In the frame of the COST ACTION ‘EMBOS’ (Development and implementation of a pan-European Marine Biodiversity Observatory System), coverage of intertidal macroalgae was estimated at a range of marine stations along the European coastline (Subarctic, Baltic, Atlantic, Mediterranean). Based on these data, we tested whether patterns in macroalgal diversity and distribution along European intertidal rocky shores could be explained by a set of meteo-oceanographic variables. The variables considered were salinity, sea surface temperature, photosynthetically active radiation, significant wave height and tidal range and were compiled from three different sources: remote sensing, reanalysis technique and in situ measurement. These variables were parameterized to represent average conditions (mean values), variability (standard deviation) and extreme events (minimum and maximum values). The results obtained in this study contribute to reinforce the EMBOS network approach and highlight the necessity of considering meteo-oceanographic variables in long-term assessments. The broad spatial distribution of pilot sites has allowed identification of latitudinal and longitudinal gradients manifested through species composition, diversity and dominance structure of intertidal macroalgae. These patterns follow a latitudinal gradient mainly explained by sea surface temperature, but also by photosynthetically active radiation, salinity and tidal range. Additionally, a longitudinal gradient was also detected and could be linked to wave height.

Examining how variability in population abundance and distribution is allotted among different spatial scales can inform of processes that are likely to generate that variability. Results of studies dealing with scale issues in marine benthic communities suggest that variability is concentrated at small spatial scales (from tens of centimetres to few metres) and that spatial patterns of variation are consistent across ecosystems characterized by contrasting physical and biotic conditions, but this has not been formally tested. Here we quantified the variability in the distribution of intertidal rocky shore communities at a range of spatial scales, from tens of centimetres to thousands of kilometres, both in the NE Atlantic and the Mediterranean, and tested whether the observed patterns differed between the two basins. We focused on canopy-forming macroalgae and associated understorey assemblages in the low intertidal, and on the distribution of Patella limpets at mid intertidal levels. Our results highlight that patterns of spatial variation, at each scale investigated, were consistent between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, suggesting that similar ecological processes operate in these regions. In contrast with former studies, variability in canopy cover, species richness and limpet abundance was equally distributed among spatial scales, possibly reflecting the fingerprint of multiple processes. Variability in community structure of low intertidal assemblages, instead, peaked at the largest scale, suggesting that oceanographic processes and climatic gradients may be important. We conclude that formal comparisons of variability across scales nested in contrasting systems are needed, before any generalization on patterns and processes can be made.

Coastal ecosystems are highly complex and driven by multiple environmental factors. To date we lack scientific evidence for the relative contribution of natural and anthropogenic drivers for the majority of marine habitats in order to adequately assess the role of different stressors across the European seas. Such relationship can be investigated by analysing the correlation between environmental variables and biotic patterns in multivariate space and taking into account non-linearities. Within the framework of the EMBOS (European Marine Biodiversity Observatory System) programme, hard bottom intertidal communities were sampled in a standardized way across European seas. Links between key natural and anthropogenic drivers and hard bottom communities were analysed using Boosted Regression Trees modelling. The study identified strong interregional variability and showed that patterns of hard bottom macroalgal and invertebrate communities were primarily a function of tidal regime, nutrient loading and water temperature (anomalies). The strength and shape of functional form relationships varied widely however among types of organisms (understorey algae composing mostly filamentous species, canopy-forming algae or sessile invertebrates) and aggregated community variables (cover or richness). Tidal regime significantly modulated the effect of nutrient load on the cover and richness of understorey algae and sessile invertebrates. In contrast, hydroclimate was more important for canopy algae and temperature anomalies and hydroclimate separately or interactively contributed to the observed patterns. The analyses also suggested that climate-induced shifts in weather patterns may result in the loss of algal richness and thereby in the loss of functional diversity in European hard bottom intertidal areas.

Within the COST action EMBOS (European Marine Biodiversity Observatory System) the degree and variation of the diversity and densities of soft-bottom communities from the lower intertidal or the shallow subtidal was measured at 28 marine sites along the European coastline (Baltic, Atlantic, Mediterranean) using jointly agreed and harmonized protocols, tools and indicators. The hypothesis tested was that the diversity for all taxonomic groups would decrease with increasing latitude. The EMBOS system delivered accurate and comparable data on the diversity and densities of the soft sediment macrozoobenthic community over a large-scale gradient along the European coastline. In contrast to general biogeographic theory, species diversity showed no linear relationship with latitude, yet a bell-shaped relation was found. The diversity and densities of benthos were mostly positively correlated with environmental factors such as temperature, salinity, mud and organic matter content in sediment, or wave height, and related with location characteristics such as system type (lagoons, estuaries, open coast) or stratum (intertidal, subtidal). For some relationships, a maximum (e.g. temperature from 15–20°C; mud content of sediment around 40%) or bimodal curve (e.g. salinity) was found. In lagoons the densities were twice higher than in other locations, and at open coasts the diversity was much lower than in other locations. We conclude that latitudinal trends and regional differences in diversity and densities are strongly influenced by, i.e. merely the result of, particular sets and ranges of environmental factors and location characteristics specific to certain areas, such as the Baltic, with typical salinity clines (favouring insects) and the Mediterranean, with higher temperatures (favouring crustaceans). Therefore, eventual trends with latitude are primarily indirect and so can be overcome by local variation of environmental factors.

