The Policy Center for the New South has just unveiled a policy brief entitled « Africa Facing the Depletion of Its Marine Fisheries Resources. » This analysis provides an overview of the sector on an African scale.
The depletion of fishing resources is a major issue for the sector in Africa. In this regard, some proactive measures are being taken to address this threat, as is the case in Morocco, where sustainable management principles are essential. « The Moroccan case indicates a path to explore. The fleet includes more than 3,000 vessels and a large port infrastructure. Marine fishing generates an annual production of more than one million tons, placing Morocco as the leading African producer. Fishing agreements with the European Union grant exploitation licenses to 138 European trawlers, including 93 Spanish ones, with an obligation to land fish catches in Moroccan ports for the supply of the seafood processing industry, which has 305 units, » according to a recent analysis by the Policy Center for the New South. It adds: « Cooperation with Spain focuses on implementing projects in scientific research, training Moroccan staff, maritime rescue, and experimental deep-sea fishing. Regarding Norway, joint campaigns concerning fishery resources are conducted between the research institutes of both countries to monitor pelagic resources. » Concerning the fishing agreement with Russia, and to avoid past abuses, Morocco has ensured the implementation of satellite monitoring of vessels, the boarding of scientific observers, and the keeping of a logbook accompanied by the transmission of declarations. Overall, Africa has a maritime territory of 13 million square kilometers. « Coastal fisheries and their related activities not only provide food but also employment for fishermen and women fishmongers and processors, generating income for states and communities. More than 12 million people work in the fishing sector, » the same source states.
Source: Aujourd’hui le Maroc
