Algal diversity of the marine protected area of Joal-Fadiouth, Senegal - Agronomic and energy value

Seaweed stranding phenomenon has become recurrent in Joal-Fadiouth Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Senegal level. It presents negatives ecological and socio-economic impacts. It affects aquatics resources, fishery, navigation ways, coastal habitats and tourism. Objectives of this study are in fact to provide a list of species of marine seaweed that develop or ground in the MPA, to estimate seaweed biomass on the beach and to evaluate the agronomic and energy values. To attempt objectives, three activities were carried out. We first do a seaweed inventory, afterwards a tonnage of sediments and at last a 100 g of mixed dried seaweed analysis on its agronomic and energy value. Inventories give 39 species of seaweeds including 21 reds, 8 greens, 8 brunettes and 2 unidentified species. Analysis on agronomic and energy value gives the following proportions: ash: 53,55%; protein: 14,36%; Na: 7,20%; K: 2,79%; N: 2,52%; Ca: 2,40%; Mg: 0,91%; lipid: 0,31%; P: 0,22% and pH: 7,29. (authors)