroma serratum (Crustacea) 

Caro Audrey 1 , M. Charmantier-Daures 1 , O. Gros 2 


2. UMR-CNRS 7138, Systématique-Adaptation-Evolution, Equipe “Symbiose”, Université des Antilles et de la Guyane, 

UFR des Sciences Exactes et Naturelles, Département de Biologie. B.P. 592, 97159 Pointe-à-Pitre Cedex, Guadeloupe - France 

audrey.caro@univ-montp2.fr 

Sphaeroma serratum is a small crustacean isopoda, encountered on the seashore of the Thau lagoon (S France). 

Individuals live under the stones, at the seashore of the lagoon in less than 1 m deep water, in contact with 

the sediment more or less reduced. Pubescent males individuals, that don’t moult any more, were collected in 

July 2008 to investigate the bacterial community hosted by the abdominal pleopodes acting as respiratory and 

osmoregulatory appendages. The morphology and phylogenetic diversity of the bacteria hosted by S. serratum 

appendages were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). 

Bacterial colonization was not distributed regularly on the appendage surface but can represent a thick bacterial 

mat in certain area. At least three morphotypes could be identified by TEM: i) small rod-shaped bacteria, the 

most frequently occurring bacteria, ii) long and thin rods, and iii) filamentous bacteria with probably several 

types. FISH hybridizations revealed the presence of three phylotypes, giving positive signal with the specific 

probes alpha-, beta-, and gamma-proteobacteria. Further analysis need to be performed, for example by DGGE, 

to identified the bacterial species constitutive of the community. 


Population structure and reproductive ecology 

of the Mediterranean killifish Aphanius fasciatus (Nardo, 1827) 

in the Venice lagoon 

Structure de la population et écologie de la reproduction du cypronodonte méditerrannéen 

Aphanius fasciatus (Nardo, 1827) dans la lagune de Venise 

Cavraro Francesco, V. Georgalas, S. Malavasi, P. Franzoi, P. Torricelli 



The Mediterranean toothcarp Aphanius fasciatus (Nardo, 1827) is a small killifish, inhabiting the central-eastern 

Mediterranean area. It is an “estuarine resident”, listed in the Annex II of the Habitat Directive 92/43/ 

CEE. Previous investigations on the fish assemblages of the shallow waters of the Venice lagoon showed that 

this species is mainly found in saltmarsh systems, contributing with high abundance to the typical fish fauna of 

these habitats. This work aims to provide some baseline information on the population biology and reproductive 

ecology of the species in the Venice lagoon, in the framework of a wider project on the assessment of its habitat 

use, ecological requirements and life cycle adaptations, with the final goal of habitat and species conservation. 

Fish were collected monthly, from February to November, in twenty sampling stations located in saltmarsh 

systems of the North and Central basins, using a small beach seine net. Data collected included abundance, 

frequency length distribution, sex ratio, age composition and reproductive investment. Main environmental parameters 

(such as water temperature, salinity and DO) were also measured to quantitatively assess the abiotic 

characteristics of the sampled habitat. From February to June, the population was composed of both mature 

males and females, whose minimum size was well below the 20 mm in SL, with a sex ratio often biased towards 

males. First results indicate a short life cycle, with age groups 1 and 2 being the most represented in the population. 

GSI values increased from late March until May-June, reaching their peak at late May: the reproductive 

investment was positively correlated to both male and female body size. The inspection of GSI values revealed 

an extended breeding season over the warmer months. Results were discussed in the light of comparisons with 

other Mediterranean populations of the species, and in the perspective of future line of research on this species. 



Embryonic development and first occurrence of ionocytes 

in the sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax 

Développement des embryons et apparition des ionocytes dans le loup (Dicentrarchus labrax) 

Cucchi-Mouillot Patricia, E. Sucré, R. Santos, J. Leclére, E. Grousset, R. Castille, M. Charmantier-Daures, 

G. Charmantier 


Patricia.Cucchi-Mouillot@univ-montp2.fr 

The sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax may be consider as a winner species face to salinity changes. Lot of adults, 

juveniles and larvae could survive within a range of salinity from 0.3 up to 60 p.s.u. It is generally assumed that 

adults spawn in sea and could, at juvenile or adult stages, migrate to lagoons, coastal zones and estuaries. The 

presence of spawning area near estuaries has been described. The possibility of embryos to osmoregulate has 

been investigated, by the characterization of early ionocytes in different osmoregulatory structures: tegument, 

gut, gills and renal apparatus. First of all, it has been necessary to describe and evaluate the timing of the entire 

embryonic development focused on the evolving osmoregulatory structures. 

The immuno-co-localization of the main ionocyte transporters shows how these structures take place and the 

moment at which the first ionocytes appear during the embryogenesis of the sea bass. 


Distribution pattern of chloride cells in the gills of Salmo trutta 

caspius, Fry, relationships with age, weight and salinity 

Pattern de distribution des cellules de chloride dans les branchies de Salmo trutta, 

liens avec l’âge, le poids et la salinité 

Khodabandeh Saber 1 , H. Rabiji 1 , J. Amiri Moghaddam 2 , M. Charmantier-Daures 3 , G. Charmantier 3 

1. Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Marine Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Noor, Mazandaran - Iran 

2. Department of Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran - Iran 

3. Equipe AEO, UMR ECOLAG 5119, Université Montpellier 2 - France 

surp78@yahoo.com 

The aim of this study was the comparison of Na + ,K + -ATPase rich-cells (chloride cells) localization, density and 

distribution in the gills of Salmo trutta caspius, Fry of same age but two different weight (5, 15g) in freshwater 

and brackish water (13 ppt). Six individuals from each weight and salinity were fixed in Bouin’s solution and 

following hydration, they were embedded into paraffin. Histological sections were stained with Hematoxiline- 

Fushin and immunolocalization of Na + ,K + -ATPase was observed through fluorescent microscopy, using IgG and 

FITC antibodies. Histo-and immuno micrographs were analyzed by using Image Tools (2, 0) Software. Results 

showed that in all studied samples, chloride cells are present on the lamellae and filaments of the gills. In freshwater, 

filamental chloride cells number (in 1 mm 2 of area) was similar between two weights but the lamellar 

chloride cells number, and sizes were significantly higher in 15 g fry in comparison to 5 g fry. Following 10 days 

acclimation into brackish water, mortality rate was 25 and 8 % for 5 and 15 g, respectively. In brackish water 

transferred fish, an increase of chloride cells number and size was observed in the lamellae of 5 g fishes, but 

in filaments of 15 g samples. As the lamellar chloride cells of salmons possess important role in ion uptake in 

hypo-osmotic environments, we suggest that their increase in number in this new environment can be the reason 

for the higher mortality in the 5 g sample. In conclusion, at the same age, fishes with 15 g weight present a 

better adaptability to brackish water than the 5 g fishes. 



Adaptability of triploid and diploid Caspian Sea Salmon 

(Salmo trutta caspius) and triploid hybrid Oncorhynchus mykiss 

× Salmo trutta caspius to different salinities 

L’adaptabilité à différentes salinités du saumon diploïde et triploïde de la mer caspienne 

(Salmo trutta caspus) et du hybride triploïde Oncorhynchus mykiss × Salmo trutta caspius 

Rahimi Khosrow 1 , M. Kalbassi 1 , S. Soltankarimi 1 , M. Frozandeh 2 , S. Khodabandeh 3 

1. Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Marine Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Noor, Mazandaran - Iran 

2. Faculty of medicine, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran - Iran 

3. Marine biology Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Marine Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Noor, Mazandaran - Iran 

surp78@yahoo.com 

Three groups of fish (5.6-10 g) including diploid and triploid Salmo trutta caspius and also triploid hybrid fish 

Oncorhynchus mykiss × Salmo trutta caspius transferred abruptly from freshwater to 6, 12 and 18 ppt salinities. 

Following 10 days acclimation, no mortality observed in 6 and 12 ppt salinities. But, survival rates of 

diploid, triploid and triploid hybrid fish were 100 %, 60 % and 60 %, respectively in 18 ppt salinity. Changes 

in gill chloride cells distribution and abundance and gill Na + -K + -ATPase gene expression have been studied by 

histology, imunohistochemistry and gene expression methods. In all groups and all salinities, chloride cells have 

been observed on the filaments and on the lamellae. In diploid fish maximum number of chloride cells observed 

in 12 ppt salinity but in two triploid groups, they observed in 18 ppt salinity. In histological macrographs, 

some morphological changes such as lamella connection have been observed between triploid hybrid fish. In all 

groups, gill Na + -K + -ATPase gene expression increased in 12 ppt in compared to 6 ppt salinity. This increase also 

observed in the diploid and triploid fish, after 18 ppt acclimation, but not observed in triploid hybrid group. In 

conclusion, the responses to salinity transfer can differ between triploid and diploid fish and the capability of 

these juvenile fish to change the gill chloride cells distribution and abundance, as well as Na + -K + -ATPase gene 

expression, indicates of high degree of adaptability of diploid fish in compare to triploid and triploid hybrid fish. 


Effects of dietary vegetal fatty acid on pyloric caeca 

and gill ion-regulatory function in Caspian Salmon, 

Salmo trutta caspius, Parr 

L’effet d’une alimentation en acides gras d’origine végétale sur les caeca pyloriques 

et la régulation ionique des branchies du Saumon Caspien Salmo trutta caspius, Parr 

Amiri Moghaddam J, A. Abedian Kenary, S. Khodabandeh, S. Fallah 

Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Marine Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran - Iran 

j_amiri@modares.ac.ir 

Level of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in diet can be effective on the activities 

of cell membrane bound proteins. Lipid bi-layer regulates cell salt concentrations by pumping ions across 

deferent pumps such as sodium-potassium pump, including key enzymes in ion-regulation (Na + /K + -ATPase). 

In this study we examined the effects of dietary fatty acid on two important ion-regulatory organs (pyloric 

caeca and gill) by Na + /K + -ATPase intensity, immunopositive cell localization and distribution. Study was yielded 

following 8 weeks fed with different diets containing vegetable oil (85 % canola oil + 15 % soybean oil) at two 

high (20 %) and low (10 %) levels. In high level oil received group in comparison to low level: pyloric caeca 

epithelial area and enterocytes number were significantly higher, and a good intensity of Na + /K + -ATPase was 

observed in the baso-lateral membrane of enterocytes. Gill histo-and immuno-micrographs showed a significantly 

higher number and area ratio of chloride cells. High level of Na + /K + -ATPase intensity was observed in the 

chloride cells. In brackish water transferred fish, an increase of chloride cells number and size was observed 

in the filaments in comparison to lamellae, and this increase was significantly higher in high level oil received 

group in comparison to low level. We suggest that, the SFA and PUFA of vegetal origin can affect the pyloric 

caeca and gill epithelium growth and activities, by cell lipid bi-layer concentration, and can increase the osmoregulatory 

capacity. So, the uses of this oil could be proposed in Caspian Salmon Parr, before their reintroduction 

to Caspian Sea. 



Dynamic of gelatinous plankton and impacts on planktonic 

biodiversity in the Western mediterranean coastal areas: 

the GELAMED project 

Dynamique du plancton GELAtineux et conséquences sur la biodiversité planctonique 

en MEDiterranée Occidentale : le projet GELAMED 

Bonnet Delphine 

UMR5119, CNRS-IFREMER-IRD-UM2 Laboratoire Ecosystèmes Lagunaires, CC093, Place Eugène Bataillon, 


delphine.bonnet@univ-montp2.fr 

Several gelatinous plankton species are blooming more and more often in lagoons and coastal areas. These 

blooms modify the diversity and functioning of pelagic ecosystems and can result in significant impacts on human 

activities. The GELAMED project (2010-2012) is offering a 2 year spatio-temporal monitoring at 7 stations 

in 3 lagoons (Bages-Sigean, Thau and Berre) and 4 stations in the coastal waters of the Western Mediterranean. 

Bimonthly sampling will be realised at each site using similar protocols and sampling techniques. A qualitative 

and quantitative identification of planktonic organisms (from phytoplankton up to gelatinous zooplankton) as 

well as environmental parameters (salinity, temperature, Chl-a, etc.) will provide a better knowledge of which 

species are blooming and why in the Western Mediterranean coastal areas. An inter-site comparison will be 

carried out in relation to the degree of anthropogenic impact on the sites. A database will be set up and freely 

released in 2014. The biological data will be coupled to some studies of the socio-economical activities in 

these areas to allow a better understanding of the consequences of these blooms for human activities. A sociocognitive 

approach will also be led to establish, via surveys, the perceptions of these blooms in three kinds of 

population: socio-professionals (administrators of lagoons, fishermen, tourist operators), users (tourists and 

inhabitants) and local decision-makers (local elected representatives, agency of water, etc.). The date analysis 

should allow some recommendations of actions and\or communications with regard to the studied problem. 

