Publications
Biology and ecology of sea catfish (Ariidae) of estuarine, lagoon and coastal ecosystems in West Africa
A comprehensive analysis of sea catfish (Ariidae) populations in West African estuarine, lagoon, and coastal ecosystems reveals significant ecological insights. The study, conducted across multiple sites including the Banc d'Arguin National Park, identified three dominant species: Carlarius latiscutatus, Carlarius parkii, and Carlarius heudelotii. C. latiscutatus accounted for 65% of samples, while C. parkii and C. heudelotii made up 29% and 6%, respectively. These species exhibit high environmental tolerance, thriving in salinity ranges from 0 to 50, temperatures between 19 and 34°C, and depths of 1.7 to 15 meters. Notably, C. heudelotii was found in less saline, cooler, and less transparent waters compared to the other two species. The study also estimated first maturity sizes for females (27–28 cm for C. latiscutatus) and documented rare cases of oral incubation by females. Diet analysis confirmed their role as generalist predators, consuming crustaceans, fish, and mollusks. This research, based on data collected from 1980 to 2013, provides critical baseline information for understanding the biology and ecology of these exploited species in West African waters.
Chami, ville nouvelle et ville de l’or.Une trajectoire urbaine insolite en Mauritanie
Chami, Mauritania's newly developed town, exemplifies the intricate interplay between urban planning and artisanal gold mining, offering insights into the dynamics of desert urbanization. The study reveals that Chami's development, initially a state-led initiative with minimal inhabitants, gained momentum through the centralization of gold mining activities, transforming it into a bustling 'mushroom town.' This unique trajectory highlights how gold rushes and urban planning policies can mutually reinforce each other, creating complex socio-economic landscapes. However, the town's future remains uncertain due to potential shifts in government regulation, distribution of mining rents, and environmental concerns, particularly its proximity to Banc d'Arguin National Park.
Cichlids of the Banc d'Arguin National Park, Mauritania: insight into the diversity of the genus Coptodon
A new species of cichlid fish, previously thought to be Coptodon guineensis, has been identified in the Banc d'Arguin National Park (PNBA) in Mauritania. This discovery challenges the current understanding of the genus Coptodon's diversity and distribution in West Africa. The study, combining morphometric, meristic, and molecular phylogenetic analyses, revealed that C. guineensis is paraphyletic across its range, with distinct lineages distributed allopatrically. This suggests that the current classification of C. guineensis should be restricted to Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, while other lineages should be recognized as Coptodon sp. aff. guineensis. Additionally, the presence of a second species, Sarotherodon melanotheron, was confirmed in PNBA.
Assessing the Contribution of Marine Protected Areas to the Trophic Functioning of Ecosystems: A Model for the Banc d’Arguin and the Mauritanian Shelf
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) like the Banc d'Arguin National Park play a significant role in sustaining larger ecosystems, contributing up to 13% to total consumption and supporting 23% of production on the Mauritanian shelf. A study using food web models revealed that 15 out of 29 exploited species rely on the Banc for over 30% of their diet, highlighting its critical trophic function. The research applied Ecopath with Ecosim to analyze data from 1991-2006, accounting for fisheries, food web structure, and spatial distribution while addressing knowledge gaps through multiple models. Findings indicated that increased fishing pressure led to declines in high-trophic-level biomass and catch, confirming overexploitation. Simulations further showed that additional fleets could reduce outside MPA catches by 23%, underscoring the importance of MPAs in maintaining ecosystem balance.
Ship incident risk in the areas of Tubbataha and Banc d'Arguin: A case for designation as Particular Sensitive Sea Area?
Research confirms that ship incident risk has increased significantly near the Banc d'Arguin National Park (Mauritania) and Tubbataha Reef National Park (Philippines), supporting their potential designation as Particular Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSA) under the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The study employed an integrated framework combining comprehensive data to estimate total risk exposure from shipping activities, revealing a rising trend in risk measures for vessels operating in or near West Africa and Southeast Asia. This finding underscores the need for heightened protection for these ecologically vital UNESCO sites, which are vulnerable to growing maritime traffic.
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