The reproduction of Neochelon falcipinnis was studied in the Marine Protected Area (MPA) of Niamone-Kalounayes located in the Casamance estuary (Senegal) from July 2021 to June 2022. The results of this study are presented after twelve (12) months of experimental seine fishing. Reproductive parameters such as length-weight relationship, condition factor (K), sex ratio (SR), gonadosomatic index (GSI) and size at first maturity (Lm50) were determined. A total of 386 individuals (150 males, 221 females and 15 of undetermined sex) were sampled.  The sex ratio was in favour of females (0.68 or 1:1.47). The length-weight relationship showed a minor allometric growth with allometric coefficient b values of 2.70 for both sexes combined, 2.60 for males and 2.79 for females. The ANOVA test showed no significant difference in condition factor in males (P > 0.05). In contrast, in females, there was a significant difference at the beginning of the cold season (P < 0.05). The monthly change in gonadosomatic index associated with the different stages of sexual maturity indicated a breeding period in the dry season (May, June and July). Peaks of sexual maturity are observed in June for both sexes. Sizes at first sexual maturity were 18 cm for males and 19 cm for females. These results, obtained provide information on the reproduction of Neochelon falcipinnis that can help in decision-making for better management of the resource.

It is known that the consumption of seafood has several health benefits for humans. However, the accumulation of organic pollutants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), in their flesh could pose public health problems. Thus, the concentrations of PCBs and OCPs in edible fish species (Mugil bananensis, Sarotherodon melanotheron) from the Sine Saloum Estuary located in central-western Senegal are investigated in order to assess the potential risks of these contaminants to human health. After analysis, PCB52 and chlordane show the highest concentrations in the edible flesh of these two species. The concentration of PCB52 is almost identical in these two species, while that of chlordane is higher in S. melanotheron. Regarding the distribution of PCBs and OCPs in M. bananensis, the highest concentration is found in Fimela for PCBs and in Sokone for OCPs. For S. melanotheron, the highest concentration is found in Toubacouta for PCBs and in Felir for OCPs. The cancer risk values obtained after calculation do not reveal any serious risk because they do not exceed the threshold value established by the U.S. EPA (2005) which is 1×10-4. However, it is recommended to the populations a moderate consumption because of the phenomenon of bioaccumulation.

In Senegal, studies on the family Mugilidae are rare and little data is available on their reproductive biology. This study, carried out in the MPA of Niamone–Kalounayes (Casamance River estuary, Senegal) aims to enhance our knowledge of the reproductive biology of the largescale mullet, Parachelon grandisquamis (Valenciennes, 1836), a species highly prized by the local population as a food source. To better understand its reproductive biology, a series of monthly samplings over twelve (12) months from July 2021 to June 2022 was carried out. Experimental fisheries were carried out at six (6) stations located in secondary channels lined with mangroves, using a seine net (250 m long and 25 mm mesh side). A total of 361 individuals were sampled, including 321 female specimens and 40 male specimens. The calculated sex ratio was in favor of females (1:8), with a significant difference between the calculated sex ratio and the theoretical 1:1 sex ratio (χ2 = 218.73; P-value &lt; 0.05). In the MPA of Niamone–Kalounayes, the breeding period of P. grandisquamis extends from March to July, from the end of the dry season up to the beginning of the wet season. The sizes at first sexual maturity were 17 cm in males and 18 cm in females, showing that in the MPA of Niamone–Kalounayes, males and females of P. grandisquamis reach sexual maturity at very close sizes (χ2 = 0.02; P &gt; 0.05). As this species is subject to the intense fishery by many actors in the area, these findings may be proven useful in the process of developing a management plan for this particular species.