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Rabat – Moroccan ports are showing signs of recovery as the value of marketed products from coastal and artisanal fishing reached MAD 2.9 billion ($295 million), an increase of 14% in the first quarter of 2022, according to the National Fishing Office (ONP).
The report estimated the weight of the fish products at 193,955 tonnes, a 21% decrease compared to the first three months of 2021.
By species, the sum of crustaceans, cephalopods, and whitefish increased by 39%, 30% and 6% respectively, whereas the values of algae, shellfish, and pelagic fish declined by 68%, 22% and 19% respectively.
A total of 5,706 tonnes of coastal and artisanal fishery products were delivered to the Mediterranean port entries by the end of March 2022, marking a decrease of 10% to the same period a year earlier.
In terms of value, these ports recorded a decline of 7% to MAD 186 million ($18 million). Meanwhile, the Atlantic recorded 188,249 tonnes, which fell by 22%. But their value increased by 16% to more than MAD 2.7 billion ($275 million).
Morocco and the EU launched last week a project to strengthen the Moroccan aquaculture sector, with the North African country vowing to bolster investments in marine aquaculture.
The EU is expected to finance the joint venture aimed at implementing aquaculture projects for sustainable growth with a €250,000 budget.
Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch said during the “One Ocean Summit” in February that the country’s efforts have resulted in 95% of the resources fished in Morocco being under control with management plans.
He also spoke about Morocco’s commitment to protect and restore marine ecosystems while promoting sustainable fisheries.
In 2018, a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) ranked Morocco 13th worldwide and first in Africa, with 1.4 million tonnes of fish production.
FAO also noted that aquaculture production reached 1,960 tonnes in Morocco in 2004.
