The Department of Maritime Fishing is preparing to implement an official quality mark for seafood products. This “Halieutic Label” will certify the origin and quality of Moroccan seafood, aiming to highlight national expertise, support market differentiation internationally, and consolidate the achievements of the “Halieutis” Plan—a strategic initiative for the maritime fishing sector.
The department is currently working on the creation and implementation of the Halieutic Label. As an official quality mark, it will certify that the labeled product possesses a set of specific characteristics ensuring a high level of quality, distinguishing Moroccan premium seafood and supporting efforts across the value chain.
By late November, the Secretariat of State in charge of Maritime Fishing will engage technical assistance to help implement the labeling system. This will involve adapting existing labeling procedures for seafood products, including obtaining a Distinctive Sign of Origin and Quality (SDOQ), and designing an organization and management framework for labeling—from initiation to label issuance.
The technical assistance will also adapt procedures for applicants, targeting stakeholders in the seafood sector applying for SDOQ recognition, as well as certification and control bodies overseeing SDOQs.
In a second phase, the consultant will support the emergence of applicant groups. This mission will prioritize three pilot labeling projects for seafood products, in consultation with the project owner, and identify the products concerned. Awareness and consultation activities will also be conducted to foster the formation of groups seeking product labeling.
This initiative is part of the Halieutis Plan, which has identified labeling as a key axis to strengthen the reputation and brand image of Moroccan seafood both nationally and internationally. Labeling aims to make differentiation policies visible, ensure recognition of product quality and know-how, and enhance the value of products.
The Halieutic Label will also facilitate market access, especially internationally, respond to consumer expectations, and help raise the overall quality level across sector stakeholders.
In this context, the Department of Maritime Fishing developed a seafood labeling strategy, based on the creation and implementation of the Halieutic Label as an official quality mark. The strategy relies on the SDOQ system as a legal and functional tool to meet the objectives and expectations of Morocco’s national seafood sector regarding product labeling.
Source: lematin
