[1] Bianchi, C.N., Morrià, C., 2000. Marine Biodiversity of the Mediterranean Sea: Situation, Problems and Prospects for Future Research. Marine Pollution Bulettin. 40, 367–376.

[2] Molinero, J.C., Ibanez, F., Souissi, S., et al., 2008. Climate control on the long-term anomalous changes of zooplankton communities in the Northwestern Mediterranean. Global Change Biology. 14(1), 11–26. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2486.2007.01469.x

[3] Gofas, S., Salas, C., Rueda, J.L., et al., 2014. Mollusca from a species-rich deep-water Leptometra community in the Alboran Sea. Scientia Marina. 78(4), 537–553. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3989/scimar.04097.27A

[4] Bevilacqua, S., Katsanevakis, S., Micheli, F., et al., 2020. The Status of Coastal Benthic Ecosystems in the Mediterranean Sea: Evidence From Ecological Indicators. Frontiers in Marine Science. 7, 540608. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2020.00475

[5] Slimani, D., Abdellaoui, S., El Ouamari, N., et al., 2025. Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of Bentho-Demersal Communities from Bottom Trawl across the Moroccan Mediterranean Coast in Relation to Environmental Conditions: Implications for Fisheries Management. Scientifica. 2025(1), 5574051. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/sci5/5574051

[6] Abad, E., Preciado, I., Serrano, A., et al., 2007. Demersal and epibenthic assemblages of trawlable grounds in the northern Alboran Sea (western Mediterranean). Scientia Marina. 71(3), 513–524. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3989/scimar.2007.71n3513

[7] Templado, J., Luque, Á.A., Moreno, D., et al., 2021. Invertebrates: The Realm of Diversity. In: Báez, J.C., Vázquez, J.T., Camiñas, J.A., et al. (Eds.). Alboran Sea—Ecosystems and Marine Resources. Springer: Cham, Switzerland. pp. 359–430.

[8] Utrilla, O., Gofas, S., Salas, C., 2025. How adverse are Mediterranean waters to the deep-sea fauna? A study of the Gibraltar exchange based on Mollusca from the “BALGIM” expedition. Deep-Sea Research Part I: Oceanographic Research Papers. 220, 104492. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr.2025.104492

[9] Real, R., Gofas, S., Altamirano, M., et al., 2021. Biogeographical and Macroecological Context of the Alboran Sea. In: Báez, J.C., Vázquez, J.T., Camiñas, J.A., et al. (Eds.). Alboran Sea—Ecosystems and Marine Resources. Springer: Cham, Switzerland. pp.431–457.

[10] Ciércoles, C., García-Ruíz, C., Abelló, P., et al., 2022. Decapod crustacean assemblages on trawlable grounds in the northern Alboran Sea and Gulf of Vera. Scientia Marina. 86(3), e039. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3989/scimar.05265.039

[11] Abdellaoui, B., Falcini, F., Baibai, T., et al., 2024. Spatial pattern of sea surface temperature and chlorophyll-a trends in relation to hydrodynamic processes in the Alborán Sea. Mediterranean Marine Science. 25(1), 136–150. DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/mms.30268

[12] Salas, C., 1996. Marine bivalves from off the southern Iberian Peninsula collected by the Balgim and Fauna 1 expeditions. Haliotis. 25, 33–100. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267970083

[13] Caballero-Herrera, J.A., Urra, J., Gofas, S., et al., 2023. The molluscan fauna of Chella Bank and surroundings (Western Mediterranean Sea). Disparidades. Revista de Antropologia. 87(2), e067. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3989/scimar.05342.067

[14] Slimani, D., Abdellaoui, S., Kaddouri, N., et al., 2026. Benthic and demersal assemblages on the Moroccan Mediterranean trawlable grounds. Hydrobiologia. 853, 1617–1638. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-025-06018-6

[15] Gaertner, J.-C., Bertrand, J.A., Gil de Sola, L., et al., 2005. Large spatial scale variation of demersal fish assemblage structure on the continental shelf of the NW Mediterranean Sea. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 297, 245–257. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps297245

[16] González Aguilar, M., García Ruiz, C., García Jiménez, T., et al., 2021. Demersal Resources. In: Báez, J.C., Vázquez, J.T., Camiñas, J.A., et al. (Eds.). Alboran Sea—Ecosystems and Marine Resources. Springer: Cham, Switzerland. pp.589–628.

