Driouch Announces the Establishment of Three New Marine Reserves as Part of Blue Economy Development Program
Zakia Driouch, the Secretary of State responsible for fisheries, revealed the details of the fishing sector’s contribution to the implementation of the Blue Economy Development Program. She announced the scheduled establishment of three new marine reserves in Agadir, Larache, and Ras Choukat in the Nador region between 2022 and 2027.
This announcement came during a session of questions from counselors at the House of Councillors on Tuesday, December 23. Driouch explained that this program, carried out in collaboration with the World Bank, provides a new lever for economic growth, encompasses eight administrative sectors, and focuses on three main axes: enhancing national food security, supporting economic development, and creating job opportunities, alongside protecting natural resources and ensuring their sustainable exploitation, in line with Royal directives advocating for sustainable development of Moroccan coastlines.
The government official highlighted that, to date, the ministry has successfully established the Agadir Reserve as part of the Marine Reserves Support Project, increasing the number of completed reserves to eight. These are distributed among three reserves within shared national parks and five stand-alone marine reserves, aimed at preserving marine biodiversity, maintaining fish stocks, promoting ecological tourism, and supporting traditional fishing and cooperatives.
Driouch emphasized that the development of marine aquaculture is a fundamental pillar in achieving sustainable development goals, as it plays a crucial role in alleviating pressure on natural fisheries and providing sustainable production alternatives. She also mentioned the ongoing support for coastal activities by organizing the fishing of coastal species, particularly shellfish and seaweed.
In conclusion, the Secretary of State indicated that the ministry is working on reviewing the law regulating the fishing sector, particularly regarding the organization of recreational fishing, as it is an emerging tourism activity. This aims to establish a balance between the development of marine tourism, enhancing the local economy, and ensuring the protection of marine resources and coastal ecosystems.
