Monitoring the ingestion of microplastics (MPs) by marine organisms in the environment is essential for understanding the threats posed by these pollutants. In this study, we assessed, for the first time, the presence of MPs in the digestive tracts of two fish species, Chelon auratus and Sardina pilchardus, as well as a bivalve species, Callista chione, in the Moroccan Mediterranean Sea. Moreover, we calculated the polymeric hazard index (PHI) to verify the hazard level of isolated polymers. The results showed that all species ingested MPs, indicating a high level of MP pollution in this area. The MPs ingested were predominantly small (0.5–1 mm) and had a fiber-like shape. The results showed that PP and PET were the most abundant polymers ingested. The highest occurrence of MPs (100%) was found in C. chione and C. auratus, followed by S. pilchardus (72%). In C. chione, the average number of ingested MPs was 19.19 items per individual, while in C. auratus, the mean abundance of ingested MPs was 16.82 items per individual, and 9.64 items per individual in S. pilchardus. Moreover, the polymer hazard index showed that PET was in hazard level IV, while PP was in level III. Further studies are required in the Moroccan Mediterranean Sea to obtain a better evaluation of the occurrence, distribution, and impacts associated with MP pollution.

Despite the widespread presence of anthropogenic microparticles (AMs) in beach sediments, research on their occurrence on Moroccan Mediterranean beaches is still limited. This study is the first report on AM pollution in four sandy beaches along the Tetouan coast (Morocco Mediterranean). The findings reveal an average AM concentration of 483.12 ± 157.04 AMs/kg of beach sediment. The most common AM types were fibers (75.54%) and fragments (24.06%). AMs were predominantly black, red, and blue, measuring between 0.1 and 1 mm. The evaluation of the anthropogenic microparticles pollution index (AMPI) and the coefficient of anthropogenic microparticles impact (CAMI) for the study area indicated a “very high abundance” of AMs and an “extreme” level of impact. The polymers identified in these areas included PS, PE, PP, and PET. Tourism, fishing, domestic activities, and poor solid waste management practices are the primary sources of AM pollution in this region. To protect Moroccan beaches, the implementation of a consistent plastic waste management strategy is recommended.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether raising the awareness of the fishermen in the conservation of bycatch species in the Moroccan Mediterranean Sea is effective. A total of 300 people were surveyed and trained in the course of the study, which provided data comparing the actions of fishermen and skippers before and after the participatory activities. The results of the survey revealed that 76% of those questioned were unfamiliar with proper release techniques for vulnerable species, demonstrating the importance of raising awareness among these participants in order to improve their knowledge. Raising the awareness of the fishermen led to a change in behavior and recognition of the importance of conserving threatened species. Raising the awareness of trainees from the maritime training establishment, who will be the future fishing skippers, offers an effective strategy for passing on information across generations for species management and creating a science-based working environment for fisherman.