Gulf of Gabes - Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries

Many studies have been dedicated to the exploration of fishing impact on the Gulf of Gabes, which is the most studied and documented area of Tunisia. However, none of these studies have been related to an Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries. Recently, a study within this framework was conducted in order to explore the impact of fishing gears on the ecosystem of the Gulf of Gabes using functional traits. Indeed, it is now recognized that functional considerations are more relevant than taxonomic considerations because they lead to the identification of the role or function of a species in an ecosystem.

A functional diagnosis of the Gulf of Gabes has been established and functional groups targeted by each fishing method were identified. The objective of this study was to provide managers with a new point of view on the Gulf of Gabes diversity and the impact of fishing other than by a simple taxonomic inventory of catch composition.

A clear indication of "Fishing down marine food webs" was also detected by redrawing the temporal evolution of the mean trophic level of catches. Currently, a trophic model of the Gulf of Gabes is under construction.