Research Interests

My project aims to characterize the gut microbiota of the shrimp Penaeus notialis in relation to the hydrological conditions (flood and low-water periods) of the Nokoué Lagoon in Benin. Penaeus notialis is the dominant species accounting for 74% of catches in the lagoon, which alone accounts for nearly two-thirds of national shrimp production. Despite the significant socio-economic importance of shrimp fisheries—particularly in terms of protein supply, job creation, and contribution to the national GDP—knowledge of the ecology of shrimps in that ecosystem remains limited. To fill this gap, I am studying the trophic ecology of P. notialis through the analysis of its diet, and its gut microbiota in relation with environmental factors (physico-chemical parameters, environmental microbial reservoirs, diet) and host (genotype, sex, size) factors. The results of this fundamental project should provide new knowledge on the ecology and physiology of P. notialis, which will contribute to the development of innovative solutions for a more sustainable use of aquaculture resources in Benin.”