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<p>The Moroccan Mediterranean coast faces increasing anthropogenic threats, particulary from fishing, one of the most detrimental forces of biodiversity loss. This study investigates the spatial and seasonal patterns of benthic and demersal assemblages in the Moroccan Mediterranean, based on 480 bottom trawl hauls carried out between 2018 and 2021 as part of National Institute for Fisheries Research’s monitoring program. Species composition was significantly structured by both depth and season. Multivariate analyses identified four distinct assemblages corresponding to depth zones: inner shelf, outer shelf, upper slope, and middle slope. Assemblages in deeper waters showed higher internal similarity and a more stable community structure compared to coastal zones. Seasonal variability was more pronounced in shallow areas, with specific indicator species identified for each season and depth group. Temperature, dissolved oxygen, and chlorophyll-a were significantly correlated with species distribution. Biodiversity indices varied significantly across depth zones but not between seasons. K-dominance curves indicated more balanced community structures in deeper zones. These findings provide a comprehensive ecological understanding of deep-sea assemblages, supporting future multispecies fisheries management. By integrating ecological knowledge, management strategies can better balance biodiversity conservation with the sustainable use of marine resources, benefiting both ecosystems and local economies.</p>

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Benthic and demersal assemblages on the Moroccan Mediterranean trawlable grounds

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年10月16日

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  • Douaa Slimani,
  • Souad Abdellaoui,
  • Nassir Kaddouri,
  • Khaoula Kasmi,
  • Rajae Mouedden,
  • Imade Ouebdil,
  • Najib E. Ouamari,
  • Jamal Settih,
  • Mostafa Layachi,
  • Mohamed Fadili,
  • Khalid Chaabane

摘要

The Moroccan Mediterranean coast faces increasing anthropogenic threats, particulary from fishing, one of the most detrimental forces of biodiversity loss. This study investigates the spatial and seasonal patterns of benthic and demersal assemblages in the Moroccan Mediterranean, based on 480 bottom trawl hauls carried out between 2018 and 2021 as part of National Institute for Fisheries Research’s monitoring program. Species composition was significantly structured by both depth and season. Multivariate analyses identified four distinct assemblages corresponding to depth zones: inner shelf, outer shelf, upper slope, and middle slope. Assemblages in deeper waters showed higher internal similarity and a more stable community structure compared to coastal zones. Seasonal variability was more pronounced in shallow areas, with specific indicator species identified for each season and depth group. Temperature, dissolved oxygen, and chlorophyll-a were significantly correlated with species distribution. Biodiversity indices varied significantly across depth zones but not between seasons. K-dominance curves indicated more balanced community structures in deeper zones. These findings provide a comprehensive ecological understanding of deep-sea assemblages, supporting future multispecies fisheries management. By integrating ecological knowledge, management strategies can better balance biodiversity conservation with the sustainable use of marine resources, benefiting both ecosystems and local economies.