Certaines espèces d’organismes gélatineux prolifèrent de plus en plus en milieux lagunaire et côtier. Ces proliférations perturbent 

la diversité et le fonctionnement des écosystèmes pélagiques et posent de nombreux problèmes pour les activités anthropiques. 

Le projet GELAMED (2010-2012) propose un suivi spatio-temporel sur 2 ans à 7 stations d’observation dans 3 lagunes 

(Bages-Sigan, Thau et Berre) et 4 stations côtières de Méditerranée Occidentale. Les prélèvements bi-mensuels à chaque site 

utiliseront le même matériel d’échantillonnage et les mêmes protocoles. Une identification qualitative et quantitative des organismes 

planctoniques (du phytoplancton au plancton gélatineux) et des paramètres environnementaux (salinité, température, 

Chla, etc.) permettront de déterminer quelles sont les espèces pullulant aux différents sites et pourquoi. Une comparaison 

inter-site sera réalisée en tenant compte du degré d’anthropisation de chacun des sites. Une base de données compilant toutes 

les données du projet sera constituée et mise en libre accès en 2014. Des enquêtes de perception permettront d’évaluer les 

conséquences socio-économiques et les perceptions de ces proliférations dans les zones concernées auprès de trois types de 

populations: les décideurs (population à caractère institutionnel regroupant les élus locaux communaux, départementaux, 

régionaux, agence de l’eau, etc.), les socioprofessionnels (population travaillant dans les zones affectées, touchés directement 

dans leur activité : gestionnaires des lagunes, pêcheurs, opérateurs touristiques) et les pratiquants (résidants permanents ou 

ponctuels des zones côtières et lagunaires affectées). L’analyse des données recueillies devrait permettre un certain nombre de 

préconisations d’actions et/ou de communications relativement au problème étudié. 


Phenolic content of Zostera noltii: 

comparison of four seagrass beds 

Contenu phénolique de Zostera noltii : comparaisons de quatre herbiers 

Grignon-Dubois Micheline 1 , B. Rezzonico 1 , T. Alcoverro 2 

1. UMR 5805, Environnements et Paléoenvironnements Océaniques, Université Bordeaux 1-, 351, cours de la Libération, 


2. Centre Estudis Avançats Blanes, CSIC - Spain 


Seagrass beds are key elements of coastal ecosystems in many parts of the world. They act as nurseries and 

habitats for many species of fishes and invertebrates and filter estuarine water. They are highly productive and 

constitute a major source of organic matter in coastal ecosystems. The seagrass root network helps stabilize the 

sediment and contributes to reducing shoreline erosion. Zostera noltii Hornemann is an important species of 

eelgrass occurring along European, north African, Mediterranean, Black Sea and Azov Sea coasts. The coastal 

habitats favoured by Z. noltii are under increasing threat from coastal development, pollution and other forms of 

human disturbance, which have caused local disappearances of Z. noltii. Eutrophication poses another threat. 

Nutrient enrichment encourages rapid growth of epiphytic algae which may cause severe shading of Z. noltii 

(and Zostera marina). Developing and validating chemical biomarkers for endangered seagrass meadows is 

becoming increasingly vital as an early-warning system to determine ecotoxicological impacts to these systems 

and the overall conservation status of the habitat. Phenolic compounds constitute potentially good candidates, 

which may provide insights on the environmental quality of seawater. They play several important functions in 

plants (defense, nutrient storage, etc.), and they are common in marine ecosystems. In the case of Z. marina, 

it has been shown that the production of phenolics was reduced in plants exposed to both low light and high 

temperature stress (Vergeer et al., 1995) or under conditions of nutrient enrichment (Burkholder et al 1992). 

This led us to examine the differences in the phenolic content of Zostera noltii leaf blades in four seagrass beds: 

Cadiz Bay, Menorca, Ebro and Arcachon lagoon: i) in Arcachon lagoon (SW France), most of the intertidal is 

occupied by monospecific meadows of the seagrass Z. noltii, ii) in the River Ebro delta, Mediterranean Sea (NE 

Spain), the seagrass consists of small patches of Z. noltii together with Cymodocea nodosa, iii) in Cadiz (SE 

Spain), large monospecific meadows, iv) in Menorca (Mediterranean Balearic Islands), a relatively small patchy 

meadow. Samples were collected during Spring 2005. Extracts were prepared and analyzed for both the identity 

and quantity of phenolics present using NMR and HPLC. Discussion of the results will be presented. 



Phenolic content of Zostera noltii from Arcachon lagoon: 

Seasonal variation of Zosteric acid 

Contenu phénolique de Zostera noltii du Bassin d’Arcachon : 

variations saisonnières de l’acide zostérique 

Grignon-Dubois Micheline, B. Rezzonico 

UMR 5805, Environnements et Paléoenvironnements Océaniques, Université Bordeaux 1-, 351, cours de la Libération, 



It is of interest to develop and validate chemical biomarkers for monitoring conservation status and ecotoxicological 

impact in seagrass meadows. In this context, phenolic compounds constitute good candidates, which 

may provide insights into sea quality. They play several important functions in plants, and they are common in 

marine ecosystems. Many of them are antimicrobial agents, presumed to protect marine macrophytes against 

pathogen attacks, harmful ultraviolet radiation, and herbivores. Seagrasses of the genus Zostera are widespread 

around the world. In Europe, there are two representatives, Zostera noltii Hornem and Z. marina. Both 

are present in Arcachon Lagoon, France, especially Z. noltii which constitutes 95 % of the largest Zostera bed 

in Europe. There have been several studies on the phenolic acid content of Zostera species, most of which on 

Z. marina. In the case of Z. noltii, only TLC detection of phenolic acids has been performed, and the results were 

not supported by robust data. This led us to investigate the phenolic content of Z. noltii from Arcachon lagoon, 

to unambiguously characterize their identity, and to quantify them by a robust HPLC method with DAD-detection. 

We will present the results related to the seasonal variation of the Zosteric acid content over the period 

October 2007- April 2009. Zosteric acid is a sulphated natural product capable to prevent settlement of some 

marine bacteria, algae, barnacles and tube worms at non-toxic concentrations. 


Nitrogen enhanced tolerance on copper toxicity of Ulva 

Tolérance à la toxicité du cuivre amélioré en présence d’azote chez le genre Ulva 

Orfanidis Sotiris, V. Gigi, V. Papathanasiou 

National Agricultural Research Foundation (NAGREF), Fisheries Research Institute (FRI), 640 07 Nea Peramos, Kavala - Greece 

sorfanid@inale.gr 

The knowledge of multiple stressors combined effect on species performance is important in order to understand 

the mechanisms that shape seaweed communities along water quality gradients. We asked how changes in 

nutrients and heavy metals affect the effective quantum yield of photosystem II (%F/Fm) and the relative growth 

rate (RGR) of a typical fast-growing species Ulva sp.? Two factorial laboratory experiments using nutrient poor 

synthetic seawater (PSU=32 - 37‰, pH=7.6 - 8.4) with daily measurements and renewal of growth medium 

were performed at 22°C ± 1°C, 70 µmol photons m -2 s -1 , 14 h light per day. Ulva discs were exposed to three copper 

concentrations (0.01 - 0.15 ppm) for 4 days i) with the supply of low (N=0.6 µM, P=0.02 µM) and ii) with 

the supply of high N (60 µM) and high P (2 µM) concentrations. Ulva performance was strongly affected by high 

Cu concentrations (> 0.01 ppm) with RGR to be more sensitive indicator of Cu toxicity than %F/Fm. Ulva’s higher 

tolerance to Cu toxicity under high nutrient concentrations was clearly attributed to nitrogen than to phosphate. 

These results indicate that copper toxicity depends on cellular sites availability, which was increased with fast 

growth, leading to enhanced Ulva toxicity tolerance. Such a respond may explain why fast-growing seaweeds 

dominate in highly polluted environments where toxic substances co-occur with nutrients. 



Do the environmental conditions shape the genetic structure 

of local populations in a mediterranean coastal lagoon? 

Les conditions environnementales influencent-elles la structure génétique des populations locales 

dans une lagune côtière méditerranéenne ? 

Vergara-Chen Carlos, M. González-Wangüemert, C. Marcos, A. Pérez-Ruzafa 

Departamento de ecología e hidrología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murci, Campus de espinardo.30100, Murcia - Spain 

carlos.vergara@alu.um.es 

Coastal lagoons are naturally stressed systems which suffer frequent environmental disturbance and fluctuations. 

Brackish-water ecosystems are often exposed to wide variations in environmental parameters, including 

temperature and salinity, which may cause strong selective pressures on organisms. These extreme conditions 

directly modify the genetic structure of species and can play an important role in population differentiation, 

associated with physical or ecological discontinuities. The aim of this work is to identify factors that could explain 

the different genetic patterns of marine and lagoon populations and their relationships with environmental 

conditions in the Mar Menor coastal lagoon (SE Spain, Mediterranean Sea). We estimated the degree of genetic 

variation using mitochondrial DNA sequences from coastal lagoon and marine samples of a recent colonizer of 

this lagoon Holothuria polii (Echinodermata: Holothuriidae) and typical brackish/lagoon species Pomatoschistus 

marmoratus (Pisces: Gobiidae), both marine species but with distinct pelagic larval and adult dispersal. Our 

preliminary results indicate that all sampled locations exhibited high levels of haplotype diversity and low values 

of nucleotide diversity. Mitochondrial DNA data did not provide evidence of population differentiation between 

coastal lagoon and marine samples. Gene flow and dispersal may account for low genetic structure at smaller 

spatial scale analyzed. The presence of exclusive haplotype could be slight evidence of selection on mitochondrial 

genome or be due to an expansion event with new mutations being retained, after a period of low effective 

population size. Despite the strong environmental variability of the lagoon, gene flow appears to be sufficiently 

high to keep the population genetic homogeneity increasing the genetic variability and adaptive potential as an 

ecological response to survival in a harsh environment as Mar Menor coastal lagoon. 


Genetic differentiation of the gilthead seabream Sparus aurata 

(L., 1758) in two lagoon coastal sea complexes 

in the Western Mediterranean Sea 

Différentiation génétique de la daurade Sparus aurata (L., 1758) 

dans deux complexes mer-lagune en Méditerranée occidentale 

Chaoui Lamya 1 , M.H. Kara 1 , J.P. Quignard 2 , B. Guinand 3 , F. Bonhomme 3 

1. Laboratoire Bioressources marines, Université d’Annaba, BP 230 Oued Kouba, Annaba 23003 - Algeria 

2. Laboratoire d’Ichtyologie méditerranéenne. 1, allée de l’ermitage, 34170 Castelnau-le-Lez - France 

3. ISEM (CNRS-UMR 5554), Département Biologie Intégrative, Université de Montpellier II - France 

chaouilamya@hotmail.com 

The lagoon environments differ from the open sea by numerous physical, chemical, trophic and biotic features. 

The question of adaptive mechanisms imposed on species that use both types of environments remains 

unanswered, whether these mechanisms are physiological (individual plasticity) or genetic (selective survival). 

Euryhaline and eurythermal sea bream, Sparus aurata (L. 1758), is a coastal species and frequents mostly rocky, 

sandy and muddy bottoms and Posidonia beds. Adults carry out seasonal migrations between sea and nearby 

coastal lagoons or estuaries. This species is common in the Mediterranean but less frequent in the east and 

southeast of the Mediterranean and very rare in the Black Sea. Our previous work on S. aurata showed morphological 

and growth differences according to its marine or lagoon origin. We try to know here if they correspond 

to genetically differentiated cohorts. Thus, four samples, composed of 48 individuals each, were collected in 

France (Sète and Thau and Mauguio lagoons) and Algeria (Gulf of Annaba and Mellah lagoon). They were typed 

using two RAPD markers (Random Amplified Poymorphism in DNA) and three microsatellite markers. Two of 

them are located in the promoter regions of the prolactin and growth hormone genes (called 5’PRL and 5 ‘ GH, 

respectively) and an anonymous marker (TG)18. The allele frequencies were calculated and transformed into 

genetic distances. In each complex, lagoon fishes differ from marine ones. Indeed, the sea bream from Gulf of 

Annaba show significantly different values of Fst than the Mellah one, both for the A1 and A10 loci pooled, for 

the A1 locus alone and for microsatellite loci. On the other hand, the sample from Mauguio differs significantly 

from that of Thau and Sète, both for RAPD and microsatellites. The levels of genetic differentiation observed 

on each type of markers are consistent. They both show a significant genetic differentiation between populations 

adjacent to sea-lagoon, and a north-south differentiation between the two shores of the Mediterranean. 

The question of the origin of this differentiation (whether or not it is a single population subject to differential 

recruitment) will be discussed. 

