Assessing the spatiotemporal transformation of a coastal lagoon inlet (1984–2019) using remote sensing and GIS: a study of Khenifiss Lagoon in Southern Morocco

El Behja, Hamza; El M’rini, Abdelmounim; Nachite, Driss; Abioui, Mohamed

doi:10.1007/s12665-024-11432-5

Cited by 4 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…Additionally, small islands have emerged within the lagoon channels, and the Portuguese tower sank into the sands in 2010 (Figures 4B, C), which was visible before that date (Figure 4A). This phenomenon of silting and narrowing of the lagoon was proven by comparing archived aerial photographs with recent satellite images, which revealed the growth of small newborn islands and the filling of slikkes by sediment and dunes inside the lagoon's main and secondary channels, which leads to shoreline changes (Amimi et al, 2021;El Behja et al, 2024). Furthermore, the lagoon experiences a notable decrease in its total water body extent, reflecting the increasing prevalence of sedimentation over erosion and highlighting its vulnerability to progressive closure (El Behja et al, 2024).…”

Section: Salt Mining Activitiesmentioning

confidence: 95%

Evaluating coastal lagoon sustainability through the driver-pressure-state-impact-response approach: a study of Khenifiss Lagoon, southern Morocco

El Behja,

El M’rini,

Nachite

et al. 2024

Front. Earth Sci.

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Coastal lagoons are valuable ecosystems, providing socioeconomic benefits and supporting human populations and biodiversity. However, these systems face several challenges, making them vulnerable to both natural and human factors. In this study, we apply the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) Approach to conduct a comprehensive socioeconomic and environmental assessment of the Khenifiss Lagoon to promote sustainable development and support decision-makers. Located on the southern Atlantic coast of Morocco, the lagoon was designated a natural reserve in 1962, a biological reserve in 1983, and a protected wetland under the Ramsar Convention since 1980. This study represents the initial endeavor to conduct a comprehensive global and multidisciplinary environmental assessment of the lagoon by using a wide range of data sources, including relevant publications and reports, satellite images and remote sensing data, field observations, and interviews, all analyzed under the DPSIR framework. Our findings show that both natural and human factors have an impact on the ecosystem. Natural Factors associated with the geomorphological features of the region likely contribute to the silting of the lagoon, possibly intensified by a large shipwreck stuck at its inlet. Meanwhile, human factors encompass population growth (at a rate of 2% per year), tourism, shellfish farming, fishing, shellfish harvesting, and salt extraction. Our results reveal significant changes in the lagoon’s condition in recent years, including a reduction in water body extent, a probable decrease in depth, and an increase in the accumulation of solid waste, plastics, and wastewater in three sectors spanning a total surface area of 464 ha (equivalent to 7% of the lagoon), a substantial expansion of the salt mining area encompassing 368 ha, and a remarkable loss of biodiversity, manifested in declining fish stocks and seabird populations. This study showed that the lagoon is positioned as a potential site for economic growth and serves to alert stakeholders and the local population to the ecosystem’s environmental issues. Based on the findings of this study, we highly recommend regulating human activities within the lagoon, the removal of the wreck at the entrance, proper waste management, community awareness programs, and strict monitoring and enforcement of regulations to protect the environment.

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Section: Salt Mining Activitiesmentioning

confidence: 95%