Morocco-20% increase in the volume of exports of seafood

Noting that a ton of preserved fish rose from 31 000 to about 35 000 dh, he said that the European Union remains the largest customer of Moroccan seafood with 52% of export volumes and 64% of the total value.

He also noted an increase in landings of the artisanal and coastal 21% by volume and 2%, noting that the catch and reached 1.16 million tonnes for a value of $ 5.2 billion dirhams.

The main reasons behind this trend, he cited a marked improvement in the abundance of major fish stocks, especially those of small pelagic fish and cephalopods, rational management of resources by strengthening fisheries management plans and consolidation of the control system within the framework of the fight against IUU (illegal, unreported and unregulated).

Catch certification and equipment of fishing vessels tags VMS (Vessel Monitoring System) have significantly reduced IUU fishing and the weight of the informal sector and to improve the traceability of fishery products, he said.

The Minister particularly welcomed the fact that Morocco was "ranked first on 53 partner countries of the European Union" in the fight against IUU fishing.