Overseas coral reefs and seagrasses - Developing WFD bioassessment tools
In the overseas territories (Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte and Réunion Island), a number of bioassessment tools have been developped to inform on the ecological status of rivers. The idea was to develop similar methods for coral reefs and beds of phanerogams (seagrass), as major issues are involved in the conservation and protection of these emblematic ecosystems. But in terms of the specific water framework directive (WFD) needs, can coral reefs and seagrasses serve as indicators suited to assessing the ecological status of water bodies? The development of such tools represents a scientific challenge given the paucity of available knowledge on the ecology and functioning of these tropical ecosystems, and the relative lack of experience in their assessment.
The Seagrass and reef benthos national work group was set up in 2011 to collectively provide science advice on the topic. This document sums up the discussions and work of the group from 2011 to 2014.
Récifs coralliens et herbiers des outre-mer. Réflexions autour du développement d’outils de bioindication pour la directive cadre sur l’eau | Meetings recap | August 2016
Les récifs coralliens et les herbiers peuvent-ils fournir des indicateurs biologiques adaptés à l'évaluation de l'état écologique des masses d'eau ? Cet ouvrage synthétise les discussions et actions menées entre 2012 et 2014, lors de séminaires et missions de terrain, par le groupe de travail national DCE « Herbiers et benthos récifal ».