[17] Rueda, J.L., Gofas, S., Aguilar, R., et al., 2021. Benthic Fauna of Littoral and Deep-Sea Habitats of the Alboran Sea: A Hotspot of Biodiversity. In: Báez, J.C., Vázquez, J.T., Camiñas, J.A., et al. (Eds.). Alboran Sea—Ecosystems and Marine Resources. Springer: Cham, Switzerland. pp. 285–358

[18] Vázquez, J.T., Ercilla, G., Do Couto, D., et al., 2021. A Geological History for the Alboran Sea Region. In: Báez, J.C., Vázquez, J.T., Camiñas, J.A., et al. (Eds.). Alboran Sea—Ecosystems and Marine Resources. Springer: Cham, Switzerland. pp. 111–155.

[19] El Haissen, A., El Khalidi, K., Zourarah, B., et al., 2025. Coastal watershed and morphologic changes of their mouth along the Moroccan Mediterranean coastline. Euro-Mediterranean Journal for Environmental Integration. 10(3), 1523–1544. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s41207-024-00677-y

[20] IEO-MAGRAMA, 2012. Marine Strategies: Initial Assessment, Good Environmental Status, and Environmental Objectives General Coordination: Ministry of Agriculture, Food And Environment (Division for the Protection of the Sea). Ministerio de Agricultura, Alimentación y Medio Ambiente Secretaría General Técnica Centro de Publicaciones: Madrid, Spain. (in Spanish)

[21] Correia, A.M., Lopes, L.F., 2023. Revisiting Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning through the Lens of Complex Adaptive Systems. Diversity. 15(8), 895. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/d15080895

[22] Terribile, K., Evans, J., Knittweis, L., et al., 2016. Maximising MEDITS: Using data collected from trawl surveys to characterise the benthic and demersal assemblages of the circalittoral and deeper waters around the Maltese Islands (Central Mediterranean). Regional Studies in Marine Science. 3, 163–175. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsma.2015.07.006

[23] Bianchi, C.N., Azzola, A., Cocito, S., et al., 2022. Biodiversity Monitoring in Mediterranean Marine Protected Areas: Scientific and Methodological Challenges. Diversity. 14(1), 43. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/d14010043

[24] Cartes, J.E., Maynou, F., Fanelli, E., et al., 2009. Long-term changes in the composition and diversity of deep-slope megabenthos and trophic webs off Catalonia (western Mediterranean): Are trends related to climatic oscillations? Progress in Oceanography. 82(1), 32–46. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pocean.2009.03.003

[25] Carpentieri, P., Bonanno, A., Scarcella, G., 2020. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Technical Papers No. 641: Technical Guidelines for Scientific Surveys in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea: Procedures and Sampling for Demersal (Bottom and Beam) Trawl Surveys and Pelagic Acoustic Surveys. FAO: Rome, Italy. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4060/ca8870en

[26] Ciércoles, C., García-Ruiz, C., González, M., et al., 2018. Molluscs collected with bottom otter trawl in the northern Alboran Sea: Main assemblages, spatial distribution and environmental linkage. Mediterranean Marine Science. 19(1), 209–222. DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/mms.2124

[27] Abelló, P., Valladares, F.J., Castellón, A., 1988. Analysis of the structure of decapod crustacean assemblages off the Catalan coast (North-West Mediterranean). Marine Biology. 98, 39–49. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00392657

[28] Carlos Báez, J., Vázquez, J.-T., Camiñas, J.A., et al., 2021. Alboran Sea-Ecosystems and Marine Resources. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-65516-7

[29] Bazairi, H., Limam, A., Benhoussa, A., et al. (Eds.), 2013. Marine Biological Communities of Cap des Trois Fourches (Mediterranean, Morocco): Characterization, Mapping, and Management Guidelines. CAR/ASP-UNEP/MAP: Tunis, Tunisie. (in French)

[30] Bazairi H., Limam A., Benhoussa A., et al. (Eds.), 2020. Mapping of Key Marine Habitats and Assessment of Their Vulnerability to Fishing Activities in Al Hoceima National Park, Morocco. UNEP/MAP-CAR/ASP: Tunis, Tunisie. (in French)

[31] Menioui, M., 2006. Diagnosis of the Jbel Moussa SIBE: Marine Biology (GEF Project–TF 023494–MOR, Final Report). High Commission for Water, Forests and Combating Desertification, Kingdom of Morocco: Rabat, Morocco. (in French)

[32] Sami, B.H., Hocein, B., Saïd, B., 2009. Assessment of Marine Biodiversity in the Central Rif and Management Guidelines. UNEP/MAP-RAC/SPA: Tunis, Tunisie. (in French)

[33] Mghili, B., Benyoub, B., Lamine, I., et al., 2024. Biodiversity and conservation of Cnidarians along the Moroccan Mediterranean, with an updated species checklist. Regional Studies in Marine Science. 74, 103542.

