The objective of this forum, dedicated to investors in the aquaculture sector and the entire value chain, was to strengthen partnerships among sector stakeholders, both national and international, with the aim of further enhancing its development.
With robust support and guidance in its development, aquaculture activity in Morocco is considered a promising sector for the future, offering significant opportunities for growth and investment. In this context, the third Marine Aquaculture Forum took place on Friday, February 2, in Tangier, under the theme « A Strong Partnership for the Development of a Sustainable Aquaculture Industry. » Initiated by the National Agency for the Development of Aquaculture (ANDA), this third edition, held under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests (MAPMDREF), showcased Morocco’s experience in aquaculture development, a priority emphasized in the Halieutis strategy in line with Royal directives, stated Mohammed Sadiki, the overseeing minister, during the official opening ceremony of the forum.
Marine aquaculture receives substantial support and technical assistance, enabling it to play a crucial role as a driver of an inclusive blue economy. Acknowledging its significance in providing growth and investment opportunities, Morocco aims to elevate this activity to the highest international levels, Sadiki continued. This policy is based on « cooperation, innovative partnerships, openness to the experiences of other countries, and the exchange of best practices, » he added, highlighting Morocco’s commitment to developing a sustainable blue economic system through effective governance, research, innovation, training, and capacity building.
Spain, recognized as a strategic economic partner at all levels, was chosen as the guest of honor for this edition due to its continued leading position in aquaculture production in Europe. This choice, based on strong cooperation between the two countries, reflects « the interest that Morocco and Spain have in the development of marine aquaculture, » stated José Manuel Jaquotot, advisor for agriculture, fisheries, and food at the Embassy of Spain in Morocco, underscoring the importance of aquaculture’s role in food security for both nations.
The forum, dedicated to investors in the aquaculture sector and the entire value chain, was marked by the signing of an agreement between ANDA and the Spanish aquaculture cluster Acuiplus, aiming to encourage innovation and promote cooperation for sector development. « The objective of this forum is to strengthen partnerships among sector stakeholders, both national and international, to further enhance its development, » said Majida Maarouf, director of ANDA, emphasizing that the forum aligns with Morocco’s policy on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as per the directives of King Mohammed VI.
Based on data presented at the forum, the aquaculture sector in Morocco continues its development with around 442 aquaculture projects, targeting a production capacity of over 300,000 tons per year in the long term. With a total investment of nearly 5 billion dirhams, these projects, led by private operators in various aquaculture sectors, are expected to generate over 7,000 direct jobs.
