Lead
In a commitment to safeguarding its rich marine resources, Morocco’s Ministry of Fisheries is prioritizing sustainability through an ambitious roadmap for 2025–2027. State Secretary Zakiya Al-Driouh announced a multi-faceted strategy aimed at bolstering economic growth, creating jobs, and attracting investment.
Strengthening Marine Resource Management
During a recent parliamentary session, Al-Driouh outlined three strategic pillars critical to achieving these sustainability goals. The first is enhancing scientific research, supported by a significant allocation of 500 million dirhams dedicated to advancing research fleets. This investment will enable the exploration and management of the country’s extensive fishing grounds, which now comprise over 30 integrated management plans.
The second pillar focuses on enforcing a “regional” system to regulate fishing vessels and manage fishing efforts effectively. By establishing clear zones for activity, the ministry aims to balance the demands of fishing with the need for conservation.
Modernizing Monitoring Systems
The third key area involves upgrading the monitoring frameworks. Al-Driouh emphasized the importance of employing new information technologies and tracking devices for vessels, ensuring compliance and promoting sustainable practices within the industry.
Morocco’s fisheries currently yield more than 1.2 million tons of seafood valued at approximately 15 billion dirhams—an increase of 1.25 billion dirhams from 2022. The sector’s exports reached 27 billion dirhams, with private investments stabilizing at around 5 billion dirhams between 2021 and 2025, generating over 271,000 direct jobs.
Significant Harvests and Sustainable Practices
The state secretary also highlighted the robust output from Southern fisheries, where ports in Laayoune, Tan-Tan, and Tarfaya report daily sardine catches exceeding 5,000 tons. This abundance occasionally prompts the ministry to temporarily halt fishing activities to allow local infrastructure to keep pace with such influxes, showcasing the success of sustainable management measures, including biological rest periods and selected fishery closures to adapt to climate changes.
In the realm of traditional fishing, Al-Driouh reported that landings are expected to reach 102,000 tons by 2025, representing a value exceeding 3 billion dirhams. The average revenue for the active fleet of 17,000 boats has surged from 68,000 dirhams in 2010 to 210,000 dirhams in 2025, providing livelihoods for over 52,000 fishermen.
Commitment to Sector Support
In closing, Al-Driouh reaffirmed the government’s unwavering support for the fisheries sector. Initiatives continue to develop fishing grounds and reserves, enhance marketing infrastructures, and promote safety and social protection for workers in the industry. These efforts are crucial for balancing sustainable practices with economic imperatives, ensuring that Morocco’s fisheries remain vibrant and viable for future generations.
SEO Keywords:
Morocco fisheries, marine sustainability, fishing industry investment, Zakiya Al-Driouh, seafood exports, economic growth, job creation, environmental management
Meta Description:
Morocco prioritizes marine sustainability with a new fisheries strategy aimed at enhancing economic growth and job creation through sustainable practices.
Social Media Hook:
Morocco’s fishing industry is set to thrive with a bold new roadmap prioritizing sustainability, economic growth, and job creation.