Les environnements lagunaires diffèrent de la mer ouverte par de nombreuses caractéristiques physiques, chimiques, trophiques, 

biotiques. La question des mécanismes adaptatifs imposés aux espèces qui exploitent les deux types d’environnements 

reste posée, qu’ils soient d’origine physiologique (plasticité individuelle) ou génétique (survie sélective). Euryhaline 

et eurytherme, la daurade Sparus aurata (L., 1758) est une espèce côtière qui fréquente essentiellement les fonds rocheux, 

sablo-vaseux et les herbiers à posidonies. Les individus adultes effectuent des migrations saisonnières entre la mer et les lagunes 

ou les estuaires voisins. Commune en Méditerranée, elle est moins fréquente à l’Est et au Sud-Est de cette Mer et très 

rare en Mer Noire. Nos travaux antérieurs sur S. aurata ont mis en évidence des différences morphologiques et de croissance en 

fonction de son origine marine ou lagunaire. Nous tentons de savoir ici si celles-ci correspondent à des cohortes génétiquement 

différenciées. Ainsi, quatre échantillons, composés chacun de 48 individus, ont été pris en France (Sète, Thau et lagune de 

Mauguio) et en Algérie (Golfe d’Annaba et lagune Mellah). Ils ont été typés en utilisant deux marqueurs RAPD (Random Amplified 

Poymorphism in DNA) et trois marqueurs microsatellite dont deux sont localisés dans les régions promotrices du gène de la 

Prolactine et de celui de l’hormone de croissance (nommés 5’PRL et 5’GH respectivement) et un marqueur anonyme (TG)18. 

Les fréquences alléliques ont été calculées et transformées en distances génétiques. Dans chacun des deux complexes, les 

poissons lagunaires se différencient de ceux d’origine marine. En effet, les daurades du golfe d’Annaba montrent des valeurs 

significatives de Fst par rapport à ceux du Mellah, aussi bien pour les locus A1 et A10 pris ensemble que pour le locus A1, 

ainsi que pour les locus microsatellites. D’autre part, l’échantillon de Mauguio diffère significativement de celui de Sète et de 

Thau, aussi bien pour les RAPD que pour les microsatellites. Les niveaux de différenciation génétique observés sur chaque 

type de marqueurs sont concordants. Ils montrent à la fois une différenciation génétique significative entre les populations 

mer-lagune adjacentes, ainsi qu’une différenciation nord-sud entre les deux rives de la Méditerranée. La question de l’origine 

de cette différenciation (existence ou non d’une seule population soumise à recrutement différentiel) sera discutée. 



Environmental variability and prevalence of lysogeny 

within coastal lagoons 


Virioplancton abundance and seasonal development correlation 

with shifts of different groups of plankton community 

in the Curunion lagoon 

Importance de la variabilité environnementale sur la lysogénie dans des lagunes côtières Abondance du virioplancton et son développement saisonnier : corrélations avec les changements 

de la communauté phytoplanctonique de la lagune Curonienne (Lituanie, Russie) 

Maurice Corinne F. 1 , T. Bouvier 2 , C. Bouvier 2 , R. De Wit 2 



corinne.maurice@etud.univ-montp2.fr 

Bacteriophages (viruses infecting bacteria) occur with high densities and have an important impact on prokaryotic 

communities within all aquatic systems, but they have been poorly studied in coastal lagoons. Under 

the highly fluctuating environmental conditions in these transitional waters, the bacterial communities are 

continuously forced to adapt, and it is generally assumed that such challenging conditions for bacteria lead 

to the establishment of lysogenic relationships with bacteriophages. Hence, one may hypothesize that coastal 

lagoons represent “hot spots” for lysogeny, characterized by high frequencies of lysogenic cells (FLC). To explore 

whether a consistent pattern exists between lysogeny and the degree of environmental variability, we focused 

our study on the following three French Mediterranean lagoons: Salses-Leucate, Bages-Sigean and Gruissan. 

Salses-Leucate presents very small seasonal variations of salinity and chlorophyll a concentration; Bages-Sigean 

presents low fluctuations of salinity, but very strong seasonal variations of Chlorophyll a concentration, whereas 

Gruissan presents very strong seasonal variations of both Chlorophyll a concentration and salinity. During a 

12-month study, we monitored the bacterial production (BP), the bacterial physiologic states by flow cytometry 

(FCM), the bacterial ribotypic diversity with denaturating gel gradient electrophoresis (DGGE) and the FLC. The 

results indicate that all lagoons show an important range of bacterial physiologic and metabolic states. Lysogeny 

was detected in all three lagoons, but more frequently and with higher values in Bages-Sigean. Along the year, 

increases of FLC values superior to 10 % corresponded to remarkable bacterial diversity changes in DGGE profiles. 

We conclude that lysogeny is more frequent in systems with fluctuating rather than stable environmental 

conditions, and that variations in chlorophyll a concentration have more influence than salinity on lysogeny. 

Les bactériophages (les virus qui infectent des bactéries) sont très abondants, ont d’importants impacts sur les communautés 

prokaryotes dans tous les systèmes aquatiques, mais ont été relativement peu étudiés dans les lagunes côtières. Dans ces 

écosystèmes de transition extrêmement variables, les communautés bactériennes sont constamment obligées de s’adapter; et 

il est généralement admis que de telles conditions environnementales difficiles pour les communautés bactériennes conduisent 

à la mise en place d’une interaction lysogénique entre les bactéries et les bactériophages. Ainsi, nous pouvons considérer 

que les lagunes côtières seraient des ,hots spots’ de lysogénie, caracterisées par de fortes valeurs de la fréquence de cellules 

lysogènes (FLC). Pour déterminer s’il existe un patron constant entre le niveau de variabilité des conditions environnementales 

et la lysogénie, nous nous sommes concentrés sur trois lagunes côtières françaises: Salses-Leucate, Bages-Sigean et Gruissan. 

Salse-Leucate présente de faibles variations saisonnières de la salinité et de la concentration en chlorophylle a; Bages-Sigean 

présente de faibles variations saisonnières de salinité, mais de très grandes variations de la concentration en chlorophylle a, 

alors que Gruissan présente à la fois de fortes variations de salinité et de concentration en chlorophylle a. Pendant une étude 

annuelle, nous avons suivi la production bactérienne (BP), la physiologie des cellules bactériennes par cytométrie en flux 

(FCM), la diversité des ribotypes bactériens par électrophorèse sur gel en gradient dénaturant (DGGE) et la FLC. Les résultats 

indiquent que toutes les lagunes abritent des communautés bactériennes avec une importante diversité physiologique et 

métabolique. La lysogénie a été détectée dans les trois lagunes, mais plus souvent et avec des valeurs plus fortes dans Bages- 

Sigean. Durant l’année, les valeurs de FLC supérieures à 10 % coïncident avec des changements importants dans les profils 

DGGE de diversité bactérienne. Nous concluons donc que la lysogénie est plus fréquente dans des écosystèmes avec des 

variations importantes des conditions environnementales que dans des systèmes stables, et que la concentration en chlorophylle 

a semble plus déterminante que la salinité pour la lysogénie. 

Sulcius Sigitas 1 , R. Paskauskas 2 

1. Coastal Research and Planning Institute, Klaipeda University, Manto 84, LT-92294, Klaipeda - Lithuania 

2. Institute of Botany, Zaliuju Ezeru 49, LT-08406, Vilnius - Lithuania 

sigas@corpi.ku.lt 

The Curonian Lagoon (South-Eastern Baltic) is a high productive water body where mid-summer plankton cyanobacterial 

mass development is often observed. It is generally considered that inorganic nutrient concentrations 

in the Curonian Lagoon are too high to limit the total plankton biomass. Thus, the main factors influencing the 

development of various plankton groups in the lagoon might be abiotic factors, such us temperature and salinity. 

The southern and central parts of the lagoon contain fresh water due to discharge from the Nemunas River 

(24 km 3 /year) and other smaller rivers, while the salinity in the northern part varies from 0 to 8 psu, depending 

on wind activity. Virioplankton is an inseparable part of the aquatic ecosystem, and it fulfills a great variety of 

important functions. First of all, viruses regulate of phytoplankton blooms and microorganisms abundance by 

lysis. On the other hand, viruses are driving microbial diversity. In all models so far, which are describing food 

webs, nutrients cycles or seasonal fluctuations of different plankton groups in the Curonian lagoon, viruses 

were ignored. In this work virioplankton abundance measured by epifluorescence microscopy (SYBR Green I) 

ranged from, 2×10 7 /ml to 19.4×10 7 /ml. Virus to bacteria ratio values were relatively high and varied from 

18.8 to 73.4. It was observed that seasonal changes of virus-like particles amounts varied depending on shifts 

of phytoplankton and prokaryotic cells abundance. Changes of its abundances strongly correlate with increase 

of viruses (r 2 = 0.84 and r 2 = 0.82, respectively). This support the idea that viruses may strongly affect plankton 

community not only in short-term scale but also in seasonal its seasonal shifts. Virioplankton seems to exceed 

the total impact of abiotic factors in regulation of development of various plankton communities in the Curonian 

Lagoon. 


POSTER l 9 l Linking the scientific community with the coastal lagoon managers 

LIFE+ LAG’Nature: creation of a network that brings together 

the managers, scientists and associations for the management 

of the frequentation of the natural lagoon areas in Languedoc- 

Roussillon (S France) 

LIFE+ LAG’Nature : une mise en réseau qui allie gestionnaires, scientifiques et associations 

autour de la gestion de la fréquentation des espaces naturels lagunaires du Languedoc-Roussillon 

Audouit Christelle 1 , B. Sirot 2 , M. Romani 3 

1. Laboratoire Art-Dev (ex MTE) - FRE 3027, Université Paul Valéry, Route de Mende, 34199 Montpellier Cedex 5 - France 

2. Conservatoire des Espaces Naturels LR, 474, allée Henri II de Montmorency, 34000 Montpellier - France 

3. Conservatoire des Espaces Naturels LR, Pôle Relais Lagunes, 474, allée Henri II de Montmorency, 34000 Montpellier - France 

ch.audouit@wanadoo.fr 

The French coastline and more particularly the coastline of Languedoc-Roussillon support a mass human pressure 

on coastal and natural areas (wetlands, lagoons and zones around, dunes and zones around). Currently, 

authorities and managers want to know more about human activities on these areas, on impacts created and 

on what kind of solutions applying to reduce these impacts. The coordinators of the coastal lagoons managers 

network in Languedoc-Roussillon (CEN LR), PACA (Tour du Valat) et Corse (Corsica Environmental Office), the 

Mediterranean coastal lagoons network, have taken into account these needs. Their function, in particular, 

consists in creating relationships between managers (at an inter-regional and Mediterranean level) to help 

them exchange their experiences and also to put them in relation with scientist. An European project, LIFE+ 

LAG’Nature “Creating an experimental and conclusive network of lagoon and dune Natura 2000 sites on the 

Mediterranean coastline of Languedoc-Roussillon” (2009-2013), led by the Natural areas Conservatory in Languedoc-Roussillon 

answers to this need for networking. If the networking, creating partnerships, is not a necessary 

condition for the success of such a large project? The theme “impacts of human activities” leads to create 

relationships between scientists in human disciplines and in natural sciences with natural areas managers and 

experts of conservation. Each of these stakeholders bring his specific and complementary contribution to the 

success of the project. Firstly, we will expose the functioning of this networking (stakeholders, their functions, 

the actions), then, in a second time, we show how this networking functions (exchange, partnership, results 

and experiences diffusion to other organisations, taking into account in managing documents…). Both of these 

points of networking will be illustrated of current real experiences in the framework of the programme LIFE+ 

LAG’Nature. For more information: www.pole-lagunes.org 

Le littoral français et plus particulièrement celui du Languedoc-Roussillon subit une forte pression humaine sur les espaces 

naturels littoraux (zones humides, péri-lagunaires, dunaires et péri-dunaires). Actuellement, élus et gestionnaires désirent 

mieux connaître la fréquentation sur les sites, les impacts qu’elle génère, les solutions à appliquer pour les réduire. Les animateurs 

du réseau de gestionnaires des lagunes en Languedoc-Roussillon (CEN LR), PACA (Tour du Valat) et Corse (Office de 

l’Environnement de la Corse), le Pôle relais lagunes méditerranéennes, ont pris conscience de ces besoins. Leur rôle consiste 

entre autres à mettre en réseau les gestionnaires entre eux (à l’échelle interrégionale et méditerranéenne) pour échanger les 

expériences, et aussi pour les mettre en relation avec des scientifiques. Un projet européen, LIFE+ LAG’Nature “Créer un 

réseau de sites démonstratifs lagunaires et dunaires sur le littoral méditerranéen en Languedoc-Roussillon”. (2009-2013), 

porté par le Conservatoire des Espaces Naturels du Languedoc-Roussillon fait écho à cette demande. Si la mise en réseau est 

génératrice de partenariat, n’est-elle pas une condition nécessaire à la réussite d’un projet de grande ampleur ? La thématique 

“impacts de la fréquentation” exige de mettre en relation des scientifiques des sciences humaines et ceux des sciences naturelles 

avec des gestionnaires des espaces naturels et des experts naturalisites. Chacun apporte sa contribution spécifique et 

complémentaire au succès du projet. Nous exposerons dans un premier temps en quoi consiste cette mise en réseau (acteurs, 

rôles, actions), puis dans un second temps, comment fonctionne-t-elle (échange, partenariat, transmissions des résultats et 

des expériences à d’autres structures, intégrations concrètes dans les documents de gestion ). Ces deux aspects de la mise en 

réseau seront illustrés d’expériences concrètes en cours dans le cadre du programme LIFE+ LAG’Nature. Plus d’informations : 

www.pole-lagunes.org 


How scientific knowledge can be used to support deliberative 

processes in the frame of sustainable clam farming 

in Venice lagoon? 

