Jean-Charles Poulard

A new multivariate mapping method for studying species assemblages and their habitats: Example using bottom trawl surveys in the Bay of Biscay (France)

Abstract This new numerical approach proposes a solution to a fundamental and difficult question in ecology, consisting of the correct geographical representation of multidimensional structures. Firstly, transformation was applied to the original matrix (n sites x q variables) in order to satisfy the condition of multinormality. Then, a hierarchical cluster analysis was used and each hierarchical level was studied and characterised by a certain probability level. For each cut off level an algorithm based on the computation of the Bayesian probabilities produced a smaller matrix (n sites x c groups). These conditional probabilities measure the chance that each site has in belonging to a predefined group of sites. Spatial distributions of these probability values for each group of sites were mapped using kriging interpolation. Finally, the maps were used to define homogenous zones on a single map by superimposing one map on the other. The maximal value of interpolated probability was used as criterion to assign each point of the map to the zones predefined by this classification. This method was applied to map demersal fish habitats by using a dataset from bottom trawl surveys in the Bay of Biscay (France) during October 1990. The boundaries between habitats wae identitied objectively. Then, the indicator species and species assemblages characterising the different habitats were identitied by using an indicator value index. This index integrates the speciticity and the fidelity quantities calculated for each species in each habitat. The obtained results showed that this method presented a robust tool to describe the habitat of exploited species. The obtained habitats were validated by their correspondence with depth strata, sediment type and also by the biological characteristics of the indicator species. The proposed method is useful in the study of temporal variations of habitats with regards to species assemblages and can also be generalised to other multivariate databases of different descriptors (physical, chemical, biological, etc.).

Comparison between the life cycles of two Soleidae, the common sole, Solea solea, and the thickback sole, Microchirus variegatus, in the Bay of Biscay (France)

The life history of two Soleidae, the common sole, Solea solea, and the thickback sole, Microchirus variegatus, were compared in the Bay of Biscay in an attempt to set out factors which could explain settlement styles known to be different between juveniles of each species. Common sole juveniles had been shown to depend on coastal and estuarine nurseries, and the thickback sole to develop in open-sea nurseries, although the spawning grounds and spawning season of both species overlapped (offshore and at springtime, respectively). For this study, data on adult, juvenile and larva distributions were obtained from cruises carried out in the Bay of Biscay during the last decade. In addition, growth rate of larvae and planktonic interval duration, estimated by means of otolith increment analysis, were compared, as well as literature-derived information on behaviour of larvae. By comparing larval features, it appeared that thickback sole did not obtain the advantage of a slightly longer pelagic life span for an increased dispersal, due to an early shift to benthic behaviour. Other evidence was given by more specifically stated distributions that the further and deeper offshore spawning of M. variegatus, compared to S. solea, was a likely key-factor of the juvenile settlement process. This could explain why the thickback sole, contrary to the common sole, never reach coastal areas and thus settle offshore, in waters deeper than 30 m.

Interaction between marine populations and fishing activities: temporal patterns of landings of La Rochelle trawlers in the Bay of Biscay

Marine populations are distributed heterogeneously in space and time because of the diversity of habitats and the requirements of species life cycles. Human exploitation of these resources also varies as a function of space, time and the type of fishing activities performed. These three factors determine fishing strategy at different levels of integration. The purpose of this study was to describe and analyse, with respect to different time scales, the relations between the modalities of resource exploitation and the biological or demographic characteristics of the species involved. These investigations relate to the more general task of acquiring the basic knowledge needed for spatialised management of fishing effort. A fleet of trawlers from La Rochelle, operating in the Bay of Biscay, was studied over a 15-year period (1979‐1993), which led to the development of a reference resource exploitation scheme for these vessels. The degree of stability of this scheme over time was determined from landing profiles of the 18 most important species fished (94% of landings). An annual cycle for the species composition of landings was determined by multiple factor analysis. Two factors account for more than 55% of the inertia of the data. The first, of biological origin, is closely related to the breeding activity of species and associated migrations between the coast and the open sea. The second is spatial in nature, corresponding to the distribution and availability of resources according to a bathymetric gradient. This organisational scheme persisted over the first 13 years, but showed signs of change toward the end of the study period. Analysis of multi-year trends indicated four periods marked by sustained levels of landings per unit of effort for some species (decreasing for sole and wedge sole, or increasing for Norway lobster, striped red mullet, rays and the smallspotted catshark). These changes are attributable to restrictions on resource access imposed on the fleet (regulations and/or competition among the fishing gears for occupation of space), variations in the abundance of traditionally fished populations (hake, anglerfish) and changes in the professional behaviour of fishermen.