Résumé
Coastal zones are subjected to cumulative human pressure and it is necessary to protect and manage these productive and sensitive marine ecosystems. Artificial Reefs (AR) are relevant tools to overcome these challenges. AR were originally used for fisheries purposes, however for nearly a decade they have also been used in ecological engineering in order to restore specific habitat functionalities. In the meantime, they are also employed to manage human activities e.g.: eco-mooring, as a substitute for natural reefs for diving activities. The review of the latest projects on the French Mediterranean coast shows that apart from the ecological and management objectives, AR are also social tools that could help to enlarge an integrated approach of an ecosystem-based management. Their assessments will have to take into account the entire social-ecological system by using a systemic approach.