Dibar, Z., A. Lansari, Z. el abidine el Morjani & A. Bouazza

Spatio-temporal patterns and diversity of sea turtle strandings in the Moroccan exclusive economic zone (1980–2024). pp. 59-66.

Abstract. This study provides the first long-term, national-scale assessment of sea turtle strandings in the Moroccan Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) over 44 years (1980 to 2024). We analysed species composition, spatial and seasonal patterns, life stage distribution, and potential mortality causes. Loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) dominated strandings (71%), followed by leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea; 27%), while green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) were rare. Most strandings occurred along the northern and central Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, with peaks in spring and autumn. Adult and subadult sea turtles comprised the majority of strandings, indicating a higher vulnerability of these life stages to anthropogenic threats. Although the cause of death was undetermined in most cases, collisions with boats and fisheries interactions seem to be the most frequently identified factors. Our findings highlight Morocco’s EEZ as an important migratory and developmental habitat for sea turtles and underscore the need for improved monitoring, standardized necropsy protocols, targeted conservation actions, and regional cooperation to mitigate threats and support population recovery.

Key words. Testudines, Caretta caretta, Dermochelys coriacea, anthropogenic threats, conservation.