Knowledge of the biological characteristics and the population dynamics is virtually wanting for many species of marine invertebrates, even relevant species because of their abundance or key role in benthic communities. The study of the vulnerability of species and ecosystems also requires an in-depth knowledge of their biology.

Our group has a long experience in the study of demographic parameters and reproductive cycles in sponges, ascidians, mollusks, and echinoderms. These studies imply monitorings of several years of the concerned populations, yet they produce valuable information necessary to know the biology of keystone species in the ecosystems. This information is also necessary for the management of species of interest (e.g., species commercially exploited, invasive species, producers of bioactive compounds…)