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Marine litter pollution is one of the world’s major environmental challenges. In the Mediterranean, marine litter on beaches is mainly generated by tourism and recreational activities. The present study is part of an \"Adopt-a-Beach\" pilot project, initiated as part of the Marine Litter MED (ML MED) project, coordinated by the United Nations Environment Programme UNEP/MAP. The main objective of this work was to assess and quantify marine litter on four beaches along Morocco’s Mediterranean coast (Merkala Tanger, Amsa Tetouan, Sabadia Al Hoceima, and Miami Nador) over a seasonal cycle during 2018–2019, in line with UNEP/MAP guidelines. On average, 1768 items/100 m were collected from the four beaches, with a density of 0.34 items/m2. \"Plastic/polystyrene\" was the main component of the total debris collected, accounting for 74.1% in number of items, followed by \"paper/cardboard\" at 6.4%. The dominant categories of top 10 items were \"plastic/polystyrene pieces < 50 cm\" (G76), \"cigarette butts and filters\" (G27), \"plastic caps and lids\" (G21/24), and \"crisps packets/sweets wrappers\" (G30/31) that all comprised 49.9% of the total items. Tourism and recreational wastes were the most represented sources at 52%.

Footprints represent a relevant vestige providing direct information on the biology, locomotion, and behaviour of the individuals who left them. However, the spatiotemporal distribution of hominin footprints is heterogeneous, particularly in North Africa, where no footprint sites were known before the Holocene. This region is important in the evolution of hominins. It notably includes the earliest currently known Homo sapiens (Jebel Irhoud) and the oldest and richest African Middle Stone Age hominin sites. In this fragmented ichnological record, we report the discovery of 85 human footprints on a Late Pleistocene now indurated beach surface of about 2800 m 2 at Larache (Northwest coast of Morocco). The wide range of sizes of the footprints suggests that several individuals from different age groups made the tracks while moving landward and seaward across a semi-dissipative bar-trough sandy beach foreshore. A geological investigation and an optically stimulated luminescence dating of a rock sample extracted from the tracksite places this hominin footprint surface at 90.3 ± 7.6 ka (MIS 5, Late Pleistocene). The Larache footprints are, therefore, the oldest attributed to Homo sapiens in Northern Africa and the Southern Mediterranean.

Analyzing and understanding coastline variability and dynamics are important for scientists and policy-makers. This study investigates the long-term process of shoreline change along the Tetouan coast (44 km) for a 60-year period (1958–2018). The shoreline kinematics were analyzed by using high-resolution orthoimages and the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS). To achieve our objective, the study area was divided into ten beaches grouped into two sectors: (1) the northern sector contained Fnideq, Tres Piedras, Restinga, Smir Marina, Kabila and Golden beaches; (2) the southern sector contained Cabo Negro, Martil, Sidi Abdeslam and Azla beaches. From multi-date shoreline maps, the shoreline change rate was computed using the End Point Rate (EPR), the Linear Regression Rate (LRR) and the Weighted Linear Regression Rate (WLR). Furthermore, the shoreline was classified into eroding and accreting regions through GIS analysis. The accretion and erosion processes along the Tetouan coast were observed to be 94% and 6%, respectively. An analysis of the obtained results showed that the coast was progressive and regressive, at an average rate of 2.81 m/year and − 3.91 m/year, respectively. The overall surface area of the eroded land was approximately 4900,000 m2. In addition, the combined action of the cumulative effects of natural processes and various anthropogenic activities (sand mining, tourism infrastructure, construction of marinas and dams) considerably reduced the sedimentary stock and had negative impacts on the coastal dynamics.

Heavy metals in coastal ecosystems caused by the increased expansion of urbanization, industrialization, and agricultural practices have become a significant environmental risk to human well-being. This study evaluates and compares 17 sediment quality indices to examine the possible ecological and human health risks associated with heavy metal concentrations in the sediments of the Nador lagoon in Morocco. The concentration order of the HMs and sulfurs evaluated was S > Sr > Ba > V > Zr > Zn > Cr > Rb > La > Cu > Pb > Ni > Ce > Nd > Co > Sc > Nb > Ga > Th > Y > Hf. Sulfurs, Pb, Sr, and Nd exhibited concentrations that exceeded geochemical background values. The analysis of the sediment quality indices allowed us to understand that the Nador lagoon was moderately to strongly polluted by heavy metals originating from various anthropogenic activities. Results from the Sediment Quality Guidelines indicated a toxic response in the benthic organisms within the lagoon, while the ecological hazard analysis revealed a very high risk of heavy metal contamination in the ecosystem. The Hazard Index for non-carcinogenic values was below the limit, suggesting a lack of non-cancerous effects. However, Cu and Pb concentrations surpassed the Lifetime Cancer Risk range, indicating a potential cancer risk with prolonged exposure. Integrating our research into coastal management frameworks can contribute to the preservation and enhancement of these coastal ecosystems for future generations.

