Are the eastern and western basins of the English Channel two separate ecosystems?
Résumé
The English Channel is part of the ''Greater North Sea'' sub-region in the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. However, the Channel is characterized by hydrologic, oceanographic and biogeographic fea- tures that support its division into two main entities: the western basin and the eastern basin. This paper summarizes the Channel's main natural features and principal human activities to examine the similar- ities and differences between both basins. The differences between the basins support an ecosystem- based management approach at the combined basin scale, rather than the present approach of separating the France and UK sides.