New scientific publication

In 2016, Professor Patrice Francour, then Director of the marine ecology laboratory ECOMERS (now ECOSEAS), initiated a study of fish populations within the Larvotto Marine Protected Area (MPA).

A major goal was to identify the "reserve effect" (more species, larger sizes, and greater numbers), a tangible element aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of the protection and management measures in place.

This biannual monitoring, conducted through underwater visual surveys, provided information on the number, size classes, and species diversity of fish within the Larvotto MPA and allowed comparisons with unprotected sites in the surrounding area.

After Professor Patrice Francour's death in 2019, this study was continued by Dr. Alexis Pey, head of the consultancy Thalassa Marine Research & Environmental Awareness. The results showed that the reserve effect has indeed been present within the Larvotto MPA for many years. These findings were highlighted in a scientific publication in the ICES Journal of Marine Science. The article demonstrates that small MPAs, located in an urban context, can produce significant ecological benefits if well-managed and protected.

It also posthumously honors Professor Patrice Francour's commitment to marine biodiversity conservation.

The scientific publication is available at this link: Click here.

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The program is supported by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.

Photo Credit: Stéphane Jamme - Aquanaute Expertise.