The detachment and mobilization of boulders from rocky shore platforms by waves involves complex geomorphic and hydrodynamic processes. Understanding these processes requires precise information on the rates and patterns of movement of these megaclasts scaled against the wave conditions that generate boulder mobility. Repeat photogrammetry and structure-from-motion (SfM) models commonly used in geomorphic analyses are an interesting option for monitoring boulder dynamics. In this study, we used unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based digital photogrammetry and SfM differential models to identify recent boulder movements over a rocky shore platform in Laghdira, Morocco. Combining these results with data on storm occurrence in the study area allowed us to identify storm waves as the unique driver of the dislodged and mobilized boulders. The identified storm event had a significant wave height of 5.2 m. The UAV models were built from imagery captured in September and December 2019 using a DJI MAVIC PRO PLATINUM, and we used QGIS to produce 2D and 3D model outputs. The exploitation of the 2D model differentials allowed us to appreciate the response of the boulders to the storm waves and to determine platform volumetric changes and, therefore, boulder mobility. The 3D models were valuable in determining the mode of transport of the boulders. Mobility patterns included sliding, overturning with no further mobility, and rotation and saltation, as well as boulder breakup. Storm waves did not have a preferential impact on any particular boulder shape, size category, or position at the outer edge of the platform. These results highlight the utility of combining UAV surveys with identified storm events, which are much more frequent than tsunamis, in determining observed boulder initiation and mobility.

The Atlantic coasts of Morocco are exposed to tsunami risk. Although this risk level is low because of the rarity of tsunamis in the region, a future event would be catastrophic for the Moroccan society and economy because of the numerous issues at stake. In this paper, bathymetric/topographic data and parameters of three known tsunamigenic faults (Marquês do Pombal Fault, Gorringe Bank Fault and Horseshoe Fault) were used to simulate a potential tsunami event in the city of El-Jadida (Morocco) using MIRONE software. The simulation results of the worst-case scenario were then exploited to perform a quantitative risk assessment, using demographic and economic input data. Results show that choosing the Horseshoe Fault as source of the simulated event produces the largest tsunamis; with maximum wave heights ranging from 10 to 27 m. These results are found to be consistent with historical records and computer model simulations from previous studies. Quantitative risk assessment results indicate that the city of El-Jadida is exposed to a high risk of loss of lifes and loss of property with values of the order of 34 lives/year and 14 M$/year, respectively. For this reason, we underline the dire need for the implementation of tsunami risk prevention and mitigation strategies that should prioritize the protection of high-risk areas of the city and its population from a possible future catastrophic event.

Coastal lagoons are highly dynamic ecosystems that are continually changing in shape and size due to natural processes. This study used satellite imagery, remote sensing, and GIS mapping, along with historical wind and wave data, to comprehensively explore the long-term changes occurring at the Khenifiss Lagoon entrance and its downstream main channel, which is one of the most important wetlands protected by the Ramsar Convention in Morocco. By employing thorough image selection, rigorous corrections, and intricate processing and analysis techniques, this research shed light on the evolution of sediment deposition areas, eroded zones, vegetation coverage, and locations, where dune influence affected sedimentation in this dynamic coastal ecosystem. The investigation spanned from 1984 to 2019 and relied on the analysis of Landsat optical images gathered in 1984, 1990, 2000, 2009, and 2019. During the study period, the entrance to the Khenifiss Lagoon (Foum Agouitir) gradually enlarged, increasing from 1450 m in 1984 to 1650 m in 2019. Concurrently, vegetation coverage within the lagoon's entrance and main channel increased from 53.54 hectares in 2009 to 103.9 hectares in 2019, resulting in a significant decrease in total water body extent. Sediment deposition impacts 206 hectares, considerably surpassing the erosion-affected area of 99.14 hectares. This significant difference emphasizes the rising dominance of sedimentation over erosion at the Khenifiss Lagoon entrance zone. The processes of sedimentation within the lagoon are largely influenced by the dune's advance, which has resulted in silt deposition over an area of approximately 57.39 hectares. These findings highlight the lagoon's exposure to progressive closure and strongly support the need to start a monitoring program to evaluate the lagoon's changing condition, especially at the entrance and the main channel. This study puts forth several recommendations for implementing management strategies aimed at ensuring the sustainability of this coastal ecosystem.

