Estimating the economic damage caused by jellyfish to fisheries in Morocco

Although there is great fluctuation in annual recordings of jellyfish along the Moroccan Mediterranean coast and an absence long-term datasets, a common perception that numbers are rising. To better understand possible economic losses sustained by fisheries caused effects jellyfish, we undertook survey among fishers at Atlantic port Tangier M’diq. We focused on fishers’ perceptions about blooms waters whether how affect their fishing activities. Our findings confirm have negatively affected activities over past decade Mediterranean, but degree impact varies considerably fishery location. Of total respondents M’diq, 86% reported reduced seasonal revenue. The species mainly responsible for these were Pelagia noctiluca, followed Rhizostoma pulmo Chrysaora hysoscella. direct damage has been estimated to be as high US$3.26 million per year fleet When outbreaks occur, must spend time repairing nets damaged which adds more than 1 783 person-hours work year.