8.7 Interactions among aquaculture, capture fisheries and the environment in coastal lagoon management

Interactions among different fishers groups and conflicts between fishers/fish farmers and public or private stakeholders

Aquaculture has been carried out in the period of 1985–2006 in the Nador lagoon by one farm (Marost), which mainly produces fish (sea-bream and sea-bass) but also, at lower extent, bivalves (flat oyster and European soft clam) and shrimps (Mediterranean shrimp and Japanese prawn).
Since the settlement of aquaculture activities in this lagoon, there were many complaints from artisanal fishers concerning the use and the exploitation of the lagoon water space. This conflict was resolved by the employment of fisher’s families by the aquaculture farm.
Since the beginning of 2006, no aquaculture activity has been carried out any more in the Nador lagoon. Artisanal fishing became the main socioeconomic marine activity in this lagoon. It represents the only source of revenue for artisanal fishers.
Competition for space (location of aquaculture facilities in fishing grounds, existence of “planning management” for lagoon areas, etc.)
When Marost started its first aquaculture attempts, it was undergoing experiments in many areas of the lagoon. To do this, this aquaculture farm had the control on the overall lagoon space, which resulted in conflicts with artisanal lagoon fishers. Therefore, the location of culture facilities has then been established on a concerted basis between artisanal fishers and local authorities.
Product interaction on the market (product from aquaculture vs from capture fisheries; presence of private/ public label for fishery products)
The Nador aquaculture lagoon products were almost totally exported. A very low quantity was sold at the national level, exclusively in some specific markets of important cities, such as supermarkets and high standard restaurants.

Organic input from aquaculture activities

Many studies have been carried by the Farm Company as well as by Moroccan and foreign universities. Results have shown that there was an organic input detected in sediment analysis (Mahjoubi, 1991; Lefebvre et al., 1997).
Moreover, wastewater has been discharged in this lagoon after gross treatment through an under-designed “lagunage” treatment unit. This could have contributed to the increase of organic matter in sediment. Recently, a wastewater treatment plant has been built and could help reducing the amount of organic matter in sediments in the Nador lagoon. Moreover, this lagoon is subject to a site cleanup and removal of hazardous solid wastes (such as plastic matter, etc.). These operations are carried out by the Marchica Agency with the support of the French Environment Fund.

Environmental effects of aquaculture and capture fisheries on biodiversity conservation

There are no official recorded data, but fishers reported that the presence of aquaculture facilities might have enhanced the multiplication of some captured species. This was observed through their fishing landings.
Juveniles/spat collection in the wild for culture and/or restocking purposes The need of fish fry and shellfish spat for culture was produced by local hatcheries (Marost).

Impact of ichthyophagous birds (species, migration routes, entity of predation, bird control)

The Nador lagoon is known to be one of the famous sites on the north of Morocco in which many migratory aquatic birds winter. No data available of their impact on fish population.
According to Dakki et al. (2003), the composition of lagoon aquatic birds is dominated by diving (coots, grebes, cormorants, etc.), dabbling ducks and flamingos. Divers birds are often far from the lagoon banks; their location and density probably depend on the movement of food resources (fish, shrimp, etc.). Dabbling ducks, flamingos and shorebirds are concentrated in the containment areas (northwest and southeast shores of the lagoon, salt of Arkmane’s saline, Sansouires river water). The gulls make constant trips between the sea and the lagoon, the latter usually constitutes a resting area where birds stand on water or on abandoned stakes in the former aquaculture sites. However, it is common to observe gulls and terns fishing. The sea beaches (and the adjacent dunes) are the usual resting places for gulls and feeding area for small waders. Ducks, shorebirds, herons, coots and moorhens frequent the lagoon and use some specific area during their nesting period.

Energy and other environmental factors

• Electric power is available along the lagoon shore, serving Nador city, Beni Ansar city, Kariate Arekmane village, and many other small urban agglomerations. Until now, it seems that there is still no need for alternative/eco-friendly power (Eolic and sunlight energy).
• Urban wastewaters are treated before rejection in the lagoon. Moreover, the latter is subject to site cleanup and removal of hazardous solid wastes (such as plastic matter, etc.).
• A great effort and investment were made to ensure urban waste treatments, packaging, advancement/ requalification/ rebuilding of natural/ public areas, etc.
• In the past, a collective effort was made to protect the lagoon area from petrol pollution generated from sea-sprit tanker accidents. Also, the regional delegates of the Fisheries Department and of the Equipment and Transport Department undergo controls on fishing boats in surrounding harbors.
• Before ceasing its activities, Marost released its stock of cultured fish species (sea-bream and sea-bass) into the lagoon. This operation had a significant impact on the increase of artisanal capture fishery in the lagoon.
A new gateway was constructed in November 2010 in the framework of the lagoon management programme, in order to facilitate the airworthiness and improve marine water exchange between the lagoon and the sea. This new gateway was opened on the lido while the old one, commonly called "bokana", was closed and converted into a marina harbor with two sides, one facing the sea and the other facing the lagoon.
The new gateway is 1.5 km from the old one. Its geographic coordinates are 35°12'29.4’’N and 02°51'39.1''W. Its width is 300 m and its depth is 6 m. The scope of the dikes in the sea and inside the lagoon is 1.5 km long.
According to the Marchica Agency (a public institution created in 2010 with the aim of ensuring an ecotourism project development in the region in in a coherent and integrated manner),the new gateway reduces water velocity induced by the tides to a maximum of 2 knots against 4 knots recorded at the oldest gateway. It allows an increase in the exchanged marine water volume between the sea and the lagoon from 12 million m3/day (through the old gateway) to 22 million m3/day.
Moreover, the Marchica Agency intends to develop and enhance an ecotourism areas project of 20 000 hectares around the Nador lagoon, mainly in four neighboring municipalities (Nador, Beni Ansar, Bou-Areg and Kariate Arekmane). This project is generating a series of planned changes in the configuration in the lagoon to provide a series of eco-friendly infrastructures. The work of the agency, based on the respect and the preservation of the natural environment and of the lagoon’s ecosystem, is intended to create a new tourism destination in the Mediterranean, thus providing an effective contribution towards sustainable economic and social development in the region.

8.8 References

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MalouliIdrissi, M. & Zahri, Y.2002. La peche artisanale dans la province de Nador. Rapport INRH. 47 pp.
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MedWetCoast, 2003. Synthese de la phase de diagnostic de site de la Lagune de Nador, MedWetCoast Project for conservation of Wetlands and Coastal Ecosystems in the Mediterranean Region.
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