Climate change represents a growing pressure on biological diversity. In particular, with Mediterranean ecosystems, which host rich and fragile biodiversity, being particularly vulnerable. The Mediterranean Sea is characterized by a distinct climate, featuring four contrasting seasons and considerable interannual variability. This study investigates the impact of climate change on the marine environment and explores potential adaptation strategies. Our research emphasizes the pivotal role of geographic information system (GIS) techniques in evaluating the impacts of climate change on marine biodiversity. By focusing exclusively on GIS results, we aim to provide a focused framework for understanding spatial variations and supporting conservation strategies in the region
The reproductive cycle of the European clam Ruditapes decussatus reared in suspended double-net trays in the Oualidia Lagoon was investigated from October 2017 to February 2019. This study aimed to characterize gonadal development through histological analysis, gonadal index assessment, and the biochemical composition of key macromolecules (proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates) over an annual cycle. The results revealed that R. decussatus undergoes a prolonged spawning period from April to December, with a peak in October when 100% of the population reached the maturation stage (stage IIIA). A sexual rest phase was observed between November 2017 and December 2017. An overall sex ratio of 1:0.8 was observed, indicating a slight female bias, with no significant deviations. Statistical analyses highlighted a correlation between the gonadal index and seawater temperature, suggesting that temperature plays a crucial role in regulating reproductive activity. Biochemical analyses showed that proteins were the predominant macromolecule in clam tissues, followed by lipids and carbohydrates. Seasonal variations in biochemical composition were observed; however, no direct correlation was found between biochemical compound levels and the gonadal index (p > 0.05). These findings provide valuable insights into the reproductive biology of R. decussatus under suspended aquaculture conditions, contributing to improved management and optimization of farming practices.
Small pelagic species play a crucial role in Morocco’s fishery sector, contributing significantly to total catches and production. Their contribution is also vital in ensuring food security, employment, and supporting the country’s economy. Accurately estimating their biomass and abundance, as well as monitoring their spatial and temporal variations, are essential for sustainable management. To achieve this, multiple research vessels equipped with echosounders collect acoustic and environmental data along the Moroccan continental shelf each year. Currently, experienced operators manually process and analyze this data to classify fish species and estimate their biomasses, but this approach is time-consuming and subject to individual interpretation. Furthermore, isolating fish species echoes from bottom echoes has always been challenging, as bottom echoes can significantly inflate fish biomass estimates.In this study, we propose a scalable pipeline that combines TensorFlow data generators with a deep learning-based U-Net architecture to classify acoustic categories from echograms. While the initial aim was to classify among all the available acoustic categories, the heavy class imbalance led us to merge them into two broader classes: ‘Probable-Fish’ and ‘Background’, which includes seabed, plankton, zooplankton, and open water. The model achieved promising results, with a classification score performance of an F1-score of 0.7266. The proposed pipeline yields results comparable to previous studies, while requiring less computational overhead, offering improved memory optimization, and enabling scalable training on medium-capacity machines.
This study assesses the ecosystem services provided by algae and seagrass species structuring the lagoonal ecosystems along the Moroccan Atlantic coast, with a focus on the Oualidia Lagoon. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify and evaluate the contributions of key native species (Gracilaria gracilis, Ulva spp., Cystoseira humilis, Fucus spiralis, and Zostera noltei) and the invasive species Sargassum muticum to Marine and Coastal Ecosystem Services (MCES). A semi-quantitative approach was applied to integrate the functional and spatial value of each species into the overall assessment of MCES. Results indicate that 70–85% of potential services are documented, with native species mainly contributing to regulating and supporting services, while S. muticum shows a negative impact on about 43% of them. Current exploitation remains limited, except for agar-agar extraction from Gracilaria, confirming the low use of provisioning services. Overall, 25–30% of potential services are underutilized, aligning with the Ramsar site’s emphasis on sustainable use. Promoting native algae cultivation could enhance local economic and ecological outcomes while contributing to multiple SDGs, including food security, climate action, and biodiversity conservation.
This study investigates, for the first time, the valorization of green algae residues as a soil biofertilizer. The effect of Codium sp. seaweed residue, obtained from chemical hydrolysis, was assessed on the aerial growth, root development, and yield of Phaseolus vulgaris L. Various combinations of algae residue and compost were tested to optimize the residue quantity. Compost was used to prevent clogging caused by the direct addition of residue. Five concentrations of residue (0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%) were combined with four compost doses (0%, 4%, 8%, and 12%), resulting in 16 combinations tested on 96 plants, with six replicates per treatment. The results indicate that the residue positively impacted growth and yield up to 4%, beyond which it had a detrimental effect on the plants. The best results were obtained with 4% Codium sp. residue and 12% compost, presenting a sustainable biofertilizer solution for agriculture.
