Driouch: The Ban on Exporting Frozen Sardines Will Contribute to Price Stability in National Markets
Zakia Driouch, the Deputy Minister in charge of Fisheries, emphasized that the adoption of modern technology and digitization is a fundamental pillar for the development of the fisheries sector, both in scientific research and in the preparation of planning schemes as well as improving the marketing system for marine products. She noted that the digitization process began with the “Halieutis” strategy, aiming for a transition to a “zero paper” approach, especially concerning export operations.
During the weekly oral question session at the House of Representatives, Driouch explained that the process of exporting marine products has now been fully digitized, alongside the digitization of marketing procedures, particularly in first-sale markets, to enhance transparency. This mechanism has been implemented in 68 out of 76 markets. She also mentioned that digitization extends to fishing areas, as all fishing vessels operating in Moroccan waters are equipped with satellite monitoring devices.
In response to a question about providing fish to citizens at reasonable prices, the government official highlighted that Morocco possesses significant fishery wealth. However, the main challenge remains to preserve it and ensure its sustainability, emphasizing that 80 percent of fish stocks consist of small pelagic fish, with sardines at the forefront, compared to a smaller percentage of white fish.
The Deputy Minister clarified that the market operates on the principles of supply and demand, yet the ministry has undertaken several measures to enhance the supply of national markets. Among these, in coordination with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, is the decision to ban the export of frozen sardines starting February 1, in order to ensure the availability of this product following a noted reduction in the quantities of sardines presented in the markets.
In the same context, Driouch affirmed that the government continues to make ongoing efforts to ensure national markets are supplied with various food products, while working in coordination with relevant authorities to regulate prices and combat illegal practices and speculation.
She noted that fish prices remain relatively reasonable, despite being affected by several factors, including weather conditions, the costs of fishing trips, the cold chain, and profit margins for intermediaries and retail traders. She believes that banning the export of frozen sardines will help maintain prices at acceptable levels.
Regarding support for traditional fishing, the Deputy Minister stressed that this activity is a fundamental component of the fisheries sector, given its significant economic and social roles, contributing 34 percent of the total value of coastal and traditional fishing landings, which amounted to nearly 3.4 billion dirhams last year.
She also pointed out that the annual turnover of traditional fishing boats has tripled, considering that these results reflect the effectiveness of the measures taken, including the preparation of planning schemes, updating eight marine protected areas, as well as establishing 48 fishing villages and equipped landing points for marketing fishery products.
