The bay of La Garonne, a thriving ecosystem!
In recent months, the Aquabulles association has carried out a flora and fauna inventory of the La Garonne underwater trail area.
The results of this inventory, carried out with the help of a dozen volunteers and two work-study ecology students, Anaïs Casanova and Morgan Moncelet, made it possible to identify sensitive or threatened species and demonstrate the importance of actions implemented by the Ville and local associations (establishment of a permanent ZIEM and a ban on underwater hunting).
50 SPECIES LISTED 'This constitutes an essential step in assessing the health status of the ecosystem of the bay of La Garonne and its underwater trail. It is also a tool that highlights the underwater trail area by shedding light on the richness of its biodiversity, with major challenges such as the Dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) or Posidonia (Posidonia oceanica) and the ecological richness of the underwater trail area, located in the bay. The diversity of species observed remains a positive indicator of the health of the ecosystem.'
to inform local stakeholders for a shared management of the underwater trail, by promoting both its ecological dimension and its appeal for educational and sustainable leisure activities,' specifies Xavier Lamoureux of the Aquabulles association.
The observations made it possible to identify 19 flora and fauna species on the seabed of the underwater trail. They also made it possible to record 37 different fauna and flora species. Coordinators of these operations, Anaïs Casanova and Morgan Moncelet detail their work: 'The focus was placed on pelagic species, but all species seen and identified were recorded.'
These observations demonstrated the presence of species 'This inventory, carried out every year by Aquabulles, complements the research and eradication operations of any regrowth of caulerpa taxifolia, carried out each autumn by the diving club of Le Pradet.
We love our bay and we protect it. Thank you to all the volunteers and associations for their commitment alongside us,' declared Jean-Marc Illich, municipal councillor delegated to the environment.
Photos PRESSE AGENCE.