[34] Ercilla, G., Vázquez, J.-T., Alonso, B., et al., 2021. Seafloor Morphology and Processes in the Alboran Sea. In: Báez, J.C., Vázquez, J.-T., Camiñas, J.A., et al. (Eds.). Alboran Sea—Ecosystems and Marine Resources. Springer: Cham, Switzerland. pp. 157–205.

[35] Benallal, M.R., Errhif, A., Somoue, L., et al., 2024. Diversity and Distribution of Mesozooplankton in the Coastal Southwestern Mediterranean Alboran Sea, during Summer: What Are the Driving Factors? Journal of Marine Science and Engineering. 12(4), 674. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12040674

[36] Sánchez-Garrido, J.C., García Lafuente, J., Álvarez Fanjul, E., et al., 2013. What does cause the collapse of the Western Alboran Gyre? Results of an operational ocean model. Progress in Oceanography. 116, 142–153. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pocean.2013.07.002

[37] Vargas-Yáñez, M., Plaza, F., García-Lafuente, J., et al., 2002. About the seasonal variability of the Alboran Sea circulation. Journal of Marine Systems. 35(3–4), 229–248. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0924-7963(02)00128-8

[38] Bertrand, J.A., Relini, G., 2000. Demersal resources in the Mediterranean. In Proceedings of the Symposium on Assessment of Demersal Resources by Direct Methods in the Mediterranean and the Adjacent Seas, Pisa, Italy, 18–21 March 1998.

[39] Baez Barrionuevo, J.C., 2015. Status of Open Seas Fisheries in the Alboran Sea. Cebrian, D., Requena, S. (Eds.). UNEP-MAP-RAC/SPA: Tunis, Tunisie.

[40] Jacques, B., Arnauld, S., de Sola Luis, G., 2007. International Bottom Trawl Survey in the Mediterranean (Medits), Instruction Manual, Version 5. MEDITS, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR): Attiki, Greece.

[41] Clarke, K.R., Warwick, R.M., 2001. Change in Marine Communities: An Approach to Statistical Analysis and Interpretation, 2nd ed. PRIMER-E, Ltd., Plymouth Marine Laboratory: Plymouth, UK.

[42] Boschen, R.E., Rowden, A.A., Clark, M.R., et al., 2016. Seafloor massive sulfide deposits support unique megafaunal assemblages: Implications for seabed mining and conservation. Marine Environmental Research. 115, 78–88. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2016.02.005

[43] Soltwedel, T., Grzelak, K., Hasemann, C., 2020. Spatial and temporal variation in deep-sea meiofauna at the LTER observatory HAUSGARTEN in the fram strait (Arctic Ocean). Diversity. 12(7), 279. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/d12070279

[44] Ramalho, S.P., Almeida, M., Esquete, P., et al., 2018. Bottom-trawling fisheries influence on standing stocks, composition, diversity and trophic redundancy of macrofaunal assemblages from the West Iberian Margin. Deep Sea Research Part I: Oceanographic Research Papers. 138, 131–145. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr.2018.06.004

[45] Fanelli, E., Colloca, F., Ardizzone, G., 2007. Decapod crustacean assemblages off the West coast of central Italy (western Mediterranean). Scientia Marina. 71(1), 19–28.

[46] Patania, A., Mutlu, E., 2021. Spatiotemporal and ecological distribution of megabenthic crustaceans on the shelf-shelf break of Antalya Gulf, the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Mediterranean Marine Science. 22(3), 446–465. DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/mms.26142

[47] Coll, M., Piroddi, C., Steenbeek, J., et al., 2010. The biodiversity of the Mediterranean Sea: Estimates, patterns, and threats. PLoS One. 5(8), e11842. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0011842

[48] Serrano, A., Sánchez, F., Preciado, I., et al., 2006. Spatial and temporal changes in benthic communities of the Galician continental shelf after the Prestige oil spill. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 53(5–7), 315–331. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2005.09.030

[49] Millot, C., 1987. Circulation in the Western Mediterranean Sea. Journal of Marine Systems. 10(2), 143–148.

