The translational genomics research team of the Multidisciplinary Faculty of Nador has developed a genetic test that detects the production of toxins produced by an alga harmful to the growth of certain seafood.

Certain algae can have a negative impact on the marine ecosystem and, consequently, on the yield of the fishing and aquaculture industries. Indeed, when marine conditions of temperature, salinity, and nutrients are destabilised, these algae can proliferate to reach an alarming number. They can thus intoxicate seafood and cause their paralysis and death. This could cause losses on the economic level. Working on this aspect of aquaculture, the translational genomics research team of the Multidisciplinary Faculty of Nador has developed a genetic test that detects the production of toxins produced by this alga called "pyrodinium bahamense". "This test, inexpensive, very simple, and quick to perform, can be used in Morocco as a process to verify quality in aquaculture stations and in seafood fishing zones", explains Professor Hicham Mansour of the Multidisciplinary Faculty of Nador to "Le Matin". Starting from this observation, the research team of the Multidisciplinary Faculty of Nador (Mohammed I University), recently founded by Prof. Hicham Mansour, used the satotoxin gene (SxtA4) which is directly linked to the production of the toxin in this alga. The evaluation of toxicity was directly carried out on water samples collected throughout the year.

This test was made available to a research team at the University of Oslo in Norway to detect and monitor the production of toxins in one of the large aquaculture stations in the world in the Red Sea. The results obtained were very convincing and reproducible in two evaluated study stations. This work was published in the prestigious journal "Harmful Algae".

Now that the reliability of the test is proven, what will be the next step? Do you intend to patent your discovery? The test was published so that the international scientific community could use it, therefore it falls into the public domain. But we have the experience and expertise in the development of this type of test, we plan to adapt it to the needs of the Oriental region known particularly for its large lagoon located in the city of Nador, the Marchica. This lagoon is one of the large lagoons of the Mediterranean which shelters a diversity of marine species which have a great economic interest for our region. This type of test could valorise these species, increase their yield and their quality to make them more competitive on the national and international scale.

Have you tried to sensitise the competent authorities to the importance of this test? Indeed, we are in contact with several organisations in the region, mainly the Marchica Agency in charge of the development of the Marchica lagoon site, which opened its doors to us and devoted a lot of time to us to discuss a possible implementation of an international genomics platform within the lagoon which will have, among other things, the mission of genetic monitoring of marine species of economic interest. We also collaborate with the National Institute for Fisheries Research of Nador which is very interested in these cutting-edge genetic tools. Finally, we also have the support of associations in the region, the Cooperative Centre for Local Development (CECODEL). Genetic tests are today an essential tool that can be useful in several fields. We are working in collaboration with international institutions to develop other tests that can be of great interest to our country.