Meat Nutritional Value and Exoskeleton Valorisation of <i>Callinectes sapidus</i> from Three Sites of Biological and Ecological Interest in Morocco: Scientific Insights Toward a Management Strategy in the Mediterranean Sea.

ABSTRACT: Biological invasions threaten biodiversity worldwide. The American blue crab Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896, among the Mediterranean's most damaging invaders, takes up the challenge to transform this threat into gain. To turn its impact into economic value and guide control efforts, we analysed separately the meat composition and exoskeleton biopolymers of adult crabs from three Moroccan protected Sites of Biological and Ecological Interest: Marchica Lagoon (S₁), Moulouya Estuary (S₂), and Al Hoceima National Park (S₃). Marchica specimens exhibited the highest protein content (21.87 ± 1.15 g 100 g^-1, p < 0.001) and an elevated lipid fraction, yielding nutrient-dense meat suitable for premium markets. Moulouya crabs were noted for

SUBMITTER: Gourari K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12709225 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature