Five years study of consequences of fluvial maintenance operations on the biodiversity in the Mareau-aux-Prés islands (Loire river, France)

Abstract : The Mareau-aux-Prés islands, along the Loire river are characterized by a multiple channel pattern, where natural limestone riffles influence the morphology and spatial distribution of vegetated islands, secondary channels and alluvial bars. Within these islands, in september 2012, the vegetation of the central 3 ha sandy-gravelly bar was uprooted and the bar level lowered in order to maintain the flow capacity of the river. A new sandy-gravelly bar appeared in spring 2013, ideal field support for studying long-term ecological issues. A multi-disciplinary research programme ('BioMareau'project) is currently being conducted from 2012 to 2019, focusing on biodiversity recolonization and on interactions and feedbacks between biotic and abiotic components.