Preliminary trophic flow models of two west African lagoons.

Abstract

An attempt was macle to const,ruct trophic models of two West African coastallagoons u sing the Ecopat b approach. The lagoons Nokoué (Benin) and Ebrié (Ivory Coast) are considered in this study to compare trophic stru cture and dynam­ ics. Results observed are discussed to improve our understanding of the ecological functioning of such ecosystems. Fur­ cher assessment on fluxes ofbiomass and consequential ecological behaviour from this holistic approach will hclp develop gu idel ines for optimum management of these ecosystems