Morocco and Spain Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Enhance Cooperation in Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector
Morocco and Spain signed a memorandum of understanding on Thursday aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in the fields of fisheries, aquaculture development, and combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. The signing ceremony took place on the sidelines of the thirteenth high-level meeting between the two countries held in Spain. The event was overseen by the heads of government of both nations, Aziz Akhannouch and his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sánchez, reflecting the depth of the strategic partnership between the two kingdoms.
Morocco was represented by the Secretary of State for Fisheries, Zakiya Driouch, while the Spanish side was represented by Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, Luis Planas. This memorandum emphasizes the ongoing excellent relations between the two countries and embodies a mutual desire to advance modern, responsible, and sustainable management of marine resources.
The agreement stipulates the development of joint programs for scientific research and training, enhancing partnerships aimed at establishing a modern and sustainable aquaculture sector, as well as exchanging information and expertise to combat illegal fishing, including the use of digital systems to validate landing certificates. Additionally, the memo encourages the exchange of professional and technical skills between stakeholders and institutions from both countries to strengthen capacities and unify efforts in addressing shared challenges in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
A joint follow-up committee will be established to identify annual action plans and oversee the implementation of all scheduled activities to ensure that the provisions of the agreement are activated and its objectives are achieved in practice.
The source confirmed that Morocco, through this agreement, reaffirms its commitment to enhancing sustainable blue economy practices, establishing effective governance of marine resources, and elevating the aquaculture sector to higher levels of competitiveness in line with the national strategic directions for the fisheries sector.
