<p>Contains the raw data.</p>

The simulations incorporated high-resolution meteorological and oceanographic forcing from CMEMS and NOAA-GFS. Results highlight the strong influence of mesoscale circulation patterns in the Alboran Sea, particularly the interaction between regional gyres, the Algerian Current, and local wind-driven drift. Lagrangian trajectories indicate a dominant east–southeastward transport, posing a direct threat to environmentally sensitive coastal areas.

By the end of the simulation, 4,253 particles were stranded, corresponding to approximately 85.1 t of oil, while 747 particles remained active at sea, corresponding to approximately 14.9 t. Weathering was dominated by emulsification and viscosity increase, whereas evaporation remained limited to approximately 10–15% of the released mass and natural dispersion remained below 10%. The revised analysis indicates that high viscosity and density lower than seawater explain the long surface residence time of fresh Bunker C, while sedimentation risk becomes critical mainly in shallow, sediment-rich environments through oil-mineral aggregation.

The study identifies priority coastal exposure pathways and provides management-relevant guidance for preparedness planning, including pre-positioning of response equipment adapted to viscous oils, rapid protection of lagoon inlets where feasible, and transboundary coordination between Morocco and Algeria.</p></div>