[50] Ordines, F., Massutí, E., 2009. Relationships between macro-epibenthic communities and fish on the shelf grounds of the western Mediterranean. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems. 19(4), 370–383. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.969

[51] de Juan, S., Thrush, S.F., Demestre, M., 2007. Functional changes as indicators of trawling disturbance on a benthic community located in a fishing ground (NW Mediterranean Sea). Marine Ecology Progress Series. 334, 117–129. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps334117

[52] Smith, C.J., Papadopoulou, K.N., Diliberto, S., 2000. Impact of otter trawling on an eastern Mediterranean commercial trawl fishing ground. ICES Journal of Marine Science. 57(5), 1340–1351. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1006/jmsc.2000.0927

[53] Clark, M.R., Althaus, F., Schlacher, T.A., et al., 2016. The impacts of deep-sea fisheries on benthic communities: A review. ICES Journal of Marine Science. 73(Suppl_1), i51–i69. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsv123

[54] Cartes, J.E., Maynou, F., Moranta, J., et al., 2004. Patterns of bathymetric distribution among deep-sea fauna at local spatial scale: Comparison of mainland vs. insular areas. Progress in Oceanography. 60(1), 29–45. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pocean.2004.02.001

[55] Serrano, A., Sánchez, F., Punzón, A., et al., 2011. Deep sea megafaunal assemblages off the northern Iberian slope related to environmental factors. Scientia Marina. 75(3), 425–437. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3989/scimar.2011.75n3425

[56] Cartes, J.E., Abelló, P., Lloris, D., et al., 2002. Feeding guilds of western Mediterranean demersal fish and crustaceans: An analysis based on a spring survey. Scientia Marina. 66(S2), 209–220. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3989/scimar.2002.66s2209

[57] Fielding, S., Crisp, N., Allen, J.T., et al., 2001. Mesoscale subduction at the Almeria-Oran front Part 2. Biophysical interactions. Journal of Marine Systems. 30(3–4), 287–304.

[58] Sala, I., 2021. Physical-Biological Interaction in the Strait of Gibraltar the Trafalgar-Alborán Connection [PhD Thesis]. Universidad de Cádiz: Cádiz, Spain. (in Spanish)

[59] Colloca, F., Carpentieri, P., Balestri, E., et al., 2004. A critical habitat for Mediterranean fish resources: Shelf-break areas with Leptometra phalangium (Echinodermata: Crinoidea). Marine Biology. 145(6), 1129–1142. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-004-1405-8

[60] Benchoucha, S., Berraho, A., Bazairi, H., et al., 2008. Salinity and temperature as factors controlling the spawning and catch of Parapenaeus longirostris along the Moroccan Atlantic Ocean. Hydrobiologia. 612(1), 109–123. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-008-9485-y

[61] Quattrocchi, F., Fiorentino, F., Lauria, V., et al., 2020. The increasing temperature as driving force for spatial distribution patterns of Parapenaeus longirostris (Lucas 1846) in the Strait of Sicily (Central Mediterranean Sea). Journal of Sea Research. 158, 101871. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seares.2020.101871

[62] Ligas, A., Sartor, P., Colloca, F., 2011. Trends in population dynamics and fishery of Parapenaeus longirostris and Nephrops norvegicus in the Tyrrhenian Sea (NW Mediterranean): The relative importance of fishery and environmental variables. Marine Ecology. 32(S1), 25–35. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0485.2011.00440.x

[63] Deval, M.C., Yılmaz, S., Kapiris, K., 2017. Spatio temporal variations in decapod crustacean assemblages of bathyal ground in the antalya bay (Eastern mediterranean). Turkish Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. 17(5), 967–979. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4194/1303-2712-v17_5_12

[64] Guijarro, B., Tserpes, G., Moranta, J., et al., 2011. Assessment of the deep-water trawl fishery off the Balearic Islands (western Mediterranean): From single to multi-species approach. Hydrobiologia. 670(1), 67–85. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-011-0670-z

[65] Maynou, F., Sardà, F., 1997. Nephrops norvegicus population and morphometrical characteristics in relation to substrate heterogeneity. Fisheries Research. 30(1–2), 139–149. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0165-7836(96)00549-8

[66] Tullya, O., Hillis, J.P., 1995. Causes and spatial scales of variability in population structure of Nephrops norvegicus (L.) in the Irish Sea. Fisheries Research. 2(3–4), 329–347. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0165-7836(94)00303-E

[67] Mytilineou, C., Sardib, F., 1995. Age and growth of Nephrops nowegicus in the Catalan Sea, using length-frequency analysis. Fisheries Research. 23(3–4), 283–299. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0165-7836(94)00350-6