Comment la connaissance scientifique peut être utilisée comme soutien aux processus 

de concertation dans le cadre d’une conchyliculture durable dans la lagune de Venise ? 

Dalla Riva Simona, P. Campostrini, D. Melaku Canu, R. Pastres, L. Rossetto, C. Solidoro 


dallariva@corila.it 

In the framework of the IP named SPICOSA- “Science and Policy Integration for Coastal System Assessment” 

project, the lagoon of Venice as Study Site, focused its research on the manila clam, Tapes philippinarum 

fishing management. Clam fishery is allowed within restricted lagoon areas, and it is an important economic 

activity in the lagoon of Venice, accounting for 60 % of national production, but its actual economic and 

environmental sustainability is uncertain. Our goals pursuing the SPICOSA approach is to evaluate responses 

of different fishing scenarios on selected environmental, economic and social indicators. The aim of SPICOSA 

is to develop a self-evolving, holistic research approach for integrated assessment of Coastal Systems so that 

the best available scientific knowledge can be mobilized to support deliberative and decision-making processes. 

Aquaculture management system needs to be supported by technical evaluations, based on ecosystem goods 

and services evaluation. Scientific knowledge needs decision support tools to be spread towards end-users and 

decision-makers, responsible for making final political decision. On this purpose, besides research activity based 

on data analysis and modeling, meetings with stakeholders (authorities involve in clam management) have been 

undertaken, in order to get knowledge on the ongoing clam fishery practices, and inform them about SPICOSA 

project and the output tools that will be developed. Effects of implementation of alternative aquaculture policies 

has been evaluated by means of 3D biogeochemical model coupled with a clam growth model and with a 

economic model, used to estimate economic yield and environmental sustainability under different scenarios. 

Comparison of results allowed us to optimize the sustainable fleet (fishing effort) varying the aquaculture 

surface and consequently the environmental impacts. The final evaluation will be synthesized by using an 

integrated ESE (env soc. Ec) indicator. It will contribute to develop a deliberation support tool for the transfer 

scientific products to policy decision-makers, stakeholders, and end-users. 



“Réseau de Suivi Lagunaire”: an operational tool for evaluating 

and monitoring the lagoons eutrophication level and help public 

action. A commitment for transfer of information to stakeholders 

Le Réseau de Suivi Lagunaire : un outil de diagnostic et d’aide à l’action pour la lutte contre 

l’eutrophisation des lagunes. Une stratégie d’information et de transfert aux acteurs 

Daloz Aurélien 1 , M. Barral 2 , N. Malet 3 , L. Moragues 2 , A. Fiandrino 3 , T. Laugier 3 


2. Direction de l’Economie Rurale, Littorale et Touristique, Service Gestion de l’Espace Rural et Littoral, 

Région Languedoc-Roussillon, 201 avenue de la Pompignane, 34064 Montpellier Cedex 2 - France 

3. Ifremer LER LR, Laboratoire Environnement Ressources du Languedoc-Roussillon, Bd Jean Monnet, BP 171, 34203 Sète - France 

4. Agence de l’Eau Rhône Méditerranée & Corse, Délégation de Montpellier, Immeuble le Mondial, 219 rue le Titien, CS59549, 

34961 Montpelleir Cedex 2 - France 

daloz@cepralmar.org 

Since 2000, the French Lagoon Eutrophication monitoring network (known as Réseau de Suivi Lagunaire, RSL), 

is operating. This network has been elaborated through an original collaboration between scientists (Ifremer) 

and water management authorities (Agence de l’eau) and the Regional Council of the Languedoc-Roussillon 

(France). The main purpose of the RSL can be summarized with “monitoring for action”. For that aim, five 

stages of quality with reference to eutrophication status of the lagoon have been defined. These stages correspond 

to colored spots from blue (good quality) to red (bad quality). This monitoring network proposes the 

restitution of the results to the stakeholders on different forms. Annually, a brochure of information is edited 

(bulletin) to present the all the results obtained from the regional monitoring of the coastal lagoons of the 

Languedoc-Roussillon. It also relates for each lagoon the main actions (hydraulic equipments, dredging, depuration 

systems, etc.) conducted by the local authorities. The RSL “team” also organizes in collaboration with local 

authorities, public conferences to explain the results obtained and the synopsis of all the monitored parameters. 

Moreover, technical reports are also edited to facilitate the methodological transfer toward local lagoon management 

structures and their awareness by the stakeholders. At present, three documents have been finalized: 

a technical note on the depuration systems (which presents the main characteristics of the different systems and 

their properties), a technical guide on the eutrophication process (presenting the origin and also the different 

ways to limit this natural process) and an identification guideline for all the marine vegetal communities (macrophytes), 

which can be considered as bio-indicators of eutrophication. This guideline proposes measurement 

methods and protocols for macrophytes monitoring, and also all the species characteristics are presented and 

illustrated to facilitate their field identification. 

Mis en œuvre depuis 2000 dans le cadre d’un partenariat Région L-R - Agence de l’eau - Ifremer et Cépralmar, le réseau de 

suivi lagunaire (Lagoon Eutrophication monitoring Network) dont l’objectif principal est “Observer pour Agir” assure un suivi 

trophique des lagunes. Il propose aux acteurs une restitution des résultats obtenus sous différentes formes : conférences grand 

public, site internet et édition de documents. En concertation avec les acteurs de la gestion des lagunes, le RSL édite chaque 

année un bulletin d’information dans lequel les principaux résultats et les actions entreprises sont présentés, ainsi qu’un panorama 

régional des résultats de la qualité de l’eau vis-à-vis de l’eutrophisation. Le RSL propose également des restitutions sous 

la forme de présentation orales à destination du grand public et des Elus locaux, afin d’expliquer les résultats et les conclusions 

obtenus. Afin d’assurer un transfert des méthodes et protocoles mis en œuvre dans le cadre de ce réseau, des documents 

techniques sont édités. D’ici 2010, trois documents complémentaires seront disponibles : une note technique sur les stations 

d’épuration (dans laquelle des informations sur les systèmes épuratoires et leurs propriétés sont présentés), un guide pratique 

sur le phénomène d’eutrophisation (dans lequel l’origine du phénomène et les différents instruments règlementaires et financiers 

sont présentés ainsi que des fiches-actions) et enfin un guide de reconnaissance des macrophytes, véritables bio-indicateurs 

de l’état d’eutrophisation des milieux lagunaires (qui présente l’ensemble des espèces et des clés de reconnaissances, 

ainsi que les différents protocoles existants pour l’estimation des recouvrements végétaux). 


An example of cooperation between scientists and managers: 

the Coastal Lagoon Monitoring Network 

of Languedoc-Roussillon (France, Mediterranean Sea) 

Un exemple de coopération entre scientifiques et gestionnaires : 

le Réseau de Suivi Lagunaire du Languedoc-Roussillon (France, Mediterranée) 

Laugier Thierry 1 , N. Malet 1 , D. Munaron 1 , V. Derolez 1 , M. Barral 2 , L. Moragues 3 , C. Graille 3 , 

N. Gaertner-Mazouni 4 , A. Fiandrino 1 


2. Conseil régional du Languedoc-Roussillon, Direction de l’Economie Rurale, Littorale et Touristique, Service Gestion de l’Espace Rural 

et Littoral, 201 avenue de la Pompignane, 34064 Montpellier Cedex 2 - France 

3. Agence de l’Eau Rhône Méditerranée & Corse, Délégation de Montpellier, Immeuble le Mondial, 219 rue le Titien, CS59549, 

34961 Montpelleir Cedex 2 - France 

4. CEPRALMAR, Stratégie Concept Bât. 1, 1300, avenue Albert Einstein, 34000 Montpellier - France 

thierry.laugier@ifremer.fr 

The poster presents the approach that led to the construction of a network of cooperation between managers 

and scientists for coastal lagoon management in the region of Languedoc-Roussillon, its architecture and modus 

operandi, its achievements and developments over time. At the end of the ninety’s, eutrophication and lack 

of knowledge were identified as issues to enhance the management of coastal lagoons on the Mediterranean 

coast of France. In 2000, in the region of Languedoc-Roussillon, scientists (Ifremer) and institutional managers 

(Regional Council of Languedoc-Roussillon and Water Agency Rhône-Méditerranée & Corse) joined their forces 

in building a network to address this need. The core of this network consists of an operational tool for the 

diagnosis of eutrophication based on a battery of indicators within several ecological compartments of coastal 

lagoons (water column, phytoplankton, macrophytes, sediments). This tool routinely is operated at a regular 

time according to ecological compartments. The innovative aspect of this network was its management support 

component. The aim of the network is not only to supply with informations about the eutrophication state of 

the lagoons, but also to provide to local management structures support to their operational management and 

development. This support takes a variety of forms: studies on specific site on various issues, model application 

to test management scenario, dissemination of results to various audiences. Over the years, the structure and 

modus operandi of the network has evolved, especially by increasing the involvement of local coastal lagoon managers. 

After nearly 10 years of operation, it appears that cooperation between science and management is possible 

and potentially fruitful for the conservation of coastal lagoons. However, its success is subject to the establishment 

of a perennial frame such as the Coastal Lagoon Monitoring Network of Languedoc-Roussillon, a major effort in 

dissemination at different levels and obviously, the whole requires perennial significant financial resources. 

Le poster présente la démarche qui a conduit à la construction d’un réseau de coopération entre gestionnaires et scientifiques 

pour la gestion des lagunes côtières de la Région du Languedoc-Roussillon, son architecture et son mode de fonctionnement, 

les résultats acquis et son évolution au cours du temps. A la fin des années 90, l’eutrophisation et le déficit de connaissances 

sur le fonctionnement des écosystème furent identifiés comme des problématiques majeures en vue d’une amélioration de la 

gestion des lagunes côtières sur la façade méditerranéenne française. En 2000, au niveau de la Région du Languedoc-Roussillon, 

scientifiques (Ifremer) et gestionnaires institutionnels (Conseil régional du Languedoc-Roussillon et Agence de l’Eau 

Rhône-Méditerranée & Corse, Cépralmar) se sont associés pour construire un réseau (le RSL) afin de pallier à ce besoin. Le 

cœur de ce réseau est constitué d’un outil opérationnel de diagnostic de l’eutrophisation basé sur une batterie d’indicateurs de 

l’état de différents compartiments des lagunes côtières (colonne d’eau, phytoplancton, macrophytes, sédiments), outil opéré 

en routine à pas de temps régulier, mais différent selon les compartiments. Outre l’importante part liée à la communication, 

l’aspect novateur de ce réseau est sa composante d’aide à la gestion. Le but du réseau n’est pas seulement de donner une 

indication sur le niveau d’eutrophisation des lagunes, mais également d’apporter aux structures de gestion des étangs côtiers 

une aide opérationnelle dans la gestion et l’aménagement des sites lagunaires dont elles ont la charge. Cette aide à la gestion 

revêt plusieurs formes : études spécifiques à un site sur diverses thématiques, application de modèles pour test de scenarii de 

gestion, diffusion des résultats vers divers publics. Au cours des années, la structure et le mode de fonctionnement du réseau 

a évolué avec notamment une implication de plus en plus importante des gestionnaires et usagers locaux. Après presque 10 

ans de fonctionnement, constat est fait que la coopération entre science et gestion est possible et potentiellement fructueuse 

pour la préservation des lagunes côtières. Néanmoins, sa réussite est assujettie à la mise en place d’un cadre pérenne comme 

le Réseau de Suivi Lagunaire, d’un effort conséquent de mise à disposition de l’information à différents niveaux, l’ensemble 

nécessitant évidemment des moyens financiers importants. 



