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Driouch: Fishing Ban is a Scientific Decision… The ‘Gazelle Man’ Fishing is Subject to Strict Regulations
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Zakia Driouch, the State Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, responsible for fisheries, confirmed that the fishing ban decisions and the determination of biological rest periods are based on thorough scientific studies within a national policy aimed at protecting marine resources and ensuring their sustainability, aligning with the goals of the national sustainable development strategy.
Driouch explained that achieving these goals requires prudent management and responsible exploitation of marine wealth, as demonstrated by the adoption of national fishery management plans, with 30 plans implemented that include measures to preserve resources, notably biological rest to ensure sustainability, increase productivity, and maintain the economic and social benefits for those working in the sector.
In response to a written question from MP Adel Sebai of the Haraki group, the State Secretary emphasized that the determination of fishing ban periods relies on scientific studies from the National Institute for Fisheries Research, while adhering to regional and international recommendations for migratory species, confirming that the scientific opinion is the primary determinant in making these decisions.
Regarding the ‘Gazelle Man’ species, Driouch clarified that the catch has undergone biological rest since January 1, 2025, and the decision to collect and market it required conducting scientific research to assess stock status, revealing a concerning situation in the areas typically exploited, necessitating an evaluation of the feasibility of exploitation in other regions.
Based on the scientific opinion issued by the institute on December 2, 2025, the collection and marketing of ‘Gazelle Man’ have been authorized in Essaouira, Agadir, and Sidi Ifni, rather than in other marine areas, in accordance with scientific data related to stock status.
In this context, the decision document No. 2025/07EL issued on December 3, 2025, outlined measures for the preparation, collection, declaration, transfer, and sale of this species in Moroccan waters, including setting a maximum monthly quota for each license holder: 200 kilograms in Essaouira, 240 kilograms in Agadir, and 50 kilograms in Sidi Ifni, while limiting the number of commercial fishing licenses to 70 per marine district.