El Mrini, A., Anthony, E.J.,Taaouati, M., Nachite, D. and Maanan, M., 2013. A note oncontrastingmorphodynamics of two beach systems with different backshores, Tetouan coast, northwest Morocco: the role of grain size and humanaltered dune morphology. In: Conley, D.C., Masselink, G., Russell, P.E. and O'Hare, T.J. (eds.) The Mediterranean coast of Tetouan, in Morroco, comprises headland-bound beach-dune systems bordering small coastal plains that have been considerably altered by socio-economic activities and coastal infrastructure essentially related to tourism development. To analyze the response of the beach-dune systems to high-energy winds and storms, three successive surveys covering storm and fair-weather conditions were conducted in February and March 2008 in two sites with contrasting grain-size and morphological characteristics. Ksar Rimal beach is characterized by coarse to very coarse sand and the finer-grained dunes on the backshore have been largely flattened, while Cabo Negro beach exhibits fine sand but the aeolian dunes associated with this beach are still partly intact. The results show that morphological changes are larger and faster on Ksar Rima beach (modally intermediate to reflective) than on Cabo Negro beach (modally intermediate to dissipative). The former beach has a greater tendency to erosion during storms but also shows rapid recovery expressed essentially through berm cut and fill. Mild aeolian accretion seaward of a recently constructed wall on the upper beach also occurred under the influence of strong offshore winds. The changes on Cabo Negro beach were relatively mild and were dominated by dune reworking. Sand transported from the dunes to the beach was reworked into a large swash bar, prelude to landward sand recycling towards the source dunes.

Located on the Mediterranean coast of Morocco, the Al Hoceima Marine Protected Area is a refuge of a variety of ecosystems, providing a unique lens through which to investigate the intricate connection between water quality and coastal resilience in the face of mounting climate change challenges. This study examined the complex interactions that exist between the severe effects of climate change on coastal ecosystems and water quality, using the Al Hoceima MPA as a test case to comprehend and resolve these issues. Using data collected as part of the Odyssea project, this research focuses on crucial parameters such as temperature, conductivity, chlorophyll concentration and micro-plastic pollution levels. The specialized Glider sensors used on Odyssea missions in the Alboran Sea provide real-time, high-resolution data, which form the cornerstone of our study. These sensors, equipped with advanced technology, monitor changes in ocean conditions, water clarity, sedimentation levels and marine ecosystem health, which is crucial to understanding the complex link between water quality and ecological resilience. The methodology integrates these data into complex models that not only visualize the current state of MPA water quality but also forecast its response to climate change variables. Temperature increases and affects ocean conditions are closely examined to provide the basis for informed decision-making and recommendations for effective management and conservation of the Al Hoceima MPA. Our findings indicate significant variations in chlorophyll concentrations and microplastic levels, particularly in Cycle 2, which suggest localized pollution impacts. Temperature trends also varied, highlighting areas of potential anthropogenic influence. This work clarifies the precise relationship between resilience and water quality in a marine protected area, which significantly advances the conversation about adapting to climate change. By figuring out the intricate mechanisms at work in the Al Hoceima MPA, this study provides useful insights into how effective water quality management can strengthen the capacity of the MPA to respond to the challenges posed by climate change. As the international community strives to safeguard critical ecosystems, Al Hoceima marine protected area emerges not only as a geographical focal point but also as a paradigmatic example, illustrating the delicate interdependence of water quality and ecological resilience in the face of climate change.

The Mediterranean coast of Tetouan, in Morroco, comprises headland-bound beach-dune systems bordering small coastal plains that have been considerably altered by socio-economic activities and coastal infrastructure essentially related to tourism development. To analyze the response of the beach-dune systems to high-energy winds and storms, three successive surveys covering storm and fair-weather conditions were conducted in February and March 2008 in two sites with contrasting grain-size and morphological characteristics. Ksar Rimal beach is characterized by coarse to very coarse sand and the finer-grained dunes on the backshore have been largely flattened, while Cabo Negro beach exhibits fine sand but the aeolian dunes associated with this beach are still partly intact. The results show that morphological changes are larger and faster on Ksar Rima beach than on Cabo Negro beach. The former beach has a greater tendency to erosion during storms but also shows rapid recovery expressed essentially through berm cut and fill.