Impacts of Sea Level Rise on the Marchica Lagoon in the North-East of the Moroccan Mediterranean Coast | ||||
| Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries | ||||
| Article 28, Volume 28, Issue 2, March and April 2024, Page 459-477 PDF (1.6 MB) | ||||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejabf.2024.348622 | ||||
 View on SCiNiTO | ||||
| Author | ||||
| Chaymae Boujnan e al. | ||||
| Abstract | ||||
| Marchica Lagoon is a vulnerable coastal area of Morocco that is undergoing rapid socio-economic changes. It is also one of the most important lagoons in the Mediterranean region, providing vital economic, biological, ecological, and touristic benefits to eastern Morocco. The lagoon is highly vulnerable to sea level rise (SLR), which is exacerbated by the loss of natural coastal defences, such as dune barriers, and high urbanization. The present work aimed to investigate the potential impacts of sea level rise and analyze the vulnerability of the Marchica Lagoon to simulated submersion based on possible scenarios. To achieve the current goals, we relied on the elevation data obtained from the 2018 aerial rendition, while details on elevation points in the study area were collected and extracted using aerial imagery and the digital elevation model (DEM) database from 2023. With the use of GIS simulation technology to estimate areas at risk of submersion, DEM and sea level were linked using GIS simulation technology. Recent research has shown that a 1m rise in sea level would submerge 30% of the dune belt, while a 2m rise would submerge 65% of the dune barrier, as all urban constructions below 2m above sea level would be severely affected. LRT can lead to significant changes in the lagoon ecosystem, having a direct impact on marine wildlife and, consequently, on fishing practices and research. Research has revealed that current and planned developments around the lagoon are located in highly vulnerable areas, and that the impacts of sea level rise will be exacerbated by other impactsfacteurs, such as population growth, urbanization and climate change Therefore, in order to mitigate the effects of sea level rise on the Marchica Lagoon, it is necessary to | ||||
| Keywords | ||||
| Environment; Marchica Lagoon; Sea level rise; Coastal vulnerability; Coastal ecosystems; Small-scale fisheries | ||||
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