Rabat – Aziz Akhannouch, the Moroccan minister of agriculture, fisheries, rural development, water, and forests, has overseen the distribution of a tractor, crane, and of 80 engines with 15 horsepower, for traditional fishing boats to 240 fishermen in the Taghazout association of traditional fishermen north of Agadir., which along with the engines cost MAD 1.96 million.
According to Akhannouch, “This is the end product of an agreement with the association of traditional fishermen; the boats will be equipped with the appropriate gear that would provide these fishermen with the best working conditions.”
The initiative aims to improve the working conditions of traditional fishermen, raise incomes, and maintain the durability of boats.
Akhannouch emphasized that the agreement, signed on October 5, is part of the Halieutis project, which is designed to restructure and improve the fishing sector.
Mohamed Bouhriz, president of the community of Taghazout, said, “We finally achieved our dream. This fishing community will benefit from two projects, the first of which was achieved today with the distribution of 80 engines, along with a tractor and a crane.”
Bouhriz asserted, “This equipment will facilitate the lives of the fishermen in Taghazout.”
Taghazout took in 46.4 tons of fish in 2018, and made an estimated revenue of MAD 3.9 million.
The minister, accompanied by Mabarka Bouida, the state secretary in charge of sea fishing; the governor of Souss Massa; the labor agency of Agadir Edautan; and the head of the regional council, presented information on the fishing center in Taghazout.
After distributing the engines, Akhannouch headed to Imsouane beach, 90 kilometers north of Agadir, where he was briefed on the conditions of the fishermen in the area.
