The Rebent Network
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The Rebent Network
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REBENT : a new monitoring network. Strategy and operational implementation The REBENT ("benthic network") network was implemented to meet the increasing demand in terms of description and monitoring of the benthic habitats and of their biodiversity in the intertidal and shallow bottom areas. The strategy and means required for such a new monitoring network were defined during the period 2001-2002. This programme was initiated within an European frame based on new regulations (Habitats Directive, Water framework Directive). The French Ministry for Ecology and Sustainable Development (MEDD) entrusted Ifremer with the coordination of this project. The first operational actions started on the breton coastline (chosen as a pilot before extension to the whole French coastal area) in 2003. This network aims to acquire a minimal and consistent knowledge on coastal benthic habitats, and to constitute a watch detecting their evolutions at various time and spatial scales (in particular in terms of spatial extension or regression, and of biodiversity). Georeferenced maps describing their distribution and biological characteristics, as well as qualitative and quantitative evolution indicators will thus be drawn and regularly updated. A preliminary study led on the Breton pilot in 2001 and 2002 enabled the definition of the several tools and technics required by such a network both for intertidal and subtidal environments ; they were successfully tested during the first field operations in 2003. Ensuring the transposition of this approach, initially developed in Brittany, to the other French coasts (eastern English Channel, Bay of Biscay and the Mediterranean) implies the multiplication of contacts with future scientific partners and with national and regional institutions (DIREN, Regions, Water Authorities). Preliminary studies will soon be started on the eastern English Channel and in the Mediterranean to state the existing knowledge, the specificities of these coastal areas, and the operational devices that are available.
In terms of international relations, Ifremer joined the European Network of Excellence in Marine Biodiversity (MARBEF) and is now taking part to the harmonization and optimization of the habitats mapping protocols and their associated typologies for North West Europe (Interreg III B / MESH European programme). More information available on : http://www.ifremer.fr/rebent (French)
Contact : IFREMER Dominique HAMON Email : Dominique.Hamon@ifremer.fr |
  
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