The amphipod genus Aoroides is reported for the first time in European marine waters. Specimens of Aoroides semicurvatus and Aoroides curvipes were collected in oyster reefs in Arcachon Bay between 2009 and 2014 and in Hossegor Lake in 2014 (SW France). Specimens of Aoroides longimerus were collected in 2013 and 2014 in subtidal slipper limpet beds and Zostera marina meadows in Arcachon Bay and in 2014 on floating pontoons in the Bay of Brest (W France). These species, native to Asia, may have been accidentally introduced in Arcachon Bay and Hossegor Lake with oyster transfers and in the Bay of Brest through both oyster transfers and shipping.

A new species of Ampharetidae, Anobothrus amourouxi sp. nov., has been identified from bathyal depths of the Capbreton Canyon, Bay of Biscay (NE Atlantic Ocean). This new species is characterized by inner branchiae with transversal ciliated ridges, notochaetae from modified eighth thoracic unciniger with hirsute tips, uncini from thoracic unciniger with 6–7 teeth in lateral view arranged in two vertical rows in frontal view, fused segments II + III with paleae from SII and reduced notopodia without chaetae from SIII. An identification key for all hitherto described species of the genus Anobothrus is provided.

The Asian date mussel Musculista senhousia, previously recorded from the Pacific coast of North America, Australasia and the Mediterranean, is reported for the first time from the Atlantic coast of Europe in Arcachon Bay, where it occurs intertidally and to depths of 5 m. It has been present in Arcachon Bay since 2002 and has since been found in 2006 within two further inlets of the Bay of Biscay, Hossegor Lake and the Bidasoa estuary. Their appearance is probably associated with oyster transfer from Thau lagoon in the Mediterranean Sea to Arcachon Bay.

The mudsnail Hydrobia ulvae, primary host to a number of digeneans, was studied to check whether parasite effects on individual hosts could have repercussion on population size structure and dynamics. Three different mudsnail populations were monitored monthly in Arcachon Bay, south-west France. Arguin is a moderately sheltered oceanic sandflat and a bird reserve, La Canelette is a sheltered sandflat near a harbour and Lette Douce is a sheltered salt marsh. Parasite prevalence differed among the three stations, with no obvious seasonal pattern: 0–16% at Arguin, 0–6% at La Canelette and 1–5% at Lette Douce. Between four and five digenean species were identified, with Haploporidae dominating at Arguin and Notocotylidae dominating at Lette Douce. Prevalence increased with snail shell height. Large snails from Arguin were heavily parasitized, but suddenly disappeared between December 1998 and January 1999. The snail size distribution was consequently modified. To test whether digenean-induced mortality could be involved, a 50-d laboratory experiment was performed. Mudsnails hosting digeneans with rediae (as Haploporidae or Heterophyidae) displayed significantly higher mortality rates than mudsnails hosting sporocysts (as Microphallidae) or healthy mudsnails. The present study demonstrates that digenean parasites induce population structure changes and shorten lifespan of mudsnails, through increasing size-dependent mortality.

The common cockle Cerastoderma edule is intermediate host to several species of digenean trematodes. However, little is known about the factors influencing the settlement of trematode larvae in cockles as well as their effects on the host. Aspects of the transmission ecology, behaviour and effects on juvenile host specimens of trematode larvae belonging to the genus Himasthla and utilizing mudsnails Hydrobia ulvae as their first intermediate host and various waterbirds as their definitive host have been studied. Cercariae of Himasthla spp. (more than 90% of the metacercariae were identified as H. continua post-experimentally) exhibited a host size-dependent selection within the host size range from 2 to 6 mm. Infection efficiency was reduced by the presence of substratum allowing cockles to burrow, suggesting that the foot and visceral region may be attacked by cercariae. No increased mortality due to parasite infections could be demonstrated within 5 d after infestation. The metacercariae within experimentally infected cockles were primarily located in the connective tissue within the foot and visceral region. Although some cockles were completely filled with metacercariae only small functional effects were detected, such as a slightly prolonged burrowing time of infected specimens.

Le cycle sexuel de Cerastoderma edule a été étudié durant l'année 1987 sur plusieurs sites le long du littoral atlantique français, de la baie de Somme au bassin d'Areachon. Cette étude vise à définir les modalités de la ponte et les facteurs qui la régissent, afin d'identifier à ce niveau, les causes de la variabilité du recrutement. Dans ce but, une méthode commune est mise en œuvre. Elle repose essentiellement sur la reconnaissance des stades de maturité sexuelle et sur les fluctuations de l'indice de condition. Les pontes peuvent être : précoce, printanière, estivale ou tardive, et, selon leur nombre et leur importance, variables selon les sites. La première ponte apparaît toujours en réponse au stimulus thermique qui correspond, au printemps, à l'amélioration des conditions climatiques et trophiques. A l'intérieur de l'espace latitudinal défini, il n'apparaît pas de net gradient au niveau des pontes, ce qui démontre que celles-ci ne sont pas déclenchées par une valeur définie de la température. L'efficacité de la ponte printanière est liée à une valeur seuil de l'indice de condition. Le nombre et l'intensité des pontes estivales et automnales sont fonction de l'importance de la ponte printanière. Il en résulte une forte variabilité dans les conditions de recrutement. Dans l'optique recherchée, certains principes prédictifs peuvent cependant être avancés.