Morocco's Fishing Industry Navigates Shifting Tides

Tuesday 18 June 2024 - 13:50

In a recent report from the National Office of Fisheries (ONP), Morocco's inshore and artisanal fishing sector witnessed a subtle downward shift in the first five months of 2024. The value of marketed products dipped by 1% to 4.37 billion dirhams, while the weight of these products declined by 7% to 392,692 tonnes compared to the same period in 2023.

This industry snapshot unveils a tapestry of fluctuations across various species. Landings of shellfish, seaweed, crustaceans, and pelagic fish experienced notable declines of 77%, 39%, 26%, and 9%, respectively. Conversely, white fish and cephalopod landings bucked the trend, rising by 8% to 41,628 tonnes and 6% to 29,842 tonnes.

Geographical disparities also painted a nuanced picture. Mediterranean port entries witnessed a 16% decrease in inshore and artisanal fishing product landings, totaling 6,542 tonnes by the end of May 2024. However, the value of these landings paradoxically increased by 4%, reaching 316.6 million dirhams. On the Atlantic coast, landings fell by 7% to 386,149 tonnes, accompanied by a 1% dip in value to 4.05 billion dirhams.

As the fishing industry navigates these shifting currents, the ONP's report serves as a compass, guiding stakeholders through the ebb and flow of this vital economic sector. With a watchful eye on market dynamics and a commitment to sustainable practices, Morocco's inshore and artisanal fishing industry continues to chart its course, adapting to the ever-changing tides of supply and demand.