Abdelaziz Mounir

1. Laboratory "Water, Biodiversity & climate change ", Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, P.O. Box2390, 40000, Morocco. 2. The Natural History Museum of Marrakech, Research Centre on Biodiversity, Cadi Ayyad University, Bd Allal El Fassi, Marrakech, Morocco. 3. Department of Environmental Engineering, Higher School of Technology Khénifra, B.P. 170, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Morocco. 4 . Laboratory "Aliments, Environnement et santé ", Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Technics, B.P. 549, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech 40000, Morocco

This study assessed, for the first time, the bioaccumulation of trace metals in the tissues of Sabellaria alveolata (Annelida: Polychaeta) collected from the Essaouira protected coastal area (Atlantic coast of Morocco), and examined the relationships between metal contents and some physico-chemical parameters of seawater. The biogenic reefs of S. alveolata were seasonally collected from April 2017 to February 2018, and physico-chemical parameters of seawater were measured. In the laboratory, dried and mineralized samples of S. alveolata were analysed using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). The physico-chemical parameters of seawater are within acceptable limits for survival, growth and metabolic activity of aquatic organisms, and metal concentrations in the tissues of S. alveolata showed decreasing levels in the order Fe > Al > Zn > Cu > Cd > Cr > Pb > Ag. Concentrations were lower than levels reported in other species of polychaetes in other Moroccan and world regions except for Al and Fe. Spatial and seasonal variations of metals were highly significant, with two essential periods of high concentrations: winter and summer. Cluster analysis showed that the studied sites, urbanized and non-urbanized, were similar except for one site (SK) that differs slightly from the others, probably due to the absence of real industrial activity coupled with the dilution of metals under the influence of hydrodynamic factors in this area. The analysis also showed that Al and Fe are derived from the same source, most likely related to continental inputs, and that Cd, Cr and Cu are derived from another source which is more urban than continental while Zn maintains a dual origin, both continental and urban. Assessment of the pollution gradient, via calculation of metal contamination index ( Ic Sx ), revealed that the Essaouira protected coastal area is less polluted compared with other coastal areas of Morocco.

Anchovy is a small fatty fish. But it is mostly unsaturated fats. beneficial for the heart and the vessels. It contains the famous omega 3, whose protective effects on the cardiovascular system are widely recognized. The Moroccan sea, for centuries, contains a coveted natural treasure. The Moroccan anchovy that reflects the tradition, history and authenticity of fishing in Morocco. If Morocco has become a major exporter of semi-preserved anchovies, it is because the Moroccans were able to extract from their contrasting seas quality productions recognized by their originality and Moroccan identity and have produced canned with industrial know-how, recognized as a guarantee of quality. This know-how, which guarantees the authenticity and typicality of Morocco, is today a heritage that Morocco continues to preserve and enhance. Recognized for a long time by consumers, fresh Moroccan anchovies, with salt or oil, vinegar or spices, make their authenticity a motto of quality, identity and...

Abstract Aspects of reproduction and population structure were investigated between June 2017 to May 2018 in sardines, Sardina pilchardus (Walbaum, 1792) from the Safi fishing area. The sex ratio was generally in favor of males ( χ 2 = 19 .50). Out of 3252 total specimens sampled, 1404 were females (46.00%), 1648 males 50.68%) and 200 immatures (6.15%). The immatures were best represented in the small size classes, between 8 and 12 cm. This study showed that sardines can breed throughout the year with a peak breeding season between November and February. The gonado-somatic index (GSI) and the condition coefficient (CC) evolved almost invariably. The volumetric absolute body condition index [kv= Fresh total body mass (g)/total body volume (cm3)] showed two peaks, which are discriminately sex dependent. For females, the peaks are concomitantly observed in September and April while for males, these are shown in June and February. Moreover, the morphometric index ( k n ) showed a single peak in January and September for reproductive males and females, respectively. As regards the non-reproductive individuals the males have two peaks in June and December or females, they have one peak in November. Additionally, the GSI showed a single peak in February. The size at first sexual maturity in males and females was 16.1 cm and 16.5 cm, respectively.

The Atlantic horse mackerel Trachurus trachurus, the family Carangidae, is a small pelagic with high commercial importance. This species is classified as globally vulnerable (IUCN) due to fishing pressure and low recruitment. It has drastically declined during the last three decades. In contrast, to the well-studied Euro-Mediterranean stocks, the putative Moroccan-Saharan stock has been poorly investigated. A first step is to discriminate potential subunits within this large stock for a better assessment management and practice. We examined variation in morphometric and meristic characters in this species from three fishing areas (from the North to the south: Larache, Safi and Dakhla) off the Moroccan Atlantic coastal waters. We used a linear morphometric approach based on body weight, 14 body dimensions and 5 meristic characters in 147 fish specimens. We compared fish from the three areas using a multivariate analysis including discriminant function analysis (DFA) and principal component analysis (PCA). Based on morphometric data, we distinguished three subunits: a first subgroup off Larache in the north, probably a self-recruiting population or a locally adapted morphotype, and a second and third units in the mid and southern Moroccan Atlantic coasts, respectively off Safi and Dakhla fishing areas. On the other hand, the result of DFA for meristic characters confirmed the differentiated southern subgroup off Dakhla, but two overlapped subunits including Safi and Larache areas. Examination of the contribution of each morphometric variable to canonical functions indicated that differences among samples seemed to be associated with morphological changes in the lateral line. Further investigations using other methods such as genetics, otoliths, and parasites are needed to confirm the identified stock units. Our findings on such a threatened small pelagic species would be useful for the stock management in the Moroccan Atlantic coastal waters. They also have ecological and evolutionary implications related to local adaptations in fish populations that are under intense fishing pressure.

ABSTRACT To discriminate potential stock units of the Atlantic horse mackerel Trachurus trachurus within the putative Moroccan–Saharan stock, we investigated the morphological variation of this species from three fishing areas (from the north to the south: Larache, Safi and Dakhla) in the Moroccan Atlantic coastal waters. We used a geometric morphometric approach based on 30 truss measures derived from 14 landmarks in 165 fish specimens. We compared fish from three areas using a multivariate analysis including discriminant analysis and Procrustes technique. We found indications of at least two subunits: a differentiated subgroup in the north off Larache, probably a self-recruiting population or a locally adapted morphotype, and two overlapped subunits, respectively in the mid and southern Moroccan Atlantic coast off Safi and Dakhla. Examination of the contribution of each morphometric variable to canonical functions indicated that differences among samples seemed to be associated with morphological changes in the anterior and posterior parts of body, which may indicate adaptations to local environmental conditions and habitat use. Further investigations using other methods are needed to confirm the identified stock units. The present study and the obtained results on such a vulnerable declining small pelagic species are of great importance for fish stock assessment management and practice, but also have ecological and evolutionary implications related to local adaptations in fish populations that are under intense fishing pressure as an induced evolutionary selective force, which affects several adaptive traits.

This article summarizes the state of stocks of sardine, sardina pilchardus in Moroccan waters at the end of 2016 and 2018. These stocks varies according to the region,They are now in a sustainable exploitation situation:Atlantic sardine, but also stocks that have reached or are still in over-exploitation levels: Mediterranean sardine. The fi shing pressure exerted on the sardine stock exceeds the optimal level by 40%. Due to the degradation of the fragile marine environment of the Mediterranean region, generated by pollution of various origins, the overexploitation of juveniles in the coastal strip, non-responsible practices and the use of non-fi shing gearselective, it is imperative to take the necessary measures to protect the marine environment and ensure rational and sustainable exploitation of the resource. (High commission plan 2006 report).