@article{fdi:010089473,
  title = {{S}easonal stratification leads to changes within the benthic food web of the {G}ulf of {L}ions (northwestern {M}editerranean)},
  author = {{C}harles, {F}. and {L}abrune, {C}. and {L}antoine, {F}. and {L}escure, {L}. and {M}unaron, {J}ean-{M}arie and {A}mouroux, {J}. {M}. and {L}abatut, {P}. and {L}e {L}oc'h, {F}ran{\c{c}}ois},
  editor = {},
  language = {{ENG}},
  abstract = {{D}ue to its extensive continental shelf, the {G}ulf of {L}ions, situated in the northwestern {M}editerranean {S}ea, plays a crucial role in providing ecological services amidst various natural and anthropogenic pressures. {E}xposed to the impacts of climate change and suitable for marine energy development projects, the conservation of marine biodiversity in this environment raises significant concerns. {T}o detect any potential disturbances in the functioning of the terrigenous mud community on the continental shelf, we conducted stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analyses on suspended particulate organic matter, sediments, and benthic fauna. {S}ince seasonality is a structuring factor for the functioning of such an oligotrophic ecosystem, we conducted two sampling campaigns in 2018 to capture contrasting scenarios of water column stratification - one in {A}pril during well -mixed conditions and high phytoplankton production, and another in {S}eptember at the end of the summer thermal stratification period characterized by low primary productivity. {S}table isotope analysis revealed changes in the structure of the benthic food web in response to seasonal stratification of the water column. {W}hile isotopic niches of taxa remained evenly distributed, the total niche space contracted between sampling dates, primarily affecting low trophic level consumers. {T}he observed contraction aligns with that reported at the base of the pelagic food web. {T}hese results enhance our understanding of the functioning of the continental shelf of the {G}ulf of {L}ions. {T}he intense trawling pressure on the study site affected sampling. {I}n this context, this research contributes not only to the knowledge of seasonal trophic variations but also provides a reference state to understand the future of this {M}editerranean continental shelf.},
  keywords = {{B}enthos ; {B}enthic-pelagic coupling ; {O}ligotrophy ; {T}hermocline ; {S}table isotope analysis ; {MEDITERRANEE} ; {GOLFE} {DU} {LION}},
  booktitle = {},
  journal = {{R}egional {S}tudies in {M}arine {S}cience},
  volume = {70},
  numero = {},
  pages = {103359 [11 ]},
  ISSN = {2352-4855},
  year = {2024},
  DOI = {10.1016/j.rsma.2023.103359},
  URL = {https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010089473},
}