Morocco’s Mediterranean fishing sector posted a significant revenue increase in the first eight months of 2024, reaching MAD 50 million, even as the volume of fish landings fell sharply, according to data from the National Fisheries Office (ONP).
In a recent statement, the agency revealed that revenues rose by 8% year-on-year despite a 13% decline in the total catch, Morocco’s Press Agency (MAP) reported.
From January to August, fishing ports along Morocco’s Mediterranean coast recorded landings of 10,879 tons, a substantial drop compared to the same period in 2023.
Pelagic fish, traditionally a key segment, saw the most significant decline, with the total plummeting 31% to 4,068 tons.
The value of these catches also fell by 13%, totaling MAD 110.35 million (USD 10.7 million). Whitefish landings decreased by 14% to 1,701 tons, with a slight 3% dip in revenue to MAD 70.87 million (USD 7.2 million).
Meanwhile, cephalopods spiked, with landings increasing by 19% to 4,170 tons. The boost led to a 26% rise in revenue, totaling MAD 269.70 million (USD 26.1 million). Crustacean landings remained stable at 881 tons, while revenues increased by 10% to MAD 62.20 million (USD 6.3 million).
The shellfish category, however, experienced a complete collapse, with landings dropping to zero from 146 tons the previous year, resulting in no revenue for 2024.
On a broader scale, Morocco’s national fishing sector showed resilience, with total landings from small-scale and coastal fishing rising by 2% to 766,196 tons. The overall value of these landings increased by 5%, reaching over MAD 7.41 billion (USD 720 million).