International audienceThe Gulf of Lions ecosystemwas described using the Ecopath mass-balancemodel to characterise its structure and functioning and to examine the effects of themultispecific fisheries operating in this area. The model is composed of 40 compartments, including 1 group of seabirds, 2 groups of cetaceans, 18 groups of fish, 12 groups of invertebrates, 5 groups of primary producers, detritus and discards. Input datawere based on several recurrent scientific surveys, two alternative datasets for fishing data, stock assessment outputs, stomach content analyses and published information. Results showed that the functional groups were organised into five trophic levels with the highest one represented by dolphins, anglerfish, Atlantic bluefin tuna, European hake and European conger. European pilchard and European anchovy dominated in terms of fish biomass and catch. Other fish with high biomass such as Atlantic mackerel and blue whiting were highly important in the food web. Seabirds, dolphins and cuttlefish-squids represented keystone species. Important coupled pelagic-demersal-benthic interactions were described. The 7 different fisheries analysed were operating at mean trophic levels situated between 2.6 for small artisanal boats, and 4.1 for purse seines (>24 m) targeting large pelagic fish, indicating an intensively exploited ecosystem. Large trawlers (24-40 m) had the highest impact on most of the groups considered; while purse seines (12-24 m) targeting small pelagic fish had the lowest impact. Preliminary results highlighted the importance of data sources for further ecosystem and fisheries analyses and management scenarios

The inventory of marine mammals of Morocco is realized from 323 observations carried out in the Atlantic (92), in the Mediterranean (193) and in the Gibraltar strait (38). 124 involve Whales whereas 199 regard the Monk-seal (Monachus monachus). 16 species are known to exist from the Moroccan coasts. Are summarized here, the informations gathered on each of them. Resume. -L'inventaire des mammiferes marins du Maroc est realise ä l'aide de 323 observations effectues en Atlantique (92), en Mediterranee (193) et dans le detroit de Gibraltar (38). 124 mentions concernent les Cetaces alors que 199 autres sont relatives au phoque-moine (Monachus monachus). 16 especes sont actuellement connues des cötes du Maroc. Nous resumons ici les informations recueillies pour chacune d'elles.

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