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Article 3

Rov and submersible surveys on faunal assemblages in a deep-sea canyon (Rech Lacaze-Duthiers, Western Mediterranean Sea)

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A. Fiala-Medioni1*, T. Madurell2, P. Romans1, D. Reyss1, A. Pibot3, P. Watremez4, M. Ghiglione5, B. Ferrari5, R. Vuillemin1, P. Lebaron1
and the scientific teams of the “Minibex” and “Medseacan” cruises (2008-2009)
1 UPMC (Paris 6), Observatoire Océanologique de Banyuls-sur-Mer, UMR 7621, LOMIC, UMS 2348 and UMR 8222, LECOB, 66650 Banyuls-sur-Mer
2 Institut de Ciències del Mar, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003 Barcelona
3 Direction régionale de l’Environnement, de l’Aménagement et du Logement du Languedoc Roussillon, 520 allée Henry II de Montmorency, 34064 Montpellier, CS 69007, Cedex 02
4 Agences des Aires Marines Protégées, 42 quai de la Douane, 29200 Brest
5 Mission d’Etude du Parc Naturel Marin en Côte Vermeille, BP 5, Passage du Vieux Port, 66660 Port-Vendres
* Corresponding author: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

ABSTRACT. – 52 years after the first explorations in the Lacaze-Duthiers Canyon and the observation of living populations of cold-water corals, recent video surveys using deployments of the ROV “Super-Achille” and the submersible “REMORA” (COMEX), have allowed the discovery of new sites colonized by cold-water coral populations (Lophelia pertusa, Madrepora oculata, Dendrophyllia cornigera and Desmophyllum dianthus). Dense populations were observed, from 250 to 535 m, either on blocks or cliffs. The coral community consisted of a rich fauna of invertebrates including numerous sponges, brachiopods, echinoderms, oysters, ascidians and bryozoans as well as vagile cephalopods and fishes. Among the 51 identified species, 4 species are protected by the French regulation (corals), 13 species are cited in European directives 79/109/EEC (Art 4) and 92/43/EEC (Annex 2), 2 species are cited in the OSPAR convention and 15 are of commercial interest. Direct observations allowed also establishing an increase of anthropogenic wastes mainly related to fishing.

You are here: Volume 62 (2012) Issue 4 Article 3
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