Several coastal states in Africa bordering the Atlantic Ocean (COMHAFAT) are standing up against threats to marine resources. As stocks decline, they have decided to conduct stock assessment campaigns to determine the remaining fishery reserves in their waters. The operation started in Liberia and is currently underway in Beninese waters with significant Moroccan expertise.
The operation was launched with great solemnity at the autonomous port of Cotonou in the presence of fisheries ministers from three countries: Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, and Morocco. To carry out the work, Morocco provided a highly modern oceanographic vessel of about 50 meters, equipped with several laboratories. On board are about fifteen Moroccan scientists.
Ivorian Minister of Animal and Fishery Resources Sidi Touré, president of the COMHAFAT organization, summarizes the mission assigned to Moroccan and Beninese experts: « To map the seabed of their respective waters. Identify and catalog all species in order to take measures to preserve biodiversity and ensure the sustainability of resources in the long term. »
For the Beninese minister, « sustainable management of fishery resources requires knowledge of the available potential. » « We are embarking on the path of sustainability of the blue economy, » rejoiced his Moroccan counterpart, Sadiki Mohammed.
Urgent measures to avoid the destruction of the marine ecosystem The exploration will last for fifteen days, after which urgent measures will need to be taken. Côte d’Ivoire did so in 2023 with a fishing closure that, according to Minister Sidi Touré, was a resounding success.
Before Benin, the Moroccan vessel passed through Liberian waters. In total, twenty-two countries are members of COMHAFAT. They are united in the fight against the reduction of species stocks and the destruction of the marine ecosystem.
