The fishing sector consolidates in Dakhla
Last year's economic development has made Dakhla the main economic centre in the Saharan provinces of Morocco.
According to a recent study carried out by the Moroccan Institute of Strategic Intelligence, the fishing industry has obtained a surplus of 30 million euros in 2024 and more than 400. 000 tonnes of fish. These figures have allowed the sector to reach 2% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
According to the institute, this success of the fishing sector is the result of the national strategy that affects both the capture and the transformation of marine resources. With more than 40 processing units installed in the region, Dakhla is positioned as the second most important fishing centre in the country behind the Tangier region.
In terms of employment, in Dakhla more than 40,000 families depend on the sector, equivalent to 18.2% of the total number of workers in the sector, and 43.2% of the added value of the local economy.
These achievements are partly thanks to the introduction of RSW (Refrigerated Seawater) vessels, which have played an essential role in optimising supply chains, thus strengthening the region in the international market.
For the local economy, fishing has become an essential activity, not only for the city and the region of Oued Eddahab, but for all the Saharan provinces. This position would improve the region's strategic situation for the development of the African continent.
To continue promoting the sector, the Halieutis Exhibition is holding its seventh edition at the Agadir Exhibition Centre. The event, which is held every two years, serves to analyse the situation of the fishing industry, which is of such importance for the North African country.
The Atlantic coast of Morocco is one of the richest in the world in terms of fishing and marine resources. Its enormous length, approximately 1,100 kilometres, and its wide continental shelf of 55,100 square kilometres are distinguished by the richness and diversity of their fishing resources, making this region one of the largest and most important marine reservoirs on the continent.
Threats to the fishing industry
However, the economic model of the Moroccan fishing industry is increasingly facing threats: climate change, illegal fishing and the decision of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). With regard to climate change, the main consequence affects the migration of species, which means that many traditional fishing techniques would be affected.
As for the dangers of illegal fishing, it would increase the sustainability risk of some ecosystems, endangering the life of species that are key in the food chain, since illegal fishing does not respect the time each species needs to sustain itself.
Finally, there is the question of the CJEU ruling issued on 4 October 2024, the impact of which on Moroccan exports to the European Union would reduce competitiveness. Estimates indicate that the fall in the sector could be at best 50%, and could reach 80%. If we translate these figures into euros, the losses could range from 13.74 to 22 million euros, in addition to putting thousands of jobs at risk. Despite everything, Morocco has repeatedly denied that it feels affected by the decision taken four months ago.
As a measure to solve these potential obstacles, Morocco has developed an adaptation and resilience strategy that prioritises: monitoring and research, the fight against illegal fishing, technological innovation, optimisation of processing, industrial transformation and social adaptation.
In reference to the CJEU ruling, the North African country will create a Special Transition Fund (STF) to help compensate for possible short-term losses, reinforcing market diversification and consolidating Morocco's status in the European Union.