Aquaculture in Morocco is a novice sector that is experiencing remarkable growth, with the completion of 442 aquaculture projects and farms displaying an impressive production capacity aiming to reach 300,000 tonnes annually in the long term. According to the latest data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development and Water and Forests, these projects, led by private sector players, require investments estimated at around 5 billion dirhams. They should also create more than 7,000 direct jobs, distributed along the national coastline, offering diversity in terms of sizes and specializations. A booming field, but what are the repercussions on the environment?
In terms of distribution, the Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab region stands out with 304 projects representing a targeted production capacity of 149,200 tonnes, for an investment of approximately 1.34 billion dirhams. It is followed by the Souss-Massa region with 37 projects (54,000 tonnes / 458 million dirhams), then the Oriental region with 27 projects (27,000 tonnes / 354 million dirhams).
To better understand the development of aquaculture in Morocco, Hespress FR approached Mustapha Issat, an expert in climate, water, and agriculture who confirmed the rapid development of the sector. “ Although new, aquaculture is already sparking lively discussions and raising questions about its repercussions on the wealth of the oceans .” The massive exploitation of marine resources represents a serious threat to the sustainable development of the Kingdom.
To better exploit the potential of the national coastline and provide areas conducive to investors to develop aquaculture activities, the National Agency for the Development of Aquaculture (ANDA) has developed development plans for eight regions of the kingdom, covering more than 2,300 km of coastline, or 66% of the national coastline.
The ministry stressed that these regional plans highlight vast opportunities for the sector, offering considerable prospects for social and economic development in the regions concerned. Indeed, a total maritime area of approximately 24,000 hectares has been identified in these regions, spread over 1,540 potential farms, dedicated to various aquaculture activities. In an approach open to all investors wishing to propose integrated projects in the sector, ANDA launched 16 calls for expressions of interest, resulting in the selection of 441 projects.
In this regard, the expert highlighted “ sustainable development which is based on fundamental criteria, in particular the employment of young people and the guarantee of decent living conditions for all. We saw with the Maroc Vert plan the investment opportunities it offered and the evolution of the agricultural sector. However, this growth has sometimes been to the detriment of the local market and small farmers.”
The same goes for aquaculture, in this sense, he reiterates that “ Morocco must be careful not to favor the international to the detriment of the local market, nor sacrifice environmental wealth for immediate material gains. Currently, Morocco faces an unprecedented water crisis, with half-empty dams, dried-up groundwater, and cracked soils. Massive exploitation will only exacerbate this critical situation.”
These projects concern 785 spaces for the breeding of aquatic organisms, occupying a total maritime area of more than 14,000 hectares. Investment opportunities are always available and can be offered to investors.
According to the specialist, “It is imperative to revise our agricultural policies so that they are in line with the state of Moroccan resources. We must meet the needs of the local market before thinking about exporting. Furthermore, we cannot ignore the harsh working conditions and poor pay of employees in the sector, in a country where poverty persists.”
A balance between an economically promising future and the preservation of natural wealth is now the Kingdom’s challenge. “Agriculture, including aquaculture, is now the livelihood of many people, but we must ensure that it is sustainable and equitable,” he adds.
Focusing on the full half of the glass, Issat admits that “the establishment of seawater desalination stations and the construction of water highways, suggests an efficient solution to this crisis where agriculture will fully evolve. while preserving resources.
In conclusion, the expert calls for a balance, “it is time to act with responsibility and determination. We must put in place agricultural policies that ensure food security, economic prosperity, and the preservation of the marine environment. Only in this way can we guarantee a sustainable future for the future generations of Morocco.”