Escherichia coli Maximum Allowable Daily Loads (MADL): 

an environmental management tool for improving the 

microbiological quality of the lagoon water (OMEGA Thau project) 

Les Flux Journaliers Maximaux Admissibles (FJMA) en Escherichia coli : 

un outil de management environnemental pour améliorer la qualité microbiologique 

des eaux lagunaires (projet OMEGA Thau) 

Fiandrino Annie 1 , L. Cesmat 1 , V. Derolez 1 , O. Serais 1 , M. Raymond 2 , S. Delichère 3 


2. Egis Eau, 78 allée John Napier, 34965 Montpellier Cedex 2 - France 

3. BRL Ingénierie, 1105 avenue Pierre-Mendès France, 30001 Nîmes Cedex 5 - France 


The yearly shellfish harvest in the Thau lagoon (75 km 2 ) is about of 13,000 tons of oysters and 4,000 tons of 

mussels, representing 10 % of the French shellfish production. The microbiological shellfish quality is directly 

related to the lagoon water quality which is dependent from the watershed inputs. By dry weather or after rainfall 

events, the Thau lagoon shells are regularly impacted by microbial contamination exceeding health standard, 

resulting in the closure of the shellfish harvest. With the aim of improving the water quality and facing an increasing 

population pressure around the lagoon, the SMBT (Syndicat Mixte Bassin Thau) initiated the OMEGA 

Thau project in 2006. One of the objectives is to prioritize the pollution sources according to their impact on the 

water and shellfish quality and to optimize the public investment on the watershed (sanitation system, stormwater 

network, etc.). To reach this objective, a concept of Maximum Allowable Daily Load (MADL) was developed 

and applied to the main watershed outlets of the Thau lagoon, using the hydrodynamics model MARS 3D, 

coupled with a bacterial die-off model. The MADL corresponds to the simulated Escherichia coli input without 

impact on the lagoon water quality for various weather conditions. The MADL was evaluated for each watershed 

outlet and compared to real E. coli inputs. This comparison allows to identify the critical zones of the basin and 

to define the priority work programs to reduce the pollution of faecal origin. 

La production conchylicole annuelle dans la lagune de Thau (75 km 2 ) est estimée à 13 000 tonnes d’huîtres creuses et 4 000 

tonnes de moules, et représente 10 % de la production conchylicole française. La qualité microbiologique des coquillages est 

directement liée à la qualité des eaux de la lagune soumise aux apports du bassin versant. Par temps sec et après de fortes 

pluies, les seuils réglementaires de contamination en Escherichia coli dans les coquillages de la zone d’élevage de la lagune 

de Thau sont régulièrement dépassés, donnant lieu à des fermetures épisodiques de la zone d’élevage. Dans le but d’améliorer 

la qualité de l’eau et de faire face à une pression démographique croissante sur le bassin versant, le Syndicat Mixte du Bassin 

de Thau (SMBT) a démarré le projet OMEGA Thau en 2006. L’un des objectifs du projet est de hiérarchiser les sources de 

pollution en fonction de leur impact sur la qualité des eaux lagunaires afin d’optimiser les investissements d’aménagement sur 

le bassin versant (travaux sur les systèmes d’assainissement, réseaux pluviaux,...). Pour répondre à cet objectif, le concept de 

Flux Journalier Maximal Admissible (FJMA) a été développé et appliqué aux principaux exutoires de la lagune de Thau, grâce 

à la mise en uvre de modèles de simulation numérique sur le bassin versant et la lagune. Les processus de transport, de dispersion 

et de lyse des E. coli dans les eaux de la lagune sont simulés à l’aide du modèle hydrodynamique MARS 3D couplé à 

un module de mortalité des bactéries. Les FJMA correspondent aux flux d’E. coli simulés n’ayant pas d’incidence sur la qualité 

des eaux lagunaires pour les seuils et les indicateurs retenus, et ce quelles que soient les conditions météorologiques. Les 

FJMA propres à chaque exutoire sont comparés aux flux réels apportés à la lagune. Cette comparaison permet d’identifier les 

zones critiques du bassin versant et de définir les programmes de travaux prioritaires pour réduire la pollution d’origine fécale. 

POSTER l 10 lManagement and Governance objectives 

Methodological framework for the evaluation of ecological 

and economical impact of maritime activities in planning 

documents 

Evaluation des impacts économiques et écologiques des activités maritimes 

dans les documents de planification 

Fourrier Adeline 1 , T. Rodriguez 2 , N. Gaertner-Mazouni 1 


2. CRPMEM, Maison des métiers de la mer et des lagunes, Pointe du Barrou, 34200 Sète - France 

fourrier@cepralmar.org 

A rapid overview of French coastal planning documents highlights that the majority of them considers less maritime 

purposes than other terrestrial ones. To complete this lack, we have initiated multi-disciplinary (biologists, 

economists and ecologists) and multi-stakeholder (decision maker, manager, ...) working groups, with the aim to 

propose a new methodological frame to facilitate the maritime approaches in spatial planning documents. This 

work has been carried out during the regional research program SYSCOLAG, dedicated to the implementation of 

an integrated management system in the Languedoc-Roussillon (France). Our objective is to propose to all the 

management structures, a clear and structured definition of maritime and coastal resources. Then, analysis of 

economic and environmental impacts of maritime activities and uses is made to complete the commonly used 

and mainly terrestrial economic valuation and environmental impact analyses. This methodological framework 

can thus be useful for the planning documents but also for management tools, such as Natura 2000 network. 

The proposed framework will allow, for a given coastal zone, to highlight the most important effects (socio-economical 

or ecological) of maritime activities and their interactions. Several types of results presentation are also 

proposed to facilitate a better comprehension and awareness of the stakeholders. It also aimed to propose a 

structured framework for the discussion and exchanges between the different types of stakeholders, to facilitate 

their involvement in management strategies. 

La méthodologie a été développée dans le cadre du programme de recherche SYSCOLAG, par un groupe pluridisciplinaire 

et multi-acteurs. Il s’inscrit dans un contexte où la prise en compte par les collectivités territoriales et les acteurs locaux, 

des problématiques liées au domaine maritime est souvent difficile. Composé d’un guide méthodologique et d’un fascicule 

de travail, cet outil propose des pistes ouvertes pour considérer les problématiques maritimes et lagunaires dès l’élaboration 

de leur diagnostic de territoire pour les documents de planification territoriaux. La méthodologie peut aussi être appliquée 

dans le cadre de l’évaluation des impacts environnementaux et socio-économiques des usages présents sur des sites Natura 

2000. La méthodologie proposée permet, pour un territoire côtier donné, de mettre en évidence les effets socio-économiques 

et environnementaux majeurs des activités maritimes ainsi que leurs interactions. Différents types de présentation et de 

visualisation des résultats sont également proposés, afin d’en faciliter la restitution. Cet outil propose enfin un cadre structuré 

pour la concertation avec les différents acteurs des territoires, et la confrontation de leurs points de vue. Ceci devrait alors 

permettre un certain apprentissage institutionnel de leur part, facilitant ainsi l’appropriation des décisions d’aménagement qui 

pourraient être prises. 



Responsibilities and competencies of the French departments 

for the management of water and aquatic environments; 

the strategy of the Hérault Department (S France) 

Compétences et stratégie départementale pour la gestion de l’eau et des milieux aquatiques 

(4 volets) 

Valarié Irina, J. Brémond 




The strategy of the Hérault Department (S France) for the management of water and aquatic environments 

comprises 4 different aspects. i) Integrated management of catchments area. The management of the different 

catchments area will be presented together with the physical geography of the department. The institutional 

organizations and tools include : the action program as SAGE (scheme for planning and management of water), 

environment contracts, PAPI (plan for spatial planning and prevention measures against flooding), management 

plans, the local stakeholders organized within CLE (local water commissions) and mixed water managements 

syndicats, and the role of the departmental counsel (Conseil Général). ii) Risk prevention. The Department is 

strongly involved in measures for reducing the risks of flooding both as the owner of reservoirs and river dams as 

well as by providing the support to different local stakeholders as an initiator and partner of global action in order 

to reduce flooding risk. iii) Water ressources. The department provides technical assistance and financial support 

to different local public stakeholders. The principle of active solidarity implies protection of water resources in 

the context of sustainable development (preventing the risk for water shortage in the department, the actions of 

the department are focused on exploring new water resources and favoring more economic use of the resource), 

and the respect of the EU Water Framework Directive as well as new ways of gouvernance. iv) Improve knowledge 

and public understanding of water related issues. The department operates a large measuring network that 

comprises piezometers, monitoring of quality of ground water and surface water, run off flows. An department 

observatory for water with GIS. 

i) Gestion intégrée par bassin versant, présentation physique du département, la gestion par bassin versant et l’organisation 

institutionnelle : les programmes d’action (SAGE schéma d’aménagement et de gestion des eaux, contrats de milieux, PAPI 

plan d’aménagement et de prévention contre les inondations, plans de gestion), les acteurs (CLE commissions locales de 

l’eau, syndicats mixtes de gestion), le rôle du conseil général. ii) Prévention contre les inondations : le Département s’investit 

dans la réduction du risque inondation, les objectifs internes au Département, le Département est propriétaires de barrages 

et des seuils en rivière, les objectifs externes au Département : appui aux collectivités, initiateur et partenaire des démarches 

globales de gestion du risque inondation. iii) Ressources en eau, assistances techniques et aide financière aux collectivités : 

une solidarité active répondant aux besoins des collectivités pour développer et protéger les ressources en eau (recherche d’eau 

et protection des captages eau potable), eau et développement durable : risques de pénurie en eau sur le territoire, l’action du 

Département pour une gestion durable de l’eau (rechercher de nouvelles ressources et favoriser les économies d’eau), le respect 

de la directive cadre sur l’eau, les nouveaux modes de gouvernance. iv) Production et valorisation des connaissances sur l’eau 

les réseaux de mesure départementaux : piezométrique, qualité des eaux souterraines, qualité des eaux superficielles, débits 

d’étiage, l’observatoire départemental de l’eau et de l’environnement le système d’information géographique eau et milieux. 


Gouvernance of a natural reserve : “Roque Haute” France 

Gouvernance de la réserve naturelle de “Roque Haute”, France 

Ait-Alhayane Khadija 

UPV, route de mende, 34199 Montpellier - France 

k_alhayane@yahoo.fr 

This study focuses on gouvernance of a natural area within a legal framework. The domain of the “Roque Haute”, 

which is representative of coastal Mediterranean wetlands and has been classified as a Protected Biological Zone 

since 1964. The richness of its flora and fauna is sustained by a mosaic of natural habitats and particularly the 

temporary Mediterranean wetlands. Many animal and plant species are protected species. This area represents 

the Mediterranean coastal landscape before it became heavily urbanised for tourism. 

The aims of the original project were to establish a concerted action in the frame of sustainable development. 

Unfortunately, this approach suffered from important conflicts between the land-owners and the association that 

is responsible, on behalf of the state, for the management of state reserve. The blocked situation has remained 

in an impasse since many years, which shows the difficulty of achieving consensus about perceptions and attitudes 

between stakeholders with different use of the environment. 

Cette étude aborde la gouvernance de l’espace dans un cadre très réglementé par la loi. Le domaine de Roque Haute, site 

représentatif des écosystèmes humides méditerranéens, est classé en Zone Biologique Protégée depuis 1964. Sa richesse 

est établie sur la mosaïque de ses habitats naturels notamment ses mares temporaires, sa flore et faune dont de nombreuses 

espèces sont protégées. Il incarne le paysage du littoral languedocien tel qu’il a été avant son aménagement touristique 

très urbanisé. Le projet scientifique initial visant à engager cette réserve naturelle située en majeure partie sur des terrains 

privés, dans une démarche de développement durable concertée, s’est heurté au contexte très conflictuel entre les principaux 

propriétaires, l’association gestionnaire de la réserve et l’Etat. La situation de blocage qui perdure depuis des années, illustre 

la difficulté de faire coïncider les représentations d’acteurs dont les intérêts et les usages sont très divergents. 



Lagoon Benthic Global Index (LBGI), 

a powerful tool to analyse lagoons quality 

IBGL : Indice Benthique Global Lagunaire, 

un bon outil de détermination de la qualité des lagunes 

Thorin Sébastien 

CREOCEAN, 39 rue Jean Giroux, Parc Euromedecine 2, 34080 Montpellier - France 

thorin@creocean.fr 

Using benthic macro-fauna in order to determine the quality of aquatic ecosystems is fundamental. The lagoon 

benthic global index (LBGI) has been created in order to estimate each lagoon biological potential. This index 

is not an exclusively biological index, because it integrates some physicochemical parameters and habitat 

descriptors. Shallow and placed between sea and earth, lagoons depend on natural climatic variations and 

anthropogenic actions. Variations, which can be consequent, create hard life conditions. That is why species had 

developed adaptive strategies in order to be more resistant to variations or to quickly and massively re-colonise 

the empty spaces. That is why it appears crucial to integrate typological factors, such as salinity and depth, but 

also a physicochemical factor such as redox. CREOCEAN created the LBGI using a small number of representative 

variables: i) Concerning the benthic macro-fauna: species richness, total density and presence of species 

using organic matters; ii) Sediment redox potential; iii) Variables linked to the lagoon typology, particularly depth 

and salinity. Each synthetic descriptor gives specific information concerning water global quality, but also more 

particular data such as trophic level. Those results are compared to values which define different quality levels, 

which give a precise idea of the lagoon health status and of its biological potential. 

