Survey of imposex in prosobranchs mollusks along the northern Mediterranean coast of Morocco

Imposex, i.e., the superimposition of male sex organs on female gonochoristic neogastropods has been observed in more than 140 species worldwide and suggested as a suitable biomarker of tributyltin pollution in the marine environment. In this study, an imposex survey for three neogastropod species: Murex trunculus, Murex brandaris and Thaïs haemastoma was conducted for the first time at five sites along the northern Mediterranean coasts of Morocco. The imposex phenomenon was observed in the all surveyed sites. Nevertheless, rates of occurrence and degree of imposex were more important in both harbours sites (Tangier and Mdiq) characterized with heaving shipping activity than in the three seaside stations (Martil, Azla and Amsa) where only sporadic and small boats are used in traditional fishing activities.