The Secretary of State for Fisheries, Zakia Driouch, officially launched an integrated shrimp production project in the commune of Skoura El Hadra, located in the Rahamna region. This project is implemented by Arade Eco Aquaculture.
This initiative forms part of a new generation of innovative investments in aquaculture in arid regions, serving as a pioneering experience at the national level that reflects the Kingdom’s direction towards diversifying marine production and enhancing sustainable models that cater to the specificities of local environments, contributing to added value in semi-arid areas.
The project relies on an intensive and closed production system aimed at producing larvae and white shrimp in a terrestrial environment. Within a single site, it combines a specialized hatchery and a shrimp fattening unit, providing an integrated model for developing the value chain associated with this species, from breeding to production and marketing.
In a press statement, Driouch emphasized that this project falls within the realm of aquaculture, noting that it acts as a driver for boosting the national economy.
She added that the project is innovative, as it is located inland rather than along the coast, specifically in arid areas. She clarified that this initiative, led by youth, respects environmental sustainability and development.
Project holder, Othmane Kerafes, pointed out that the total investment exceeds 100 million dirhams, targeting an annual production of 400 tons and providing 45 direct job opportunities, thus contributing to the economic and social vibrancy of the Rahamna region.
During the visit, the Secretary of State, accompanied by local and security authority representatives, heads of relevant external departments, elected officials, and fisheries professionals, inspected the components of the fattening unit and the shrimp packaging unit for the project.
Driouch also inaugurated the hatchery operations and initiated the expansion works of the production unit, marking a crucial phase in consolidating this innovative project and enhancing its production capabilities.
This project represents a successful model for transforming environmental challenges into opportunities for sustainable development by employing advanced scientific and technical approaches to shrimp production in semi-arid areas, aligning with royal directives aimed at regional development.
With the launch of this integrated project, the Rahamna region solidifies its position as an emerging hub for innovation in aquaculture, capable of hosting development projects with significant economic and social returns.
