Harvesting effects on tropical invertebrate assemblages in New Caledonia Jimenez, H. /Dumas, Pascal Bigot, L. /Ferraris, Jocelyne Marine benthos Fishery Coral reef Seagrass MPA Despite the importance of invertebrate resources for Pacific coral reef islands, few studies have specifically addressed the effects of harvesting on invertebrate assemblages including targeted and non-targeted species. The impacts of recreational harvesting on reef and seagrass invertebrate assemblages in New Caledonia (South Pacific) are investigated by comparing communities in non-MPA and MPA areas. Sampling was done using a standard core method on seagrasses and by visual survey along belt transects on reefs. A total of 371 species were recorded, 174 on seagrasses and 254 on reefs, with 57 common species. Reef and seagrass invertebrate communities were very different in MPA and non-MPA areas. On both habitats, MPAs were identified as undisturbed areas while non-MPAs were defined as moderately disturbed with a predominance of small-sized and opportunistic species. Fishing not only affects target species but also non-target species through secondary effects. These results highlight the necessity of a community based approach for the conservation of resources in tropical poorly known environments. 2015 text https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010064177 fdi:010064177 Jimenez H., Dumas Pascal, Bigot L., Ferraris Jocelyne. Harvesting effects on tropical invertebrate assemblages in New Caledonia. 2015, 167, 75-81 EN NOUVELLE CALEDONIE PACIFIQUE SUD