Agricultural practice consequences on fishery resources: the case of the Sardine ( <i>Sardina pilchardus</i> , Walbaum, 1792)

Agriculture represents a cornerstone of the Algerian economy. To sustain agricultural production, fungicides, including the Bordeaux mixture, a copper (Cu)-based fungicide, are used extensively. The amounts applied, along with the frequency of their use in the absence of adequate regulatory oversight, raise significant concerns. Bou-Ismaïl Bay receives this compound through runoff and urban discharge. Cu is essential at low doses; however, at higher levels, it can cause serious toxicity. Here, 120 sardines were sampled from Bou-Ismaïl Bay in February and May 2023. Cu concentrations in the tissues were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Statistical analyses were conducted using R version 4.3.2. The results revealed a significant difference between the tissues. Concentrations ranged from 0.581 to 9.032 µg/g in the gills and from 0.378 to 1.543 µg/g in the muscle. The maximum Cu concentrations in the gills in February and May indicate chronic contamination of the marine environment. The Cu content in sardines was closely linked to the extent of agricultural land using the Bordeaux mixture. The absence of international maximum permissible levels of Cu specifically for sardines increases the potential risk of consumer overexposure. This regulatory gap, combined with the limited research on Cu's effects in coastal populations, represents a significant concern.