Morocco's Winter Octopus Fishing Season Opens with Promising Catch Numbers

Thursday 09 January 2025 - 11:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco's Winter Octopus Fishing Season Opens with Promising Catch Numbers

Morocco's winter octopus fishing season has launched with remarkable success, according to recent reports from the State Secretariat for Maritime Fishing. The early days of the 2025 season have demonstrated exceptional results, particularly highlighting the effectiveness of the biological rest period and resource abundance.

In Dakhla, the fishing industry has already achieved 25% of its quota, with landings reaching 1,690,336.5 kg, generating a value of 176,997,758 dirhams. This impressive performance spans across multiple fishing villages, including Lassargua, Labouirda, Ntireft, and Imoutlan, involving a fleet of 3,082 artisanal fishing boats.

The successful implementation of the biological rest period has resulted in increased resource availability, positively impacting sales prices at fish markets and wholesale facilities operated by the National Fisheries Office (ONP). This achievement has contributed significantly to the economic vitality of Moroccan ports while promoting sustainable marine resource management.

The winter fishing season, scheduled from January 1 to March 31, 2025, follows strategic recommendations from the National Institute of Fisheries Research (INRH). The initiative was preceded by an autumn biological rest period from October 1 to December 31, 2024. Scientific monitoring has revealed notable improvements in octopus stocks, particularly in regions north and south of Sidi Lghazi.

The fishery operates across three fleet segments - artisanal, coastal, and industrial - and is divided between summer and winter seasons. This structure supports thousands of jobs both at sea and on land, representing significant commercial value for the region.

To ensure sustainable practices, the State Secretariat has implemented comprehensive control measures throughout the value chain. These include strict Total Allowable Catch (TAC) quotas by zone, fleet category allocations, and additional management measures such as designated fishing zones, gear restrictions, and minimum market sizes.

Since the commencement of the Winter 2025 campaign, enhanced control measures have been established, covering everything from landing points to processing units. These measures include intensified physical monitoring at ports, fishing sites, fish markets, and industrial units, with particular attention to traceability documentation for export certification.

This comprehensive approach reflects Morocco's commitment to responsible fishing practices while supporting industry operators and ensuring long-term sustainability of this valuable marine resource.