Management of infralittoral habitats: Towards a seascape scale approach

Abstract

This study highlighted that the management of coastal fish assemblages still requires to upgrade and involve not only the approach of controlling catches but also in addition the management of all the essential habitats frequented during the different stages in the life cycle of these species. On the basis of a specific case study, the nurseries of the Sparidae fishes of the genus Diplodus (white seabream) in the area of the Calanques National Park (Marseilles; north-western Mediterranean), the present article proposes a conceptual scheme to guide coastal managers in following a seascape scale approach while using the tools they dispose of. This case study furthermore enables us to make practical recommendations applicable to the statutory and contractual management of the whole of the Mediterranean coastal zone.