As part of a broad assessment of climate change impacts in Morocco, an assessment of vulnerability and
adaptation of coastal zones to sea-level rise was conducted. Tangier Bay which is the most important socioeconomic
pole in Northern Morocco represents one of the cases studies. Using a GIS-based inundation
analysis and an erosion modelling approach, the potential physical vulnerability to accelerated sea-level rise
was investigated, and the most vulnerable socio-economic sectors were assessed. Results indicate that 10%
and 24% of the area will be at risk of flooding respectively for minimum (4 m) and maximum (11 m)
inundation levels. The most severely impacted sectors are expected to be the coastal defences and the port,
the urban area, tourist coastal infrastructures, the railway, and the industrial area. Shoreline erosion would
affect nearly 20% and 45% of the total beach areas respectively in 2050 and 2100. Potential response strategies
and adaptation options identified include: sand dune fixation, beach nourishment and building of seawalls to
protect the urban and industrial areas of high value. It was also recommended that an Integrated Coastal
Zone Management Plan for the region, including upgrading awareness, building regulation and urban growth
planning should be the most appropriate tool to ensure a long-term sustainable development, while
addressing the vulnerability of the coast to future sea-level rise.