Ecosystem approach of artificial reef through trophic web modelling

Abstract Along the French coast of Atlantic and English Channel in a high tidal regime, only limited number Artificial Reefs (ARs) had been immerged very few localities aim to increase local production fisheries such hard artificial substratum. Moreover, ARs design have planned diversity, abundance biomass benthic species associated hard-bottom. Does deployment structure improve ecological functioning on equipped areas? Trophic models describing interaction between at different trophic levels based quantification energy flow matter ecosystems are able respond this question. They allow application numerical methods for characterization emergent properties ecosystem, also called Ecological Network Analysis (ENA). Usually, these indices proposed as ecosystem health indicators they demonstrated be sensitive impacts marine ecosystems. Here, Ecopath composed 23 compartments, from phytoplankton mammals, built describe situation “Before” “After” implantation two areas: Rade Cherbourg central part along coast, south Bay Biscay Landes coast. In addition, ENA calculated periods, “before” “after” reefs compare network overall structural web properties. both areas, fish compartments insure an system maturity; nevertheless, surge planktinovorous fishes AR showed protection role than changes planktonic preys.