The fish fauna of three North African lagoons: specific inventories,ecological status and production |
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Authors: | M M Kraïem L Chouba M Ramdani M H Ahmed J R Thompson R J Flower |
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Institution: | 1.Laboratory of Aquaculture,INSTM – 28,Tunis,Tunisia;2.Department of Zoology and Animal Ecology, Institute Scientifique,University Mohamed V Charia Ibn Batota,Rabat,Morocco;3.Department of Marine Resources,National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Sciences,23 Josef Burrows Tito St. El Nozha, Al Gadida,Cairo,Egypt;4.Wetland Research Unit/Environmental Change Research Centre, UCL Department of Geography,University College London,London,UK |
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Abstract: | This paper examines the ecological and biological status of fisheries in three coastal lagoons in the southern Mediterranean
region: Merja Zerga in Morocco, Ghar El Melh in Tunisia and Lake Manzala in Egypt. Despite similarities in some ecological
characteristics, the three lagoons’ respective fisheries show differences in specific composition, in population structure
and in their production both in qualitative and quantitative aspects. Thus, in Merja Zerga and Ghar El Melh the fish fauna
shows a marine affinity where grey mullet and eels dominate the fish production. In Lake Manzala the ichthyofauna displays
a more freshwater affinity with tilapia the dominant group of species. Otherwise, overall fish production at the three sites
is regulated by variations in fishing activities, local environments and seasonal conditions. A decrease in fish production
was noted over recent years and this is attributed to deteriorating ecological conditions. A variety of factors are implicated
including sea communication problems, reduction of the continental (fresh) water supply and increase of pollution causing
eutrophication. In addition, over fishing with a continuing increase of fishing effort units, contributes to fisheries decline.
Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Guest editors: J. R. Thompson & R. J. Flower
Hydro-ecological Monitoring and Modelling of North African Coastal Lagoons |
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Keywords: | North Africa Lagoons Fisheries Specific inventory Production Biology |
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