Ms
Amal NADRI
(Phycology, Blue Biodiversity and Biotechnology RU, Laboratory of Plant Biotechnology, Ecology and Ecosystem Valorization – LB2VE / URL CNRST 10, Faculty of Sciences El Jadida, Chouaib Doukkali University, El Jadida, Morocco.)
Epifaunal invertebrates play a vital role in seagrass systems by regulating epiphytic algal growth through grazing and serving as an essential food source for higher trophic levels. This study investigates the composition and seasonal dynamics of macrofaunal assemblages associated with the non-indigenous red alga Agarophyton vermiculophyllum and the native seagrasses Zostera marina and Ruppia cf. maritima in the Oualidia lagoon located along the Atlantic coast of Morocco. Seasonal sampling revealed that the epiphytic macrofauna on A. vermiculophyllum was diverse and primarily dominated by gastropods and crustaceans. Across all habitats and seasons, trophic structure was consistently dominated by micrograzers and detritivores. Significant differences were observed in the structure and diversity of macrofaunal communities between the non-native Rhodophyta and native seagrasses. These differences were strongly influenced by seasonal fluctuations and the structural complexity of host habitats. Overall, the results suggest that A. vermiculophyllum offers a suitable and additional habitat for epiphytic macrofauna on the muddy substrates of the Oualidia lagoon, potentially enhancing local faunal diversity and ecological function.
Keywords: Introduced macroalgae; Native seagrasses; Seasonal patterns, Associated epifauna; Oualidia lagoon.
Ms
Amal NADRI
(Phycology, Blue Biodiversity and Biotechnology RU, Laboratory of Plant Biotechnology, Ecology and Ecosystem Valorization – LB2VE / URL CNRST 10, Faculty of Sciences El Jadida, Chouaib Doukkali University, El Jadida, Morocco.)
Prof.
Brahim SABOUR
(Phycology, Blue Biodiversity and Biotechnology RU, Laboratory of Plant Biotechnology, Ecology and Ecosystem Valorization – LB2VE / URL CNRST 10, Faculty of Sciences El Jadida, Chouaib Doukkali University, PO Box 20, 24000 El Jadida, Morocco.)
Prof.
Zahira BELATTMANIA
(Phycology, Blue Biodiversity and Biotechnology RU, Laboratory of Plant Biotechnology, Ecology and Ecosystem Valorization – LB2VE / URL CNRST 10, Faculty of Sciences El Jadida, Chouaib Doukkali University, PO Box 20, 24000 El Jadida, Morocco.)
Mr
Zakaria EL-AZZOUZI
(Phycology, Blue Biodiversity and Biotechnology RU, Laboratory of Plant Biotechnology, Ecology and Ecosystem Valorization – LB2VE / URL CNRST 10, Faculty of Sciences El Jadida, Chouaib Doukkali University, PO Box 20, 24000 El Jadida, Morocco.)
Prof.
Abdellatif CHAOUTI
(Phycology, Blue Biodiversity and Biotechnology RU, Laboratory of Plant Biotechnology, Ecology and Ecosystem Valorization – LB2VE / URL CNRST 10, Faculty of Sciences El Jadida, Chouaib Doukkali University, PO Box 20, 24000 El Jadida, Morocco.)