[68] Fabri, M.-C., Pedel, L., Beuck, L., et al., 2014. Megafauna of vulnerable marine ecosystems in French mediterranean submarine canyons: Spatial distribution and anthropogenic impacts. Deep Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography. 104, 184–207. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr2.2013.06.016

[69] Fanelli, E., Cartes, J.E., Papiol, V., et al., 2013. Environmental drivers of megafaunal assemblage composition and biomass distribution over mainland and insular slopes of the Balearic Basin (Western Mediterranean). Deep Sea Research Part I: Oceanographic Research Papers. 78, 79–94. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr.2013.04.009

[70] Ramos, A., Ramil, F., Sanz, J.L. (Eds.), 2017. Deep-Sea Ecosystems off Mauritania Research of Marine Biodiversity and Habitats in the Northwest African Margin. Springer: Dordrecht, The Netherlands. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-024-1023-5

[71] Sánchez, F., Serrano, A., 2003. Variability of groundfish communities of the Cantabrian Sea during the 1990s. ICES Marine Science Symposia. 219, 249–260. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17895/ices.pub.19271816

[72] Loulidi, A., Buhl-Mortensen, L., Rhinane, H., et al., 2025. Deep-sea coral habitats off the north atlantic Morocco: Distribution and associated communities. Marine Environmental Research. 204, 106898. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106898

[73] Colloca, F., Cardinale, M., Belluscio, A., et al., 2003. Pattern of distribution and diversity of demersal assemblages in the central Mediterranean sea. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. 56(3–4), 469–480. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0272-7714(02)00196-8

[74] Fernandez-Arcaya, U., Bitetto, I., Esteban, A., et al., 2019. Large-scale distribution of a deep-sea megafauna community along mediterranean trawlable grounds. Scientia Marina. 83(S1), 175–187. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3989/scimar.04852.14A

[75] Keller, S., Bartolino, V., Hidalgo, M., et al., 2016. Large-scale spatio-temporal patterns of mediterranean cephalopod diversity. PLoS One. 11(1), e0146469. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0146469

[76] Torreblanca, D., Báez, J.C., 2025. Tropicalization of the Mediterranean Sea Reflected in Fish Diversity Changes: A Case Study from Spanish Waters. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering. 13(6), 1119. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13061119

[77] Aurelle, D., Thomas, S., Albert, C., et al. 2022. Biodiversity, Climate Change, and Adaptation in the Mediterranean. Ecosphere. 13(4), e3915. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.3915

[78] Nasri, H., Kasmi, K., Slimani, D., et al., 2026. Studying of Trachurus trachurus (Linnaeus, 1758) Population Reproductive Dynamics in the Eastern Moroccan Mediterranean. Ecology and Evolution. 16(6), e73792. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.73792

[79] Slimani, D., Abdellaoui, S., El Ouamari, N., et al., 2023. Trophic Interactions of European Hake Merluccius merluccius (Linnaeus, 1758) in Benthic Communities off the Moroccan Mediterranean Coastline: Seasonal and Ontogenetic Shifts. Scientifica. 2023(1), 8865128. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/8865128

[80] Food and Agriculture Organization, 2020. Te State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2020: Sustainability in Action. FAO: Rome, Italy.

[81] General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM), 2021. Report of the WGSASP Benchmark Session for the Assessment of Sardine and Anchovy in GSAs 6 and 7 (FAO GFCM Report No. 209). FAO: Rome, Italy.

[82] Muñoz, I., García-Isarch, E., Sobrino, I., et al., 2012. Distribution, abundance and assemblages of decapod crustaceans in waters off Guinea-Bissau (north-west Africa). Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. 92(3), 475–494. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0025315411001895

[83] General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM), 2023. Report on the Data Preparation Meeting for Demersal Species in the Alboran Sea: Working Group on Stock Assessment of Demersal Species (WGSAD). General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean, FAO: Rome, Italy.

[84] De Juan, S., Demestre, M., Thrush, S., 2009. Defining ecological indicators of trawling disturbance when everywhere that can be fished is fished: A Mediterranean case study. Marine Policy. 33(3), 472–478. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2008.11.005

[85] UNEP, MAP, n.d. Barcelona Convention and Protocols. Available from: https://www.unep.org/unepmap/who-we-are/barcelona-convention-and-protocols?%2Ffr%2Fwho-we-are%2Fbarcelona-convention-and-protocols= (cited 22 July 2026).