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Rabat – Morocco’s latest national report on beach water quality shows strong environmental progress, with 95% of bathing waters meeting microbiological quality standards in 2025.
This represents a 7% increase compared to 2021, according to the findings, presented on Tuesday in Rabat.
The report, part of the country’s national monitoring program for beach water and sand quality, assessed 204 beaches across 498 monitoring stations, up from just 79 beaches monitored in 2004.
Despite the positive results, about 4.72% of monitored sites did not meet required standards. The report calls for stronger action to address these gaps, including better management of sewage systems, reducing uncontrolled wastewater discharge, improving sanitation infrastructure, and eliminating pollution sources.
The report also examined marine waste. Authorities monitored 64 beaches in 2025, including collecting sand samples for fungal analysis and conducting surveys to identify types of waste found along the coast. Results showed that the amount of marine litter collected decreased by more than 25% compared to the 2021-2025 average.
Speaking at the event, Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, said the annual presentation of the report is timed ahead of the summer season to help local authorities and stakeholders take early measures. These steps aim to ensure beaches are safe and environmentally sound for visitors.
Benali said there is “clear progress” in monitoring coastal ecosystems through the use of innovative scientific tools. However, she warned that environmental challenges remain, especially plastic pollution. She noted that 80% of marine waste comes from land-based activities, with plastic making up more than 86% of that waste.
The minister called for stronger adoption of sustainable solutions, particularly through promoting a circular economy that reduces waste and encourages recycling.
She also pointed to key national initiatives, including the “Clean Beaches” program and the “Blue Flag” label, implemented in partnership with the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection.
Morocco’s coastline stretches over 3,500 kilometers along both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, making beach quality a key issue for public health, tourism, and environmental protection. The tourism sector, in particular, relies heavily on clean and safe beaches, especially during the busy summer months.
MWN with MAP
