10 Dynamics and human impact in the bay of biscay:An ecological perspective

摘要: Publisher Summary Geographically, the Bay of Biscay constitutes a geomorphological unit characterised by presenting break in north-south direction eastern Atlantic's continental margin. This produces an inlet coastal topography occupying surface area approximately 175,000 km2. The margin has been inhabited since prehistoric times and nowadays region population density average EU (113 inhabitants per km 2) showing clear increasing trend. Living marine resources exploited include wide range organisms, from seaweeds to molluscs whales. Retrospective analyses on human uses have demonstrated harvesting gastropods other intertidal animals Palaeolithic (17,000 BP). Descriptive aspects Biscay, both French Spanish margins, extensively studied, it is possible recognize general patterns circulation, annual cycles planktonic communities, distribution demersal pelagic fish populations. chapter gives description dynamics focusing particular factors that are natural sources variability activities cause environmental degradation alter ecosystem.