Early detection through systematic monitoring is crucial to prevent the spread of introduced non-indigenous species (iNIS), which can threaten native biodiversity, disrupt ecosystem functioning, and impact local fisheries and maritime industries. In this paper, we report the first confirmed records of the introduced barnacle Amphibalanus eburneus (Gould, 1841) in Morocco, representing the westernmost record of this species in the southern Mediterranean. Additionally, we provide new records of biofouling barnacles on anthropogenic litter and surfaces along the Mediterranean coast of Morocco, including Amphibalanus amphitrite (Darwin, 1854), Balanus trigonus Darwin, 1854, and Perforatus perforatus (Bruguière, 1789). These four barnacle species were detected near Saidia Marina and Marchica Lagoon harbours, areas that have become key hotspots for the spread of iNIS. This finding highlights the urgent need for robust monitoring programs to manage and mitigate biological invasions in Morocco. |
