Morocco, COMHAFAT join forces to standardise fishing practices across Africa

MOROCCO – Morocco and the Ministerial Conference on Fisheries Cooperation between African States Bordering the Atlantic Ocean (COMHAFAT) intend to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in February 2025 to harmonise fishing regulations and promote sustainability across the continent. 

This strategic partnership, led by the Moroccan Confederation of Industrial Pelagic Fishing Shipowners (COMAIP), aims to enhance regulatory frameworks, facilitate knowledge exchange, and develop tailored solutions to ensure the longevity of Africa’s fishing industry.

The MoU will be signed during the 7th Halieutis Exhibition in Agadir, which will take place from February 6 to 9, 2025. 

As a premier fisheries event dedicated to research, innovation, and industry advancements, it will provide a fitting backdrop for this important agreement. 

The partnership will focus on establishing standardised regulatory policies to ensure sustainable fishing practices, encouraging collaboration among African nations to share expertise and combat illegal fishing, and crafting strategies that suit the unique needs of different regions to sustain fish stocks and economic viability.

Morocco has long been a leader in sustainable fisheries management. The country has previously engaged in scientific partnerships to assess fish stocks and implement conservation strategies in nations such as Benin, Liberia, and Côte d’Ivoire. 

As Africa’s top fish producer, Morocco continues to drive advancements in coastal and artisanal fishing. 

In 2023, the country’s fishing landings increased by 9%, with pelagic fish—one of Morocco’s major seafood exports—growing by 13% year-over-year. 

Additionally, Morocco’s seafood exports reached a record US$2.7 billion in 2022, solidifying the country’s position as a leading supplier.

Illegal fishing remains a pressing concern for African nations, costing them an estimated US$11.5 billion annually, according to a 2022 report by the Financial Transparency Coalition. 

With over 12 million people in Africa relying on fishing for their livelihoods, urgent measures are required to safeguard marine ecosystems and the economy. COMHAFAT, a coalition of 22 African coastal states, is at the forefront of these efforts. 

Through this new agreement, member nations will implement improved monitoring, stricter policies, and enhanced regional cooperation to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUU).

Beyond regulatory advancements, Morocco is making significant investments in infrastructure to bolster its fishing industry. 

In November 2024, the country launched a US$21.3 million expansion of the Laayoune fishing port, a critical hub in the southern provinces. 

Overseen by the National Ports Agency (ANP), this 20-month project aligns with Morocco’s 2030 port master plan and aims to improve vessel traffic flow and safety, expand dock equipment, and increase quay land by 2.5 hectares. 

These enhancements will support the coastal and artisanal fishing sectors, which are crucial to the local economy.

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