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To assess the dynamics of seagrass beds, it is necessary to be able to compare their present day and former distribution patterns. In most cases, ancient data are available in the form of maps whose reliability must be estimated before comparison. In the study area (near Marseilles, France), a series of maps of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica beds spanning more than one century (dating from 1883, 1897, 1958, 1975, 1979, 1991 and 2000, respectively) are available. In addition, a new map was established, using aerial photography (shallow areas), side scan sonar (deeper areas) and data validation by ground truth. In order to help assess the value of the ancient maps, a Reliability Index (RI) is proposed. The RI, rated from 0 to 50, weighs three parameters: (i) the initial scale of the map (source map) and the working scale (target map); (ii) the method of data acquisition (e.g. dredges, grabs, aerial photography, side scan sonar, scuba diving); and (iii) the method of data georeferencing. Dramatic differences in the distribution of seagrass beds are apparent between the eight maps. In view of the biological features of P. oceanica (e.g. slow rate of change of the meadow limits under natural conditions and the persistence of rhizomes after its death), it is possible that some of these differences may not reflect change over time but may be due to errors in the ancient maps. In contrast, other differences are plausible and validated by field data, e.g. the regression of the lower limit of the meadow. It was thus possible to compare the calculated RI for each map and the plausibility of observed differences as a basis for calibrating the RI. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A shallow Mediterranean brackish lagoon (Urbinu, Corsica), 700ha in surface area, characterized by low freshwater input and permanent communication with the open sea, and therefore by relatively stable salinity (usually 30–38), was subject in late 1993 to an exceptional rainfall event occurring on an average once every 50 years: 450mm in 48h (compared to the average annual precipitation of 650mm). The volume of freshwater that poured into the lagoon corresponds to 36% of its volume. As a result, salinity dramatically dropped while turbidity increased. The seagrass Cymodocea nodosa and other habitats were mapped before (1990) and after (1994, 1996, 1999) the rainfall event, and the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus stock was estimated together with its population structure. In 1994, after the rainfall event, the surface area of seagrass meadows moderately declined, but it cannot be ruled out that this loss may be within their usual inter-annual fluctuations. The sea urchin stock dropped by 50% (6–3 million individuals). Low salinity, turbidity and siltation were probably the reasons for the changes in sea urchin population in addition to variability of dynamic population parameters (e.g. recruitment, mortality). The recovery of sea urchin stock was completed within a few years (six years or less). The high population dynamics and the high recruitment potential of sea urchins may act as a mechanism to maintain sea urchin populations in this highly variable habitat. These results reflect the resilience and high adjustment stability of the system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Abundance, population structure and production of the macro-invertebrates belonging to the functional feeding group of the shredders were studied in the Ichkeul wetland, northern Tunisia, from July 1993 to April 1994. Mean above-ground macrophyte biomass was at a maximum in September followed by a complete breakdown of the Potamogeton pectinatus L. meadow from October onward due to high salinity following an exceptionally dry winter. Only the meadow of Ruppia cirrhosa (Petagna) Grande at Tinja remained in place. Abundance of Gammarus aequicauda (Martynov 1931), Idotea chelipes (Pallas 1766) and Sphaeroma hookeri Leach 1814 was significantly related to the R. cirrhosa biomass. Gammarus aequicauda presented two recruitment periods in spring and autumn, and S. hookeri a third one in winter. The population of I. chelipes was renewed during winter by continued reproduction without any spring generation. Recruitment of all three species was not very successful during the study period. Life span of all three species was between 12 and 15 months. Despite their relatively low biomass and production rate, the shredders have a key function in processing macrophyte matter to different trophic levels through fragmentation and accelerating the decomposition of macrophyte biomass accumulated at the end of the growth season in the Ichkeul lagoon. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]