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EMPAFISH Booklet no. 1 Ecological effects of Atlanto-Mediterranean MPAs in the EU The population of the MPA did not reveal any genetic differentiation compared to surrounding areas (Lenfant 1998). Comparing D. sargus genetic structure within Cerbère/Banyuls with unprotected sites, and with other MPAs – including other EMPAFISH case studies, such as Cabo de Palos and Tuscany archipelago, as well as control, unprotected sites (González Wangüemert et al. 2002, 2004; Pérez Ruzafa et al. 2006), it is observed that protected areas show significant higher allelic richness than unprotected sites. In parallel, islands showed lower level of heterozygosis and higher heterozygote deficit compared with coastal areas, making clear the importance of considering the connectivity processes when designing an MPA. 48 o Benthic assemblage The abundance and size structure of sea urchins (Paracentrotus lividus) have been compared between partial reserve and unprotected areas (Laspougeas 1994; Skaki 1997; Lecchini 1999) in relation with the fishing pressure (Binche 1987). Density of edible sea urchins (P. lividus) was three times higher within the marine reserve together with an average larger size inside the MPA. Similar approach was also undertaken for Mytilus galloprovincalis (Jacquet 1999) considering both the MPA effect together with the location and the accessibility. The result shows a larger size of individuals in the MPA, but the distribution is extremely biased by the accessibility of the mussels. � Fish movement (including spillover) A preliminary work was targeted into the determination of a biomass gradient through the MPA limits (Garcia-Charton & Planes 2002) considering the variability in the substratum. The result demonstrated a significant gradient in the southern areas and not in the northern, suggesting some export of biomass from the MPA. Within the CE project BIOMEX (http://biomex.univperp.fr), studies have been undertaken to test the hypothesis that spillover from MPAs to neighbouring areas should have as consequence the observation of gradients of fish biomass across boundaries. In Cerbère/Banyuls, this hypothesis is going to be tested by using UVC, baited video, collection of fish eggs and larvae by plankton nets, and experimental fishing as sampling techniques, following a sampling design including several sites inside the MPA plus other sites outside the MPA (to the North, and to the South). Results of these studies are being analysed at present. Tele-acoustic works are under development presently to investigate movement of grouper and sparidae, across the MPA boundaries. � Effects on habitat (including impact of divers) The MPA of Cerbère/Banyuls receives ca. 25,000 divers per year, this activity concentrating mostly in summer, and principally in 2 diving spots. Impact of divers on benthos are under survey by comparing, each year, the density of a series of benthic species selected as indicators (algae, sponges, cnidarians, echinoderms, bryozoans, polychaetes and ascidians) just before and after
EMPAFISH Booklet no. 1 Ecological effects of Atlanto-Mediterranean MPAs in the EU summer, in both partial (where diving is allowed) and integral reserve areas, using permanent transect approach. Specially, the white gorgonian Eunicella singularis is being monitored in terms of density and morphometric descriptors. Together with the survey of diver a survey of area surrounding the recreational free-diving walk is also monitored from year to year (Métivier 1996; Montagné 2000; Planque 2001). Finally, the activity of recreational fishing, partly permitted in the MPA is also surveyed (Démaret 2002). All these surveys started in 2004 and are now under process and some results should come out on better management issues. � Indirect effects Studies on the changing effects of Sarpa salpa on Posidonia oceanica beds are presently being conducted (Ferrari, unpublished data). First results are demonstrating that by protecting herbivory fish the MPA result in higher grazing on Posidonia, and the seagrass is reacting by developing larger underground structure to be able to produce more roots per individuals. Similar studies are in progress with sea-urchin as well. 49
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