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Morocco Tops the List of Beneficiaries from European Fishing Agreements with Southern Countries Over 45 Years
A recent scientific study published in the journal Nature revealed that Morocco is the leading beneficiary of the fishing agreements established by the European Union with southern countries since the late 1970s.
The study indicated that Morocco, in collaboration with Mauritania, accounted for approximately 75% of the total European financial support for these agreements over nearly 45 years, amounting to nearly 4.8 billion euros. Morocco stands out as the largest individual beneficiary, receiving almost one-third of this aid, surpassing all coastal countries partnering with the EU, evidenced by a support density indicator of 2.83 euros per gross tonnage.
Data showed that more than 80% of the support directed to Morocco is linked to the fishing of small pelagic species like sardines, mackerel, anchovies, and squid, which are scientifically classified as “forage fish” due to their role in maintaining ecological balance and the marine food chain. However, researchers warned that intensive exploitation of these resources may threaten their long-term sustainability.
The study noted that the amount of financial support is directly related to the availability of these small pelagic species, making Morocco and Mauritania the most benefiting countries. In Morocco, purse seine and surface trawlers are used to catch large quantities in a short time. On the other hand, Spain remains the most dominant player in fishing within Moroccan waters, targeting both surface and bottom fish.
The research also documented a structural shift in the nature of fishing agreements. In the mid-1990s, financial support peaked with annual compensations exceeding 127 million euros, alongside the operation of more than 500 deep-sea fishing vessels, while surface fishing quotas did not exceed 60,000 tons.
Conversely, in recent years, there has been a significant decline in bottom fishing, with compensation in 2023 dropping to around 42.4 million euros, involving only about 60 vessels, representing a decrease of nearly eighteen times compared to the 1990s, while surface fishing quotas rose to 185,000 tons.
The report concluded by emphasizing that Morocco has become a key focal point in European maritime policy beyond the EU, with a gradual shift from deep-sea fishing to intensive exploitation of small pelagic fish, posing urgent environmental and sustainability challenges that require immediate attention.
