The status of fish biodiversity in Ichkeul Lagoon, Tunisia

In Ichkeul Lagoon there are 24 fish species belonging to 15 families. These fish were obtained from the commercial fishing fleet and from scientific c ollections made during experimental, fishery independent sampling. Most spe cies are of marine origins and enter the Lagoon to feed. Among residential forms, there are two species of freshwater fishes (Barbus callensis and Aph anius fasciatus). However, future plans to modify the water flow constitute problems for the Pare National de lilchkeul. Disturbance in the hydrologic al regime will inevitably have some repercussions on the fish biology and t heir population dynamics. The closing of the lack, installed on the Oued Ti nja, may compromise the entering of migratory fish which will result in a t otal halt to fishing activity.