L’utilisation de la macrofaune benthique pour déterminer la qualité d’un milieu aquatique est fondamentale. L’indice 

global benthique lagunaire (IGBL), contrairement à l’IBGN développé en eau douce, n’est pas un indice purement biologique, 

puisqu’il intègre des variables physico-chimiques et typologiques du milieu. L’IBGL est destiné à mettre en évidence les 

potentialités biologiques du milieu. Peu profonds et situés à l’interface Terre-Mer, les milieux lagunaires sont sujets à l’action 

des variables naturelles climatiques et des variables anthropiques. Les variations qui peuvent être fortes créent des conditions 

de vie difficiles dans les lagunes. De ce fait, la plupart des espèces ont développé des stratégies adaptatives leur permettant 

soit de résister mieux que d’autres, soit d’être capables de recoloniser rapidement et massivement le milieu après leur disparition. 

Il est donc indispensable d’intégrer dans les indicateurs de qualité globaux des lagunes un facteur typologique incluant 

notamment la salinité et la profondeur, et un facteur physico-chimique comme le Rédox. A partir de ces constats, CREOCEAN 

a mis au point l’IBGL en utilisant un nombre réduit de variables représentatives : - les variables concernant la macrofaune 

benthique, à savoir la richesse spécifique, la densité totale et la présence d’espèces indicatrices de matière organique. - les 

variables concernant la macrofaune benthique, à savoir la richesse spécifique, la densité totale et la présence d’espèces indicatrices 

de matière organique. - le potentiel d’oxydo-réduction du sédiment. - les variables liées à la typologie du milieu et 

plus particulièrement la salinité et la profondeur, cette dernière intégrant les influences des variations de température. Chaque 

descripteur synthétique apporte une information spécifique concernant la qualité du milieu, concernant soit la qualité globale 

soit des éléments plus ciblés comme le niveau trophique. Ces résultats sont ensuite comparés à des valeurs seuils qui définissent 

différentes classes de qualité, ils permettent d’obtenir une vision précise de la qualité de la lagune et de son potentiel 

biologique. 


A revision of the coastal lagoons of Spain according 

to the EC Habitats Directive 

Révision des lagunes côtières d’Espagne en fonction de la Directive Habitats de la CE 

Soria Juan Miguel, M. Sahuquillo 

Dep. Microbiología y Ecología, Fac. Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Valencia, 46100 Burjassot - Spain 

juan.soria@uv.es 

EC Habitats Directive is to promote the maintenance of biodiversity by requiring Member States to take measures 

to maintain or restore natural habitats and wild species at a favourable conservation status, introducing 

robust protection for those habitats and species of European importance. Coastal lagoon is a priority habitat 

for the EC Habitats Directive. Many coastal lagoons have either been destroyed already or are still loosing their 

ecological distinctiveness because of hydrological changes, overgrowth, and eutrophication. Some lagoons are 

protected areas, included in Ramsar List and Nature 2000 Network. But many others have no protection figure 

now. We have found 34 lagunar complexes in Atlantic area; 90 in Mediterranean area and 7 in Canary Islands. 

Habitats Directive include as coastal lagoons the coastal solar saline; we have located 24 salines in Spain, 

mostly in good condition and operational. The other 107 coastal lagoons are wetlands of brackish and freswater 

ecosystems. The most important are very interesting limnological sites, as Aiguamolls de l’Empordà, Ebro River 

delta, Albufera of Valencia, Mar Menor, Adra lagoons and Lucios of Doñana marsland. 



Using the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa to assess potential status 

in two heavily modified mediterranean transitional water bodies 

L’évaluation des potentialités écologiques de deux eaux de transition méditerranéennes 

fortement modifiées à l’aide de la phanérogame marine Cymodocea nodosa 

Perez Marta 1 , J. Romero 1 , M. Manzanera 2 

1. Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Barcelona, Avda. Diagonal 645, 08028 Barcelona - Spain 

2. Agència Catalana de l’Aigua, Departament de Medi Ambient i Habitatge, Generalitat de Catalunya, 08036 Barcelona - Spain 

maperez@ub.edu 

We deal here with the problem of defining the ecological potential in water bodies encompassing strong 

gradients. We use the example of the two bays of the Ebro Delta. The Ebro is the main Spanish river discharging 

in the Mediterranean, and forms a large delta, anchor-shaped, and delimiting two bays (N and S, Fangar 

Bay and Alfacs Bay respectively). Both bays (30 and 50 km 2 in surface) are shallow (max. depth 5m, average 

depth 3 m), and are subjected to seasonal freshwater inputs (surface salinities between 17 and 36 psu). The 

freshwater inputs are governed by agricultural practices, as they mainly are originated by runoff from rice paddy 

fields, and, therefore, these bays have been classified by the Government of Catalonia as heavily modified water 

bodies (HMWB). Moreover, these freshwater discharges are rich in nutrients, organic matter and, possibly, other 

pollutants, creating strong gradients of environmental quality within the bays. 

The implementation of the WFD requires from environmental managers to achieve at least, for such HMWBs, 

“good ecological potential” (GEP). Appropriate tools, based on the normative BQEs, should be developed for the 

assessment of such potential. We used the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa, which forms extensive meadows in both 

bays, as a biological quality element in order to asses this ecological potential. We discuss an approximation to 

the definition of maximum ecological potential that could be applied in these type of ecosystems, and address 

the problems linked to the assessment of ecological potential in water bodies subject to significant gradients. 


An integrative modelling approach 

in support of water quality management; 

The case of the Thau lagoon watershed 

Modélisation intégrée en appui à la gestion de la qualité de l’eau ; 

Cas du bassin versant de la lagune de Thau 

Mongruel Rémi 1 , C. Bacher 2 , J. Ballé-Béganton 1 , V. Derolez 3 , A. Fiandrino 3 , T. Laugier 3 , J. A. Pérez Agúndez 1 , 

S. Roussel 4, F. Valette 4 

1. Ifremer, UMR AMURE, Marine Economics Department, BP 70, F-29280 Plouzané - France 

2. Ifremer, DYNECO, Technolope de Brest Iroise, BP 70, F-29280 Plouzané - France 


4. LAMETA, Faculté de Sciences Economiques - Espace Richter, Avenue de la mer, Site de Richter, CS 79606, 


remi.mongruel@ifremer.fr 

The implementation of water policies at local scales in Europe is framed by national and European regulations. 

It calls for participative processes in which stakeholders (local administrators, users and residents) determine 

a range of objectives, which account for a set of acceptable trade-offs between environment preservation, 

economic development and social concerns. Therefore, management options should be assessed through multicriteria 

analysis with regards to their consequences on these three domains. 

This paper presents a methodology which aims at simulating prospective scenarios of water quality management 

in the Thau lagoon watershed on the French Mediterranean, using integrative and multidisciplinary approaches. 

This coastal zone supports various human activities which provide goods and services for the society but represent 

at the same time a source of pressures and environmental damages. This site is threatened by two main 

types of pollutants supplied by the watershed: microbiological contaminants and nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), 

rejected by different users, mainly from urban areas. 

A model based on systemic approach is developed to support this analysis. The model is structured by modules 

integrating physic, biologic and socioeconomic dimensions, as well as management rules and policy options 

related to different water quality objectives in the Thau lagoon. The physical and biological components of the 

model simulate the generation and diffusion of the pollutant sources. The economic drivers and consequences 

of this ecological dynamics are assessed using three different methods: sector-based analysis, input-out models 

and cost-effectiveness evaluations of the water treatment processes. This tool is built with end-users in order to 

integrate their management options and aims at becoming a decision support system for them. 




Gouvernance in a Mexican estuary: Terminos lagoon case The conservation of the coastal lagoons in the spatial planning 

projects: one of the actions of the syndicat mixte des étangs 

littoraux (SIEL) 

La gouvernance dans un estuaire mexicain : le cas de la lagune de Términos 

Rivera-Arriaga Evelia, G. Villalovos Zapata, L. Alpuche Gual, M. Negrete Cardoso, J. Ramos Miranda 

Centro EPOMEX, Universidad Autónoma de Campeche. Av. Agustín Melgar s/n entre Juan de la Barrera y Calle 20, Col. Buenavista. 


ramosmiran@yahoo.com.mx 

Laguna de Terminos Region in the southern Gulf of Mexico is a semi-closed coastal lagoon, with a sand barrier, 

two inlets, and which receives freshwater inputs from several estuarine systems, being the most important the 

Grijalva-Usumacinta. This region embraces complex governance, since one of the most productive oil and gas 

fields of the Gulf is located in front of the lagoon; the island contains the largest population concentration of 

the state of Campeche; shrimp fishery still produces important revenues; and it was declared a natural protected 

area (NPA) in 1997. The protected area region embraces portions of territory of three municipalities (Carmen, 

Palizada, and Champotón); as well as the entire Ciudad del Carmen located in the barrier island; practically all 

the infrastructure for oil and gas exploration and exploitation; and the most important port of Campeche. The 

overlapping jurisdictions between federal, state and municipal governments, in both vertically and horizontally 

management levels is the core of the region’s governance. Local government instated the Municipal Planning 

Institute (IMPLAN-Carmen), for the integral and sustainable planning of the municipality and promoting 

subsidiarity in the decision-making process. In this picture, the region contains also the municipal Ecological 

Ordinance Program; the Management Program of the NPA, the federal and state regulatory frameworks, and 

organized civil actions through numerous non-governmental organizations, and academic institutions. Seeking 

collaborative and coordinated actions builds up the governance status in this region. 

La conservation des lagunes côtières dans les projets de planification spatiale : 

une des actions du Syndicat Mixte des Etangs Littoraux (SIEL) 

Fabrega Hélène 

Syndicat Mixte des étangs littoraux, Siel, BP 308, 34113 Frontigan - France 

siel4@ville-frontignan.fr 

The étangs palavasiens constitute a string of coastal lagoons between Montpellier and Sète in the Hérault department 

(S. France). These lagoons are subjected to strong pressures related to urbanization. Existing or planned 

urban areas, road infrastructures and illegal constructions exert all a strong impact on the water quality and the 

conservation of the natural habitat, which is of Community interest identified as the Natura 2000 site “Etangs 

palavasiens et étang de l’Estagnol”. Another important issue is to achieve good quality status of our water bodies 

in 2015 as requested by the Water Framework Directive. The SIEL syndicate has therefore launched important 

actions in order to enable an important role for lagoon conservation issues in the spatial planning. During the presentation, 

we will address the major issues concerning the definition of the Natura 2000 area and its perimeter, 

and some of the main actions. Measurements against illegal consttructions in the wetlands and the periphery of 

the lagoons have been prepared by concerted action between the SIEL, the townships of the SIEL and the administrative 

services of the French state. The illegal activities include dumping of sediment and soils in wetlands, 

disposal of wastewater without treatment directly into the lagoon etc. The measures taken correspond to a scheme 

for controlling land-ownership and specific procedures for verbalization. The elaboration of a master plan (DOCOB) 

the Natura 2000 site “Etangs palavasiens et étang de l’Estagnol” has been realized in collaboration with the 

main stakeholders comprising professional fishermen, hunters, practitioners of recreation and leisure activities, 

institional representatives etc. The presentation will be illustrated with a Powerpoint including aerial photographs. 

Les étangs palavasiens, chapelet de lagunes côtières situées entre Montpellier et Sète, dans l’Hérault sont soumis à de fortes 

pressions liées à l’urbanisation. Zones urbaines existantes ou en projet, infrastructures routières, constructions illégales ont 

autant d’impacts directs ou indirects sur la qualité de l’eau et la conservation de l’habitat naturel d’intérêt communautaire de 

ce site Natura 2000 “Etangs palavasiens et étang de l’Estagnol”. L’atteinte des objectifs de la Directive Cadre sur l’EAU (DCE) 

sur le bon état de nos masses d’eau en 2015 est en jeu. Le SIEL, syndicat mixte des étangs littoraux, a donc lancé des actions 

fortes pour favoriser la prise en compte des problématiques de préservation des lagunes dans les projets d’aménagement du 

territoire. Les dix à quinze minutes de parole seront employées à la présentation rapide des enjeux sur le périmètre des étangs 

palavasiens et de deux actions phares : i) la mise en place d’actions concertées entre le SIEL, les communes du SIEL et les 

services de l’Etat pour lutter contre les constructions illégales sur les zones humides en périphérie des lagunes. Ces infractions 

au code de l’urbanisme impliquent notamment des comblements de zones humides, des rejets d’eaux usées directement dans 

le milieu lagunaire. Les actions évoquées seront notamment la mise en place d’un schéma d’intervention foncière et de procédures 

de verbalisation spécifiques, et ii) l’élaboration du document d’objectifs du site Natura 2000 “Etangs palavasiens et 

étang de l’Estagnol” en concertation avec les acteurs du territoire : professionnels de la pêche, chasseurs, pratiquant d’activités 

de loisirs, institutionnels.La présentation sera illustrée avec des photos aériennes. 


