Traditional Fishing in Morocco Achieves a Qualitative Leap: Tripling of Transaction Volume and Increase in Production Value to 3.8 Billion Dirhams
The State Secretary for Fisheries, Zakia Driouch, confirmed that the traditional fishing sector in Morocco is experiencing strong dynamics that have made it a lever for economic and social development as well as a pillar for national food security. She highlighted that the transaction volume of active fishing boats has tripled in recent years.
During a question-and-answer session in the House of Councillors, Driouch explained that traditional fishing accounts for 23% of national production value and provides around 60,000 direct jobs, reflecting its importance as a vital sector that enhances local employment and social development in coastal areas.
She added that the value of traditional fishing products reached 3.8 billion dirhams in 2024, representing a 98% increase compared to 2016, while the average transaction volume per boat rose from 68,000 dirhams in 2010 to 241,000 dirhams in 2024.
Regarding the sustainability of fisheries, the government official emphasized that 30 management and development plans for fisheries have been implemented, contributing to the continuity of activity and improving professional productivity. Additionally, eight marine protected areas have been established for sustainable fishing, with two new protected areas currently under study.
Driouch also addressed the National Coastal Development Program, which includes the creation of equipped fishing villages and unloading points that serve as spaces for professional and social integration. She confirmed that these facilities have contributed to the widespread availability of insurance and social coverage for all fishermen and improved their working conditions.
In support of the solidarity economy, 22 traditional fishing cooperatives have been funded with 23 tractors at an investment of 9 million dirhams, along with the equipping of 16,000 boats with insulated boxes at a financial cost of 93 million dirhams. The National Coastal Development Program has seen investments of 3 billion dirhams distributed over 42 projects.
The State Secretary indicated that her sector is currently working on reconfiguring and expanding several fishing villages and unloading points with a total financial envelope nearing 154 million dirhams, of which 129 million dirhams is allocated to rehabilitate the old fishing village of Souiri in Essaouira to become a new generation of modern coastal villages.
In the field of enhancing maritime safety, the carrying capacity of boats has been increased from 2.5 to 3 tons, and more than 6,000 boats in the southern regions have been equipped with satellite distress signaling devices at a cost of 20 million dirhams. Additionally, 157 boats have received new engines valued at 15 million dirhams, along with efforts to identify boats to curb the phenomenon of illegal fishing vessels.
