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Abstract

The pelagic larval phase is a decisive step in the life history of coastal fish. This phase is considered as a milestone for the larval dispersal. Indeed, it is usually the only recruitment possibility for coastal species, because adult individuals are sedentary. This stage of fish life is not only crucial for the recruitment of individuals but also for structure and population dynamics. Therefore, it represents a real interest for marine biology and ecology research in a perspective of fundamental knowledge but especially for the management of fish resources. The work presented here is subject to a behavioral study on post-larvae of species found on the Corsican coast. The study site is located on the north east Corsican coast (Mediterranean Sea, France), near the urban area of Bastia. This site is considered because it is close to a natural reserve (Biguglia lagoon) and a Natura 2000 area, the "large Posidonia meadow". Samples are caught with non-destructive light traps and this study aims to obtain both, orientation data in the natural environment (in situ) with a tracking device, the DISC (Drifting in situ Chamber), developed by the University of Miami (Rosentiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science) and swimming ability and endurance data in laboratory, with a swimming chamber, developed by Loligo Systems�®. The collected data assess post-larval dispersal abilities fished on the Corsican eastern coast. This study comes in support of the work already underway on the subject, including the oceanographic observatory of villefranche-sur-Mer (France).

Biography

Amélie Rossi is a PhD Scholar in Marine Biology at the University of Corsica in the laboratory Stella Mare since October 2014. Her research focuses on the study of physical and behavioral capacities of young stages of Mediterranean coastal fishes (post-arval stage), along the Corsican east coast. Her area of expertise includes the study and analysis of the physical and behavioral capacities of Mediterranean coastal fish post-larvae along the north-eastern Corsican coast. Her work consists of fishing, following in the natural environment, and by experiments directed both in the laboratory and in the field. The purpose of these works is to improve the knowledge of the young stages of Mediterranean coastal fishes in order to better understand this stage of life, during which they migrate from the open sea where they hatched, to the coast where they will.

Email: rossi_a@univ-corse.fr Email: rossiamelie@gmail.com