Rabat – Morocco’s coastal and artisanal fishing sector saw an 8% increase in value, generating MAD 8.46 billion ($820.6 million) in the first nine months of 2024, according to data from the National Fisheries Office (ONP).
The total volume of coastal and artisanal fishing products reached 936,354 tons by the end of September 2024, reflecting a 2% rise from the previous year, according to ONP’s latest report.
Among the species caught, cephalopod catches increased by 13% to 55,482 tons, while pelagic fish grew by 4% to 774,976 tons, and white fish by 2% to 82,317 tons.
In contrast, other categories observed significant declines: shellfish catches declined by 89% to 45 tons, algae by 50% to 17,527 tons, and crustaceans catches by 10% to 6,008 tons.
By region, Mediterranean ports recorded 12,023 tons in catches, down 13% year-on-year, though their value rose by 9% to MAD 561.97 million ($54.5 million). Meanwhile, Atlantic ports saw a 3% increase in volume, reaching 924,331 tons.
In the first quarter of 2023, Morocco’s coastal and artisanal fishing catches surpassed 210,000 tons, reflecting a 9% increase compared to the same period in 2022.
Seaweed landings saw a notable rise of 51%, reaching 4,000 tons, while caught shellfish also jumped by 51% to 46 tons. Crustaceans followed suit, increasing by 39% to over 2,500 tons.
Fisheries and aquaculture remain vital to Morocco’s economy, significantly impacting the country’s overall economic activity.
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