Mutiparametric cable video-observatories can offer a great opportunity for the simultaneous monitoring of biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem, responding to the monitoring strategic needs of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). Here, we used images and oceanographic/atmospheric data provided by North- western Mediterranean OBSEA cabled observatory as EMSO shallow water (i.e. 20 m depth) testing-site to highlight seasonal variations in coastal fish assemblages and identify the key environmental drivers. Significant variation was observed in fish composition across the seasons of 2014 in response to wind direction, sun azimuth, air temperature, and chlorophyll a (i.e. recorded in situ and by satellite one month before the real observation). Our results highlight the importance and power of multiparametric biological and environmental monitoring on the benthopelagic coupling to rule temporal changes in coastal fish communities.

Peer Reviewed