Mohammedia – The Moroccan coastal and artisanal fishing sectors are estimated to have registered a total of approximately MAD 9 billion by the end of October 2025, marking a relatively small decline of 3% from last year, according to the National Fisheries Office (ONP).
The dip in value comes alongside a sharper 14% drop in overall catch volumes, which totaled just over 948,000 tons.
The report by the ONP shows a mixed scenario prevailing in the sector. Although various species registered a substantial increase, others registered a substantial dip, which affected the overall result.
At the top of the species list are shellfish, as their market value registered an extraordinary increase of 1,258%. Algae registered an increase of 27%, followed by white fish with an increase of 9%.
In terms of catch volumes, shellfish landed 409 tons, a marked improvement over last year’s low starting point. The landings included 25,143 tons of algae and 110,920 tons of white fish.
However, this was coupled with deep falls reflected in the major categories. Pelagic fish, the driving force behind Morocco’s marine export, went down by 18% at 757,613 tons.
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Cephalopods, which comprise squid and octopus, declined by 16% to 47,469 tons, and crustaceans declined by 6% to just over 6,200 tons.
The regional distribution further reveals diverging trends between the two coasts. The Mediterranean region registered a marginal increase, with landings up 6% by weight and 3% by value to 13,516 tons and MAD 601 million, respectively.
The other coast, which accounts for the largest share of Moroccan landings, fared less well, with a 14% decline to 934,661 tons and a 4% decline in value to around MAD 8.34 billion.
Despite the overall downturn, the rapid increase in shellfish and algae reflects a slow process of diversification of the Moroccan marine economy beyond traditional pelagic fishery resources. The rapid growth of this component may be an indicator of better market conditions or resource management.
Still, the decrease in total landings does pose a concern with regard to the sustainability and resilience of the fishing industry facing changing conditions and market trends in the oceans.
Going forward, as Morocco pursues an increasing number of oceanic partnerships, including with Russia, the question will be how to link growth with conservation activities that protect livelihoods related to the ocean.
The recent information released by the ONP makes it clear that although value may increase in a given region, the sustainability of the national fishery is a matter of a complicated balance between abundance, opportunity, and stewardship.
