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Analysis of Cetacean Strandings Along the Moroccan Mediterranean Coast: Spatial and Temporal Patterns
Summary
Researchers analyzed 187 cetacean stranding events along the Moroccan Mediterranean coast from 2016 to 2024, finding 14 species affected — predominantly toothed whales — with bycatch, ship strikes, and marine pollution (including plastics) among the leading identified mortality causes.
Cetacean strandings provide crucial insights into population dynamics and identify threats to marine biodiversity. This study examined cetacean strandings along the Moroccan Mediterranean coast from 2016 to 2024, analyzing spatial and temporal patterns, species composition, and potential mortality causes. Data were collected through field monitoring, National Institute of Fisheries Research (INRH) reports, self-reports from fishermen and local communities, and social media. A total of 187 stranding events involving 14 species were recorded, predominantly toothed whales (95.19%). The striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba, n = 70) was the most frequently stranded species, followed by the common dolphin (Delphinus delphis, n = 52). Spatial analysis revealed that 64.17% of strandings occurred in the western region (Cap Spartel to Al Hoceima). Temporal analysis showed fluctuating patterns, averaging 20.8 events annually. Although the majority of stranding causes remained undetermined, the identified cases were primarily attributed to anthropogenic activities, with fishing gear interactions (73.25%) and vessel collisions (23.25%) being the main causes. These results highlight the significant impact of anthropogenic activities on cetacean populations and offer a valuable baseline for future research and inform regional marine conservation policies.
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