Résumé: For the first time in Senegal, assessments based on both stochastic and deterministic production models were used to draw a global diagnosis of the fishing impact on coastal demersal stocks. Based one national fisheries databases and scientific trawl surveys data: (i) trends in landings since 1971 were examined, (ii) abundance indices of 10 stocks were estimated using linear models fitted to surveys data and commercial catch per unit efforts, and (iii) stock assessments were carried out using pseudo-equilibrium Fox and Pella-Tomlinson models and a Biomass dynamic production model fitted in a Bayesian framework to abundance indices. Most stocks have seen their abundance sharply declining over time. All stocks combined, results of stock assessments suggest a 63% reduction compared to virgin state. Three fifth of demersal stocks are overexploited and excess in fishing effort was estimated until 75% for the worst case. We conclude by suggesting that the fishing of such species must be regulated and an ecosystem approach to fisheries management should be implemented in order to monitor the whole ecosystem.

Résumé: The biodiversity crisis has spurred scientists to assess all facets of biodiversity so that stakeholders can establish protection programs. However, species that are perceived as beautiful receive more attention than less attractive species. This dynamic could have tremendous consequences on people's willingness to preserve biodiversity. Coral reefs might be particularly affected by this issue as they are key ecosystems that provide many services, such as aesthetic and cultural benefits attracting millions of tourists each year. Here we show the results of an online photographic questionnaire completed by 8,000 participants whereby preferences were assessed for a set of 116 reef fishes. Based on these preferences, we compared the functional richness, i.e. the amount of functional space filled, by groups of fishes based on their perceived attractiveness. We present evidence indicating that the least attractive coral reef fishes have a much higher functional richness than the most attractive species. Our results highlight the extent to which species aesthetic values' may be disconnected from their ecological values and could be misleading for conservation purposes. There is thus an urgent need to increase the attention of scientists and the general public towards less attractive species to better appreciate and protect the species that crucially support functional diversity in endangered ecosystems.