Epifaunal Communities Associated with Macroalgae: The Case of the Cap-Vert Peninsula (Senegal, Northwest Africa)

This study from Cap-Vert (Dakar, Senegal) examines epifaunal communities associated with macroalgae, revealing key variations based on algal species and sampling period. In 2023 (in situ samples), amphipods (24–30%) dominated, particularly on Corallina officinalis (Rhodophyceae), while 2022 (beached samples) showed copepods (76–92%) as the most abundant on Sargassum and Ulva spp. The highest epifaunal density was recorded on 2023 Ulva spp. (Chlorophyceae). Univariate analysis confirmed a significant link between epifaunal abundance and macroalgae species, highlighting their ecological interdependence. These findings are critical for West Africa’s blue economy, where expanding macroalgae exploitation could disrupt these ecosystems. Sustainable management should account for species-specific epifaunal dependencies, particularly for structurally important algae (Corallina, Codium). The study recommends integrating macroalgae-epifauna associations into biodiversity inventories, especially in marine protected areas, and further research on influencing factors (algal morphology, environmental conditions). An ecosystem-based approach is essential to balance economic development and biodiversity conservation.