Index 


INDEX l 

A 

Aajjane A. 258 

Abdellatif B. 56 

Abedian Kenary A. 283 

Abidli S. 62 

Aboal Sanjurjo M. 157 

Adão H. 98 

Ait Chattou M. 257 

Aïssa P. 8, 14, 33, 38 

Aït-Aïssa S. 59 

Ait-Alhayane K. 29, 299 

Alain T. 242 

Alcaraz Cazorla C. 251, 252 

Alcoverro T. 285 

Aleffi F. 51 

Aleffi I. 54 

Alina K. 234 

Alpuche Gual L. 304 

Alsterberg C. 71 

Amat J.A. 226 

Amilhat E. 22, 180 

Amiri Moghaddam J. 28, 281, 283 

Amouroux I. 196 

Anagnostou C. 12, 70, 232 

Andrieux F. 102, 230 

Andrieux-Loyer F. 25, 231, 235 

Anger K. 9, 17, 34, 41 

Angonese G. 255 

Anschutz P. 97, 118, 229 

Antar R. 22, 166, 176 

Anton-Pardo M. 22, 169 

Armaitiene A. 79 

Armengol X. 169 

Arrojo M.A. 25, 96, 199, 236 

Arvanitidis C. 126 

Arzul I. 130 

Aspe D. 64 

Assobhei O. 216 

Auby I. 58, 207 

Audouit C. 13, 29, 78, 292 

Audurier-Cros A. 78 

Averty B. 62 

Azandegbé A. 25, 230 

Azirar A. 15, 56 

Azzoni R. 95, 117, 255 

B 

Bachelet G. 127 

Bachelot M. 22, 186 

Bacher C. 303 

Bahri-Sfar L. 181 

Bajo M. 115 

Ballé-Béganton J. 303 

Balouin Y. 69 

Bancon-Montigny C. 23, 188, 262, 270 

Banta G.T. 73 

Barbone E. 48, 51, 164, 174 

Barral M. 134, 294, 295 

Barret J. 128 

Bartoli M. 15, 93, 104, 233 

Barusseau J.P. 72 

Basset A. 14, 46, 48, 51, 100, 126, 164, 174 

Bates S. 206 

Baudot C. 18, 66 

Baussant T. 61 

Bautista E.G. 24, 68, 217 

Bec B. 12, 21, 24, 87, 155, 207 

Béchet A. 25, 226 

Belando Torrentes M.D. 21, 28, 157, 275 

Bellafiore D. 115 

Belon R. 69 

Ben Charrada R. 211 

Ben Hassine O.K. 57, 82, 159, 178, 179, 181 

Ben Jemaa-Najar S. 179 

Ben Romdhane M. 21, 165 

Ben Salem M. 165, 212 

Ben Souissi J. 24, 211, 212 

Ben Youssef S. 21, 159 

Benabdellouahed M. 72 

Benau L. 87, 134 

Bencivelli S. 255 

Benthaleb I. 23, 124, 197, 273 

Bernard G. 135 

Berrebi P. 53 

Bertrand C. 64 

Biagianti-Risbourg S. 187 

Bitis I. 154 

Blais J.F. 240 

Blamart D. 123 

Blanchet H. 15, 58 

Blok F.S. 107 

Bodinier C. 18,122 

Boix D. 47 

Bonhomme F. 121, 181, 289 

Bonnet D. 28, 130, 284 

Borówka R.K. 99 

Bouchouicha D. 206 

Boudong B. 263 

Boudry P. 128 

Bouhsina S. 260 

Boulo V. 122 

Bourgeois S. 18, 129 

Bouvier T. 270, 290 

Bouvier C. 290 

Bouvy M. 114, 270 

Boyer S. 19, 130 

Bracchini L. 23, 151, 191 

Breber P. 79 

Brémond J. 20, 144, 204, 265, 266, 298 

Brocard G. 20, 147 

Brouillet J.L. 27, 265 

Brucet S. 14, 47 

Bruguier O. 124 

Budzinski H. 60, 63 

Bujan S. 235 

Buscail R. 22, 187 

C 

Caiola N. 251, 252 

Camacho A. 13, 80 

Campostrini P. 19, 24, 132, 209, 220, 293 

Canal Vergés P. 26, 213, 238 

Candela N. 13, 74, 101 

Cañedo-Argüelles M. 14, 50, 223 


INDEX l 

Canton M. 17, 97, 118 

Cantou M. 270 

Capapé C. 212 

Caprais M.P. 109 

Caradec F. 231 

Carmona R. 96 

Caro A. 28, 113, 188, 262, 278 

Casamitjana X. 215 

Casellas C. 59, 186 

Castaings J. 16, 111 

Castelle S. 243 

Castille R. 280 

Cavraro F. 21, 26, 28, 162, 254, 279 

Cecchi P. 76, 153, 203 

Certain R. 72 

Cesmat L. 27, 264, 268, 272, 296 

Chahinian N. 188, 262 

Chaouachi B. 178 

Chaoui L. 28, 175, 249, 289 

Charfi F. 184 

Charfi-Cheikhrouha F. 152 

Chargui T. 22, 166, 173 

Charmantier G. 120, 122, 187, 281 

Charmantier-Daures M. 120, 278, 280, 281 

Chauvelon P. 20, 23, 27, 65, 116, 136, 193, 259 

Chebbi N. 22, 172 

Chérain Y. 65, 259 

Chevreuil M. 187 

Chiffoleau J.F. 62 

Chiron S. 65 

Chrysoula C. 22, 25, 185, 225 

Cladas I. 22, 154, 170 

ClavierJ. 101 

Collos Y. 13, 76, 155 

Colomer J. 215 

Como S. 20, 22, 107, 182 

Comoretto L. 65 

Conesa La Torre M.P. 275 

Cordier M.G. 270 

Cossa D. 243 

Costa V. 241 

Costa Goela P. 223 

Coulet E. 259 

Couton P. 263 

Crépin D. 145 

Cristina S. 27, 195, 261 

Cucchi-Mouillot P. 28, 280 

Cucco A. 115 

Cury P.8, 16, 33, 39 

Czamanski E. 102 

D 

D’Adamo R. 22, 25, 174, 223 

Dabala C. 25, 220 

Dalla Riva S. 29, 293 

Daloz A. 29, 294 

Daoudi M. 14, 24, 49, 208 

Darius D. 25, 234 

Darnaude A. 27, 124, 273 

Dattilo A.M. 151, 191 

David A. 17, 59 

De Groot D. 9, 17, 34, 40 

De Jong L. 242 

De Montaudouin X. 58 

De Pascalis F. 17, 115 

De Wit R. 4, 5, 10, 12, 74, 101, 290 

Deborde J. 97 

Deflandre B. 229, 243 

Del Amo Y. 127 

Delefosse M. 73 

Delgard M.L. 25, 229 

Delichère S. 27, 263, 296 

Delmas F. 60 

Deloffre J. 88 

Dendrinos D. 170 

Dennison W. 9, 19, 35, 42 

Derolez V. 20, 109, 134, 194, 196, 264, 295, 296, 303 

Desconnets J.C. 141 

Desmarais E. 121 

Dezileau L. 23, 111, 197, 198 

Dghim N. 27, 256 

Dias Nunes P.A.L. 246 

Dirgantara G. 12, 86 

Djabri L. 27, 260 

Djabri Y. 260 

Djait H. 22, 179 

Djelassi R. 21, 167, 171 

Djoudar-Hallal D. 25, 222 

Drakopoulou P. 70 

Dramitinou C. 154 

Dumas F. 264, 272 

Dupuy C. 182 

Durrieu C. 17, 61 

Dusserre K. 134 

E 

Echmak C. 205 

Economou-Amilli A. 154 

El Madani F. 49, 208 

El Menif N. 166 

El-Assal M. 67 

Elhedfi C. 165 

Engles E. 25, 219 

Erturk A. 17, 119 

Escalas A. 28, 277 

Etahiri S. 216 

Etcheber H. 235 

F 

Fabbrocini A. 174 

Fabrega H. 29, 305 

Falcucci M. 150, 151, 191 

Faliex E. 180 

Fallah S. 283 

Farinós P. 183 

Farrugio H. 180 

Fatine N. 13, 83 

Faye G. 88 

Fazio G. 180 

Fenet H. 59, 186 

Fernandez C. 19, 131 

Fernández-González V. 21, 168 

Ferrarin C. 54, 115 

Ferrat L. 131 

Ferraton F. 124, 273

INDEX l 

Ferrer P. 12, 72 

Fiandrino A. 19, 27, 29, 87, 111, 134, 194, 248, 264, 

272, 294, 295, 296, 303 

Finster K. 95 

Fiore N. 48 

Fischer E. 142 

Flaux C. 12, 67 

Flindt M.R. 213, 238 

Flores Hernández D. 28, 52, 274 

Flores Ramos E. 274 

Fontaine C. 182 

Fouilland E. 27, 114, 202, 269, 270 

Fourrier A. 29, 297 

Franco A. 19, 22, 137, 177 

François-Carcaillet F. 91 

Franzoi P. 137, 177, 279 

Frozandeh M. 282 

Fyttis G. 185 

G 

Gaertner-Mazouni N. 19, 105, 134, 141, 248, 295, 297 

García Fernández A.J. 157 

García Sánchez M. 21 161 

Gargouri Ben Abdallah L. 21, 166, 173 

Garnier J.M. 242, 243 

Gascón S. 47 

Gasiunaite Z. 20, 21, 108, 156 

Gauthier-Clerc M. 226 

Gazeau F. 92 

Gentil F. 276 

Georgalas V. 279 

Georgescu L. 100 

Gervais M. 12, 69 

Gervasoni E. 26, 248 

Ghezzo M. 23, 115, 200, 246 

Ghodbani T. 19, 139 

Gibert J. 91 

Gigi V. 287 

Gimona A. 14, 54 

Giordani G. 15, 26, 95, 117, 255, 261 

Giraud A. 20, 146 

Gissi E. 20, 143 

Gissi G. 77 

Goela P. 23, 195, 261 

Gomez E. 59, 186 

Gómez Criollo F. 274 

Gonzalez J.L. 63, 270 

González-Wangüemert M. 288 

Gorokhova E. 108 

Got P. 27, 113, 188, 262 

Gounaris S. 46 

Graille C. 295 

Grall J. 228 

Grémare A. 127, 207 

Gribsholt B. 92 

Grignon-Dubois M. 24, 28, 203, 205, 285, 286 

Grillas P. 150, 151 

Griniene E. 156 

Gros O. 278 

Grousset E. 280 

Guedri H. 61 

Guilhaumon F. 15, 55 

Guinand B. 121, 289 

Guyot C. 16, 106 

H 

Habes S. 260 

Hadj Mabrouk H. 206 

Hadjadji I. 76 

Hamdi N. 22, 184 

Hani A. 260 

Hansen T. 73 

Hatey E. 270 

Hatiris G. 70 

Hennani M. 24, 216 

Hermitte D. 116 

Hmida L. 256 

Hochard S. 26, 129, 237 

Höffle H. 75 

Höhener P. 18, 65 

Holmer M. 13, 75, 213 

Horst B. 112 

Hosni K. 27, 258 

Houhamdi M. 210 

Hu M.Y. 18, 120 

Hull V. 150, 151, 191 

Hulth S. 71 

Hussein C. 26, 250 

Huynh F. 141 

I 

Ibañez Martí C. 251, 252 

Icely J. 85 

Ivanova K. 15, 98 

J 

Jayaraju N. 25, 221 

Jeppesen E. 47 

Joassard L. 268 

Johnson A.R. 226 

Jørgensen C. 238 

Jouan M. 272 

Joux F. 64 

Jurate K. 234 

K 

Kalbassi M. 282 

Kara M.I. 249 

Kara M.H. 175, 289 

Karageorgis A. 25, 70, 232 

Karosiene J. 21, 158 

Kasperoviciene J. 158 

Kérouel R.231 

Kettab A. 267 

Khadija C. 216 

Khemaissia H. 22, 171 

Khodabandeh S. 28, 281, 282, 283 

Khodjet Kesba O. 27, 267 

Khosrow R. 28, 282 

Khouaki A. 23, 36, 189, 190, 192 

Kopp D. 273 

Koutsoubas D. 100 

Kramer I. 16, 112 

Krasakopoulou E. 232 

Kristiansen M.D. 213 

Kristensen E. 13, 73, 213 


INDEX l 

Krontira Y. 170 

Kucinskiene A. 234 

Kybranciene R. 160 

Kyriakidou H. 232 

L 

Laabir M. 24, 76, 203 

Laanaia N. 272 

Lafaye de Micheaux F. 24, 218 

Lafite R. 88 

Lahbib Y. 17, 62 

Laugier T. 29, 87, 134, 155, 194, 264, 268, 294, 295, 

303 

Lavesque N. 58 

Le Floc’h E. 23, 202, 269, 270 

Le Gall P. 128 

Le Moal G. 153 

Le Saux J.C. 109 

Le Viol G. 145 

Leboulanger C. 18, 64, 114, 270 

Lecacheux S. 69 

Lecat G. 218 

Leclére J. 280 

Lecomte-Finiger R. 123, 180 

Lefrancois C. 182 

Leger C. 206 

