Expansion of the non-indigenous sponge <i>Paraleucilla magna</i> Klautau, Monteiro &amp;amp; Borojevic, 2004 (Porifera: Calcarea) along the Mediterranean coast of Morocco

The Mediterranean Sea is experiencing an increased impact of biological invasions, including along the coastlines of North Africa. The non-indigenous sponge Paraleucilla magna Klautau, Monteiro &amp;amp; Borojevic, 2004 was detected recently in the western Mediterranean coast of Morocco. In this paper we document for the first time the occurrence of this non-indigenous species (NIS) in Marchica Lagoon, a Ramsar site and protected area situated on the eastern Mediterranean coast of Morocco. Additionally, we report it from the Saidia Marina, the easternmost location in the country where the species has been found, demonstrating its rapid expansion. The Marchica lagoon and Saidia marina have become hotspots for the proliferation of NIS, underscoring the pressing need for monitoring and management strategies to address the issue of biological invasions in this region.