The seabed of the Côte Bleue offers a wide variety of landscapes and mosaic habitats (Posidonia meadow, coral reefs, caves) which are home to a high biodiversity and many species status. There are about 100 species of heritage interest included in the Bern and Barcelona Conventions and more than 60 animal species protected by international agreements, including 15 protected at the national level.
The Marine Park uses several complementary management tools such as the 2 protected reserves (295 ha) and the artificial reef production and protection reefs (4 900 m3), with the aim of sustainable management of resources and maintenance of resources. the biodiversity.
The Côte Bleue Marine Park (PMCB) is located between the bay of Marseille and the Gulf of Fos and occupies the coastal fringe of the Nerthe massif, a coastal line of 28 km for a 43 km coastline . The waters of the Blue Coast are characterized by significant upwellings, as well as alternating currents of East and West. PMCB has high ecological value and seascape and landscape quality, both terrestrial (creeks, cliffs, hills, scrubland, it is the 2nd largest area of the Conservatoire du Littoral in mainland France after the Camargue) and various seascape attriobutes (incl. Coralligenous coral reefs with gorgonians and red coral, rock scree, dry offshore) .
Major Site Values & Outcomes
PMCB offers a wide variety of seascapes and landscapes and mosaic habitats (Posidonia meadow, coral reefs, caves) which are home to high biodiversity. There are about 100 species of heritage interest included in the Bern and Barcelona Conventions and more than 60 animal species protected by international agreements, including 15 protected at the national level ( bottlenose dolphin, cetaceans, large mother-of-pearl, diadem sea urchin, etc.). In total, there are 6 marine generic habitats and 19 basic habitats in the PMCB of Annex I of the DHFF Habitats Directive.
Numerous scientific surveys highlight the reserve effect on fish populations , particularly significant abundance of target species, inside the reserve than outside; greater abundance of large carnivorous fish; greater species diversity, with 1.4 times more fish species in the Reserve than outside (2011-2016 survey); increase in reproductive successes of fish species benefits fishing on the periphery of the reserves.
EAGL statement:
Reviewer Statement
Verification of the conformity of the necessary documents (conformance of format and form) and availability in COMPASS.
Verification of consistency of document dates
Verification of good use of COMPASS Portal by EAGL
Verification of used of panorama and protected portal
First analysis done 05/07/2017 based on audio file of EAGL meeting of 20/06/2017 and sent by EAGL the 25/04/2017 and final validation 20/10/2018