Rabat – Mohamed Sadiki, Morocco’s Minister of Agriculture and Maritime Fisheries, inaugurated on Tuesday the construction work of the country’s first hatchery for marine fishing.
The launch ceremony, held in the commune of Gueznaya in northern Morocco, witnessed the participation of Majida Maarouf, the Director of the National Agency for the Development of Aquaculture, local authorities, and private economic operators engaged in the aquaculture industry.
This pioneering project aims to produce up to 30 million high-quality fry of sea bream, sea bass, meager, and other species of interest to national aquaculture farms.
Spanning an area of 2.28 hectares, the hatchery will be a vital component of Morocco’s aquaculture sector, with an investment of MAD 120 million ($12.3million)dedicated to ensuring a reliable supply of fry for the value chain.
During a press briefing at the launching event, Minister Sadiki emphasized that this hatchery is the first of its kind in Morocco to receive financial support from the government. The state has granted a MAD 20 million ($2million) investment bonus for the acquisition of hatchery equipment, he detailed.
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Sadiki highlighted the significance of the aquaculture sector within the framework of the “Halieutis” plan, which aims to increase production and promote the balanced, qualitative, and sustainable development of the marine fisheries sector in Morocco.
Highlighting the importance of fry production in ensuring the viability of fish farming projects, Minister Sadiki noted that this initiative would also help alleviate pressure on marine resources.
The project aligns with the “Halieutis” strategy, launched by King Mohammed VI in 2009, and serves as a precursor to similar endeavors in different regions of Morocco. In a similar statement, Director Maarouf drew attention to the alignment of this project with the strategies of the National Agency for the Development of Aquaculture.
The agency is committed to supporting such initiatives as part of Morocco’s long-term policy in the aquaculture sector, fostering a suitable environment for investment and capitalizing on the sector’s significant evolution, he argued.
Maarouf emphasized the responsibility of developing aquaculture activities as a commitment to marine resource preservation, reducing environmental impact, ensuring food security, and boosting economic output and job creation.
Shavit Dahan, the head of project development at Aquago Company, highlighted that this project reflects Morocco’s inclination towards qualitative economic endeavors, especially those with high added value for the marine fishing sector.
Morocco has established itself as a global reference in the fisheries sector. Dahan also commended the country’s ongoing efforts to encourage investments that not only support the national economy but also contribute to environmental protection and the preservation of natural resources.
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According to Dahan, the support Morocco provides to investments under the aquaculture development strategy exemplifies the kingdom’s insightful vision for resource development, exploitation, and the development of a green economy that ensures sustainable and balanced growth.
This approach aligns with the global need for rational investments that limit resource overexploitation while contributing to their preservation and development, he explained.
With the launch of the first marine fish hatchery, Morocco takes a momentous stride towards developing a thriving aquaculture sector. This project marks the country’s dedication to economic progress while preserving its natural resources and reinforcing its position as a global leader in the marine fishing industry.
