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Importance of marine reserves for the population dynamics of groupers (Epinephelinae) in the Western Mediterranean

TitleImportance of marine reserves for the population dynamics of groupers (Epinephelinae) in the Western Mediterranean
Publication TypeConference Proceedings
Year of Publication2007
AuthorsBayle-Sempere J, Ody D, Harmelin-Vivien M, Garcia-Charton J-A, Charbonnel E, Diréac'h LL, Pérez-Ruzafa A, Valle C, Sanchez-Jerez P, Renones O
Journal2nd Symposium on Mediterranean Groupers
PublisherFrancour,P.; Gratiot,J.
Conference LocationNice
Keywordsbiomass, buffer zone, Cabo de Palos-Islas Hormigas, Cabrera, dusky, Epinephelus caninus, Epinephelus costae, Epinephelus marginatus, fish, fish abundance, France, indicator, marine protected area, Medes, Mediterranean sea, Mycteroperca rubra, no-take area, population, protected area, protection effectiveness, serranidae, size, Spain, species richness, Tabarca, transects, visual census, western Mediterranean, zoning
Abstract

In order to assess the importance of marine reserves on the population structure of groupers in the Western Mediterranean, abundance and size of Epinephelinae were recorded by visual censuses in six marine protected areas (MPAs): Carry-le- Rouet and Banyuls in France, Medes, Cabo de Palos, Cabrera and Tabarca in Spain.Four species of Epinephelinae were recorded, Epinephelus caninus (Valenciennes, 1843), E.costae (Steindachner, 1878), E. marginatus (Lowe, 1834) and Mycteroperca rubra (Bloch, 1793). The dusky grouper E. marginatus was by far the most abundant species. Significant negative gradients of abundance and biomass of groupers were observed in Cabo de Palos, Cabrera and Tabarca. Species richness and abundance of groupers were higher in the 3 southern MPAs.Eventually, a significant positive relationship was evidenced in all MPAs between grouper abundance and the abundance of other fishes. Therefore, grouper abundance could be viewed as an indicator which testified to the "good health" and stability of fish community, as advocated by Goeden (1982).

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