Doha – Morocco has accelerated the modernization of its fishing sector with a MAD 34 million ($3.4 million) investment to digitize auction sales in 45 wholesale seafood markets.
This initiative aims to improve transparency in commercial transactions by digitizing all documents used in these facilities.
“This digitization has focused on all documents used in these structures, with the goal of improving the transparency of commercial transactions,” said Zakia Driouich, Secretary of State for Maritime Fishing, during an oral question session at the Counselors’ Chamber on Tuesday.
Since 2010, Morocco has implemented various measures to strengthen the local market dynamics. The country now has 70 wholesale markets located in ports, landing points, and fishing villages.
Fourteen new-generation markets have been equipped with ice factories. Twelve additional wholesale markets have been created outside ports, with two still under construction.
Driouich noted that eight proximity markets for retail sales are scheduled to be completed by 2027. The State Secretariat is contributing MAD 30 million ($3 million) toward this initiative, with five projects currently underway.
To organize distribution channels and ensure quality, plastic crates have been standardized across all ports. Management units have been renewed, and 100 ice production units have been established in ports and fishing villages.
Insulated containers have been distributed to artisanal fishing boats, representing a total investment of MAD 93 million ($9.3 million).
Regarding professional organization, Driouich indicated that fish traders’ activities have been regulated. Certain provisions of Law No. 14.08 related to fish trading are currently being revised to address legal gaps, improve distribution chains, and combat illegal fishing.
The “Hout b’Taman Maaqoul” (Fish at Reasonable Prices) initiative has seen remarkable success during Ramadan. More than 4,673 tons of frozen fish were sold in 35 cities, compared to only 414 tons in three cities in 2019.
Efforts are underway to extend this initiative throughout the year in coordination with partners.
The Secretary of State attributed the sustained pace of seafood landings – averaging 1.4 million tons over the past decade – to joint efforts by all stakeholders and the implementation of structural measures under the “Halieutis” strategy.
Pelagic fish represent 84% of total national production.
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