Macroalgal blooms on Moroccan coasts: Plastic trapping and tourism challenges

Abstract

Coastal tourism, a vital economic pillar for many regions, confronts escalating challenges from macroalgal blooms, notably in the Moroccan Atlantic. These ecologically significant blooms display a dual problem: they detrimentally influence marine ecosystems and interact closely with marine plastic pollution. Thus, this research investigated the blooms' propensity to ensnare plastics. We found that 1068 items were trapped within Codium decorticatum blooms with a global mean of 0.022 ± 0.007 items/m2, predominantly coming from recreational activities. The three most prevalent litter types in bloom areas were food containers, caps/lids, and drinks. Such entrapment, combined with the degradation of coastal aesthetics and the fostering of harmful pathogenic conditions, compounds the threats to coastal tourism. A significant example is the Ceramium sp. bloom, which imposed bathing bans and restricted access, affecting core tourism activities in the study area. Comprehensive management encompassing early bloom detection, public awareness, adaptive tourism strategies, and efficient waste handling are crucial. Hence, those strategies will offer a roadmap to navigate the intertwined issues of macroalgal blooms, plastic pollution, and their ramifications on coastal tourism.