It is the first Natural Marine Reserve in France, which extends over 650 ha of sea between Banyuls-sur-Mer and Cerbère. In the 1970s, its creation was vital to counteract the damage being done to the coast caused by tourism, fishing and pollution. Its mission was to protect endangered species, to help research, and to inform the public about the importance of the environment and sensibly promote the local economy. 30 years later, the fauna and the flora have recovered their richness and fecundity.
Over 1200 animal species and around 500 plant species have been described in the Natural Reserve. As far as the fauna is concerned the most frequent groups are the molluscs (gastropoda, bivalve), sponge species, the Polychaeta worms and fish. Among the flora, seaweeds are predominant but two other marine plants, endemic of the Mediterranean Sea are worth a mention: Posidonia oceanica and cymodocea. Amongst these species, 49 are registered as protected species under a national, european or international treaty.These species include: the posidonia oceanica, the red coral, the razor fish and the European date mussel, the flat lobster, the white skate, the great dolphin.
Located along the côte Vermeille at the foothills of the Albères mountains (foothills of the Pyrenees Chain) the natural reserve is situated between the « île Grosse » at the exit of the port of Banyuls-sur-Mer and the cape of Peyrefite near Cerbère. It stretches over 6.5 km of coastline with a width of 2 kms out to the sea therefore having a total surface area of 650ha of sea. The Côte Vermeille is 20 kms long from the Racou (south of Argelès-sur-Mer) to Cerbère (Spanish border). The coast is indented with numerous capes and coves of gravelly sand set between 30 to 100m high cliffs.
Major Site Values & Outcomes
Over 1200 animal species and around 500 plant species have been described in the Natural Reserve. For fauna, the most frequent groups are the molluscs (gastropoda, bivalve), sponge species, the Polychaeta worms and fish. For flora, seaweeds are predominant but two other marine plants, endemic of the Mediterranean Sea are present: Posidonia oceanica and cymodocea. Amongst these species, 49 are registered as protected species under a national, European or international treaty. These species include: the Posidonia oceanica, the red coral, the razor fish, the European date mussel, the flat lobster, the white skate, the great dolphin.
Monitoring conducted on target species (groupers, corbs, sars drums, large mother-of-pearl) has shown a significant increase in populations. The latest results show a grouper population of more than 600 individuals (just over 420 individuals in 2014). All of these studies carried out by the public sector and by service providers confirmed the “reserve effect” and its associated effects (cascade effect, refuge effect).
EAGL statement
–The completion of the evaluation of the plan management through indicators was based on 38 years of management and over 10 years of field experience for some members of the team. It allowed the EAGL to have a realistic view of the level of effective management of the RNMCB. While this evaluation demonstrates the high level of the management of the RNMCB, it registers the RNMCB into a continuous improvement approach for years to come. By developing the evaluation method the management body demonstrates its ability to adapt and innovate and aims to be a modern Marine Protected Area. The final conclusions of the evaluation of management effectiveness are a resume of all indicators and metrics and inform on the overall level of achievement for all management objectives. The conclusion indicates a “good” level of the management of the RNMCB (see p. 76 of the book 1 of the evaluation in mean of verification). Finally, this evaluation is an opportunity to pay tribute to officers of the RNMCB who have made and perform every day an exceptional job with determination and unwavering motivation.
Reviewer Statement
Physical presence at the meeting of 14/09/2018.
Verification of the report of site visit (see on COMPASS PORTAL “Mission d’évaluation de la candidature de la Réserve Naturelle Marine de Cerbère Banyuls Jérémy PASTOR Date de la mission : 21 septembre 2018