Lenfant P. 250 

Lenzi M. 13, 81 

Lepron C. 101 

Lequette C. 263 

Lesutiene J. 108 

Letourneur Y. 123 

Leynaert X. 102 

Li Z. 186 

Libourel T. 141 

Loiselle S.A. 21, 150, 151, 191 

Lomstein B. 95 

Longhi D. 93 

Lopes M. 27, 271 

López-Capel A. 26, 253 

Loubersac L. 141 

Loubet A. 151, 193, 259 

M 

Maamouri F. 176 

Maanan M. 258 

Macci E. 174 

Magni P. 107 

Malavasi S. 137, 177, 279 

Malet N. 23, 27, 134, 153, 194, 268, 294, 295 

Mammeria A.B. 24, 210 

Mancinelli G. 18, 125 

Maneja R. 120 

Manzanera M. 302 

Manzo C. 174 

Mara E. 255 

Marcos C. 161, 168, 183, 253, 288 

Marín Atucha A. 157, 275 

Marín Guirao L. 157 

Marriner N. 67 

Martin C. 124, 197 

Martins P. 271 

Marty C. 128 

Marty D. 263 

Mas S. 202, 269, 270 

Massabuau J.C. 127 

Masseret E. 76, 203 

Mathé S. 16, 26, 103, 247 

Mathevet R. 19, 133 

Mattassi G. 54 

Mauclert V. 145 

Maurer D. 207 

Maurice C.F. 28, 270, 290 

Mayer A. 116 

Mazzella N. 60 

Mazzola A. 241 

Melaku Canu D. 293 

Melzner F. 120 

Mémery L. 102 

Méndez F. 217 

Mercier L. 18, 124 

Mermillod-Blondin F. 91 

Merrah A. 22, 175 

Mesnage V. 12, 88 

Messiaen G. 268 

Metzger E. 229 

Michaud B. 102 

Michaud E. 25, 228 

Middelburg J. 92 

Missaoui H. 172 

Moal J. 128 

Moncheva S. 100 

Mongtruel R. 29, 303 

Moragues L. 134, 294, 295 

Morat F. 18, 123 

Moreau X. 242 

Morelli M. 132 

Moreno S. 15, 26, 94, 96, 199, 244 

Morhange C. 67 

Moriceau A. 102 

Mortreux S. 268 

Mosca L. 77 

Mossbauer M. 138 

Mostajir B. 110, 270 

Mouchet M. 26, 239 

Mouillot D. 48, 52, 55, 239 

Mouradi A. 240, 257 

Mouret A. 15, 97 

Munaron D. 18, 59, 63, 64, 134, 186, 194, 295 

Muñoz R. 96, 199 

Muñoz Camarillo G. 251, 252 

Muñoz-Jimenez R. 26, 245 

Mzoughi I. 15, 57 

N 

Naessens F. 118 

Nakou K. 46 

Naldi M. 16, 104, 117 

Nardine S. 112 

Nasri-Ammar K. 167, 171 

Naudet V. 118 

Nebra Costas A. 251, 252 

Negrete Cardoso M. 304 

Neumann T. 112, 138 

Newton A. 12, 85, 195, 261

INDEX l 

Niang I. 88 

Niazi S. 23, 36, 189, 190, 192 

Nicolaidou A. 51 

Nicolas J.L. 230 

Niell F.X. 15, 94, 96, 199, 236, 244, 245 

Nizzoli D. 93, 104 

Nogaro G. 15, 91 

Nonent M. 228 

Nouguier J. 202, 270 

Nuzzio D. 229 

O 

Obrador B. 12, 89 

Oheix J. 268 

Orbi A. 240, 257 

Orfanidis S. 14, 28, 46, 100, 224, 287 

Orlandin E. 77 

Osadczuk O. 99 

Ouanes K. 22, 181 

Oueslati A. 13, 90 

P 

Paesanti F. 255 

Panayotidis P. 224 

Papastergiadou E.S. 185, 225 

Papathanasiou V. 287 

Paris S. 180 

Parisot J.C. 116 

Paskauskas R. 158, 234, 291 

Pasqualini V. 131 

Pastor J. 250 

Pastoureaud A. 21, 153 

Pastres R. 293 

Patassini D. 77, 143 

Paxton H. 163 

Pecqueur D. 27, 269, 270 

Peinado R. 80 

Pelletier D. 250 

Pellizzato M. 200, 246 

Perez M. 29, 302 

Peréz-Agundez J.A. 303 

Pérez-Ruzafa I.M. 161 

Peréz-Ruzafa A. 22, 23, 115, 161, 168, 183, 201, 253, 

288 

Pergent P. 131 

Pernet F. 18, 128 

Perrin J.L. 113, 262 

Pete R. 20, 110, 202 

Petit M.64 

Philippon X. 102, 230, 231, 235 

Picazo A. 80 

Pichaud M. 193, 259 

Picon P. 20, 135 

Pierobon E. 117 

Pilkaityte R. 21, 93, 156, 160 

Pinazo C. 237 

Pinna M. 18, 126 

Pires A.21, 28, 163, 276 

Plisson B. 76 

Plokštiene D. 160 

Poirier D. 97, 118 

Polsenaere P. 97 

Poly F. 230 

Potenza L. 48 

Povilanskas R. 13, 79 

Pranovi F. 162, 254 

Pretus J.L. 89 

Pringault O. 129, 237 

Pujol D. 24, 215 

Q 

Quéré N. 18, 121 

Quignard J.P. 212, 289 

Quintana C.O. 73 

Quintana X.D. 47 

Quintino V. 163, 271, 276 

Quispe-Becerra J.I. 183 

R 

Rabiji H. 281 

Radakovitch O. 17, 116, 242, 243 

Radziejewska T. 15, 99 

Ragueneau O. 102, 228 

Raimonet M. 16, 102 

Raji O. 23, 36, 189, 190, 192 

Ramos Miranda J. 52, 274, 304 

Raymond M. 263, 296 

Razinkovas A. 93, 108, 119, 156, 160, 233 

Reizopoulou S. 14, 25, 51, 126, 224 

Rendón M.A. 226 

Rendón-Martos M. 226 

Rey-Valette H. 16, 103, 105, 141, 247 

Rezzonico B. 203, 285, 286 

Rhazi L. 21, 150, 151 

Rhazi M. 151 

Richard P. 182, 273 

Rieradevall M. 50, 223 

Rigaud S. 26, 242, 243 

Rigopoulos C. 154 

Rivera-Arriaga E. 29, 304 

Robert M. 123 

Robin M. 216, 258 

Robledano F. 183 

Rochelle-Newall E. 237, 270 

Rodier C. 113, 270 

Rodrigues A. 163, 276 

Rodriguez M.A. 68 

Rodriguez T. 19, 140, 297 

Rodríguez Climent S. 26, 251, 252 

Roffilli R. 81 

Romani M. 20, 145, 292 

Romdhane M.S. 256 

Romero J. 302 

Roncin Y. 243 

Roques C. 269, 270 

Rosain D. 188 

Rosati I. 21, 126, 164 

Roselli L. 223 

Rossetto L. 293 

Rossi C. 150 

Rossi F. 15, 92 

Rossin P. 54 

Roumagnac C. 27, 266 

Rouquette M. 203 

Roussel S. 303 

Ruiz-Nieto M. 23, 96, 199 


INDEX l 

S 

Saad Z. 257 

Sabatier P. 197 

Sahraoui I. 206 

Sahuquillo M. 301 

Saïd K. 205 

Sakho I. 88 

Sakka Hlaili A. 24, 206 

Salles C. 113, 270 

Salvo F. 18, 127 

Sanchez-Badorrey E. 12, 68, 217 

Sánchez-Jerez P. 168 

Sangiorgio F. 15, 100 

Sannadurgappa D. 13, 24, 84, 214 

Santos R. 280 

Saragoni G. 250 

Sasal P. 180, 187 

Sauriau P.G. 58 

Sautour B. 127, 207 

Schernewski G. 19, 112, 138, 142 

Schmidt S. 25, 101, 235 

Scroccaro I. 54 

Sellami R. 22, 178 

Serais O. 23, 109, 196, 264, 296 

Serra T. 215 

Serve L. 49, 208 

Sghaier Y.R. 152 

Shalovenkov N. 25, 227 

Silvestri S. 26, 200, 246 

Simboura N. 51, 224 

Simon G. 180 

Sioulas A. 232 

Sirot B. 78, 292 

Smith V. 87 

Snoussi M. 8, 12, 32, 36, 189, 190, 192 

Soetaert K. 102 

Solari D. 81 

Solidoro C. 293 

Soltankarimi S. 282 

Soria J.M. 29, 301 

Soteras G. 24, 204 

Souchu P. 87, 134, 155 

Souty-Grosset C. 171 

Störmer O. 19, 138 

Sucré E. 122, 280 

Sulcius S. 28, 156, 291 

Sundbäck K. 12, 71 

T 

Taglioro M. 228 

Taillade J.J. 147 

Taminskas J.79 

Tapie N.17, 60, 63 

Tessier B. 72 

Thomsen M.S. 75 

Thorin S. 29, 300 

Thouzeau G. 16, 74, 101, 235 

Tlig-Zouari S. 13, 82, 159 

Tognazzi A. 151, 191 

Torab M. 67 

Tornatore F. 117 

Torricelli P. 137, 162, 177, 254, 279 

Toubal A.C. 222 

Tougard C. 14, 53 

Tournoud M.G. 16, 113, 188, 262, 270 

Tramati C. 241 

Trigui El Menif N. 62, 173 

Trottet A. 16, 114, 270 

Troussellier M. 48, 110 

Tsiaga E. 46 

Tziortzis I. 185 

Tzovenis I. 21, 154, 170 

U 

Umgiesser G. 17, 115, 119, 200, 246 

V 

Valarié I. 29, 298 

Valarié P. 9, 19, 35, 43 

Valdemarsen T. 24, 213 

Valette F. 303 

Vallet-Coulomb C. 116 

Van De Steeg M.F.M. 107 

Van Der Velde G. 107 

VanRoye C. 69 

Vaquer A. 153, 155, 194 

Vasilopoulos K. 232 

Vazzoler N. 144 

Verdoit-Jarraya M. 250 

Vergara-Chen C. 28, 288 

Verney R. 111 

Verriopoulos G. 170 

Viaroli P. 17, 95, 104, 117 

Vidussi F. 202, 269, 270 

Villalovos Zapata G. 304 

Villéger S. 14, 52 

Vitorino Cristina S.C. 223 

Vizzini S. 26, 241 

Volatier L. 61 

Vouvé F. 49, 187, 208 

Vrana B. 60 

W 

Wawrzyniak-Wydrowska B. 99 

Y 

Yamamuro M. 8, 14, 32, 37 

Youbi C. 26, 249 

Youenou A. 231 

Z 

Zakhama-Sraieb R. 21, 152 

Zampieri L. 13, 77 

Zanon V. 209 

Zaouali J. 24, 211, 212 

Zemlys P. 119 

Zidane F. 240 

Zidane H. 26, 27, 240, 257 

Zilius M. 25, 93, 233 

Zoccari S. 68 

Zonyte A. 160 

Zourarah B. 258 

Zucchetta M. 137, 177

Notes 


NOTES l NOTES l 


NOTES l NOTES l 


320 l European Conference on Coastal Lagoon Research l Montpellier 2009 

GRAPHIC DESIGN : MINE DE RIEN 

© PHOTOS : Adena : R. Dupuy de la Grandrive / 

CEN-LR : N. Barré, M. Klesczewski, X. Rufray / Cépralmar / Ifremer / F. Maxant 

PRINT BY PURE IMPRESSION 

Ce document est imprimé avec des encres végétales 

sur du papier PEFC (certificat n° FCBA/08-008892) 

DECEMBER 2009

Contacts 

Coordination 

Rutger de Wit, ECOLAG Laboratory - UMR5119 UM2 - CNRS - Ifremer - IRD 

E-mail: rutger.de-wit@univ-montp2.fr 

Secretariat and technical organisation 

Nina Dumas-Rozoy, ECOLAG Laboratory - UMR5119 UM2 - CNRS - Ifremer - IRD 

E-mail: ndumasro@univ-montp2.fr / ecoclr@univ-montp2.fr 

Interface research-management 

Nabila Gaertner-Mazouni, BIOTEM Laboratory - University of French Polynesia 

E-mail: nabila.gaertner-mazouni@upf.pf 

Aurélien Daloz, Cépralmar 

E-mail: lagunes2009@cepralmar.org 

http://www.ecolag.univ-montp2.fr/lagoon-conference 

Sponsors and partnership 

MINE DE RIEN - © PHOTOS : ADENA : R. Dupuy de la Grandrive - CEN-LR : N. Barré, M. Klesczewski, X. Rufray - Cépralmar - Ifremer - F. Maxant

Research and management for the conservation of coastal lagoon ...

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?