Morocco breaks records and reinforces the competitiveness of its fishing sector
At the Halieutis International Exhibition, held in Agadir from 5 to 9 February 2025, the speeches by the Secretary of State for Maritime Fisheries, Zakia Driouch, and by actors and professionals from the fishing sector in and outside Morocco revealed the figures recorded by this sector.
In addition, the fair was an opportunity to evaluate compliance with the Halieutis strategy, launched in 2009 by King Mohammed VI with the aim of developing the maritime fishing sector, improving its performance and employability.
The Moroccan fishing sector in figures
National production reached 1.42 million tonnes in 2024, generating 16.3 billion dirhams, thanks to the rigorous management of reserves and the development of 30 fisheries management plans in the main fishing areas. This has made it possible to guarantee the sustainable exploitation of resources and maintain optimal production levels.
Small-scale fishing, together with coastal and industrial fishing, contributes 8% of total catches, with production adapted to the needs of local and international markets.
With 518 onshore processing units and 311 sea-based freezing units, Morocco is a major player in the seafood processing industry. Its modern infrastructure allows it to process almost 60% of coastal fishing catches, producing a wide range of preserved and semi-preserved products, fresh product packaging, frozen products, oils, salted fish and fish meal.
These products are destined for 138 international markets, reinforcing Morocco's position as a regional leader. Furthermore, the processing industry generates employment and contributes significantly to the added value of the fishing sector.
In 2023, seafood exports broke a record and reached 31 billion dirhams, representing 37% of agri-food exports and consolidating the competitiveness of Moroccan products in the global market. The main products exported include canned sardines, fish, molluscs, frozen crustaceans, etc.
Private investment in the seafood processing and value-added sector experienced strong growth in 2023, reaching more than 930 million dirhams, with year-on-year growth of 26%. The mobilisation of infrastructure, the integration of advanced technologies in processing units and the support of innovative projects have been the drivers of this momentum.
In terms of direct employment at a social level, the sector continues to play a crucial role: in 2023 it generated more than 260,000 direct jobs, including 131,082 seafarers working on fishing vessels.
The number of employees on land, in the seafood processing industries, reached 125,583 workers, while, in marine aquaculture, the sector has created 1,338 jobs. In total, more than 650,000 indirect jobs that sustain the lives of three to four million inhabitants in coastal regions.
Small-scale fishing, carried out by 16,993 boats and with a social character, generates approximately 60,000 direct jobs at sea and contributed 24% of the value of national fish production in 2023.
The Halieutis strategy
Launched in 2009, the Halieutis strategy constitutes the framework for the development of the Moroccan fishing sector and is based on three main axes: the sustainability of resources, the performance of the sectors and competitiveness in international markets.
With regard to the main measures of the strategy for the development of the maritime fishing sector, an overall budget of 8.35 billion dirhams has been invested, aimed at financing all the projects included in the framework of the strategy. Of these, 1.55 billion dirhams have been in the form of subsidies and grants.
Among the main programmes launched, the one that stands out is the programme to strengthen the capacities of those involved in the fishing sector, through:
- Initiatives to improve social and professional conditions, guaranteeing safety at sea through social and family coverage.
- Strengthening the rescue system, helping more than 78 cooperatives through technical and financial support for innovative projects and improving the quality of maritime training.
The strategy has also strengthened scientific research as a fundamental pillar of the development of the Moroccan fishing sector, with a budget of 1.5 billion dirhams aimed at ensuring the sustainability, protection and valuation of fishing resources.
The promotion of marine aquaculture in Morocco aims to reinforce food security, create jobs and sustain the economic development of the national fishing sector.
Among the advances of the Halieutis strategy, the eight regional management plans that have been drawn up stand out, covering more than 2,400 kilometres of coastline (more than 70% of the national coastline) and are especially located in the regions of Dakhla-Oued Eddahab; Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra; Guelmim-Oued Nun; Sus-Massa; Marrakech-Safí; Casablanca-Settat; Tangier-Tétouan-Al Hoceima and the eastern region.
This planning has made it possible to identify more than 24,000 hectares of areas suitable for diversified marine aquaculture investment projects based on three main sectors: fish farming, shellfish farming and seaweed farming.
In 2024, this sector registered a production of 3,600 tonnes, with a turnover of 310 million dirhams. Morocco has set in motion the development of 450 aquaculture projects, of which 123 are social in nature and favour young entrepreneurs and artisanal sea fishing cooperatives, which will enable an annual production of 390,000 tonnes to be reached, generating 6,300 jobs.
The region of Dakhla, Sidi Ifni and Nador is one of the most important areas for aquaculture projects, sustainability and food self-sufficiency.
Boosting the local market
In terms of the strength of the sector, different infrastructures have been built for marketing and unloading, in accordance with international standards, with the aim of adding value to the fish catches. All this with the aim of allowing greater access for citizens to national fishing resources of high nutritional value, reinforcing the network of wholesale fish markets, as well as local markets.
The aim is to promote the development of specialised seafood distribution networks to cover areas far from the coast. The launch of 14 new-generation fish markets, 10 wholesale markets and 48 landing sites for small-scale fishing between fishing villages and landing points, among other modern infrastructures, will guarantee the quality and freshness of the products.
In this context, the Ministry of Fisheries has launched various awareness-raising and promotional campaigns to encourage local consumption of seafood and contribute to a healthy and balanced diet for the population. Programmes have been launched for the digitalisation of sales, equipment and handling materials, as well as the construction of cold rooms and ice factories.