Morocco's fisheries expo showcases sustainable growth and innovation

Wednesday 05 February 2025 - 10:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco's fisheries expo showcases sustainable growth and innovation

Morocco is set to host the 7th Halieutis international fisheries and aquaculture trade show at the Agadir Exhibition Center from February 6-9, 2025, focusing on research and innovation for sustainable fishing practices.

The event will gather 523 exhibitors from 55 countries across 20,000 square meters of exhibition space, highlighting Morocco's strategic position in the global fishing industry. Notable attendees include Moroccan Secretary of State Zakia Driouch, Ivorian Minister of Marine Resources Sidi Tiémoko Touré, and French Ambassador Christophe Lecourtier, with over 50,000 visitors expected.

Morocco's fishing and aquaculture sector has demonstrated significant growth, recording an 8% increase in 2024 compared to the previous year. Contributing over 2% to the country's GDP, the industry employs 220,000 people directly and 500,000 indirectly, establishing itself as a crucial component of the national economy.

The expo aligns with Morocco's Halieutis Strategy, which emphasizes three key pillars: sustainability, performance, and competitiveness. The initiative aims to develop responsible fishing practices, optimize the supply chain, and promote Moroccan seafood products in international markets.

As Africa's leading fish producer, Morocco harvests more than one million tons of seafood annually, ranking 25th worldwide. The country particularly excels in sardine production and exports. Its marine resources span 3,500 kilometers of coastline and an exclusive economic zone exceeding one million square kilometers, home to 500 species, of which 60 are commercially exported.

The country's position in the global fishing industry is further strengthened by major agreements with the European Union and Russia, reinforcing its role as a significant player in the international seafood market.