Atlantic Fisheries: The Wealth of the Southern Coast

A Fishing Powerhouse

Morocco is among the world's leading producers and exporters of sardines, with the bulk of its pelagic catch coming from the Atlantic. The cold, nutrient-rich waters off the south sustain enormous fish stocks.

As pelagic species migrate southward, the southern ports have grown in importance, now accounting for a major share of total national landings.

The Southern Ports

Laâyoune and Tan-Tan together receive a very large portion of Morocco's fish landings, while Dakhla is one of the country's most significant fishing ports by volume.

These ports support fleets, processing plants, freezing and canning facilities, and a workforce that depends on the sea. They are central to the planned fishing terminal at the new Dakhla Atlantic Port.

The Halieutis Strategy

Morocco's Halieutis strategy was launched to modernise the fisheries sector, improve sustainability and raise its economic value. Targets included substantially increasing the sector's turnover, exports and direct employment.

The plan emphasises better port infrastructure, processing capacity and resource management to ensure long-term productivity of the fishing grounds.

Sustainability and Investment

Managing fish stocks responsibly is essential, given how heavily the southern economy leans on the sea. Quotas, monitoring and rest periods aim to prevent overfishing.

New investment in cold chains, processing and the Dakhla port's fishing facilities is meant to add value locally and create stable employment along the coast.

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