Moroccan fisheries professionals oppose EU fisheries accord
Morocco, Business, 11/16/1998

Moroccan fisheries professionals have voiced opposition to the renewal of the four-year fisheries accord signed with the European Union in November 1995 and that expires in 1999, in view of "the disastrous situation of the sector."

During a meeting in Casablanca of the national employers' council, an offshoot of the Moroccan industrial federation "La Confederation Generale des Entreprises du Maroc" (CGEM/employers association), the representatives of the various branches of fisheries and sea industries excluded the idea to negotiate a new accord.

The 590 European trawlers operating in Moroccan grounds must cease all activities at the expiry of the current accord, they argued.

Morocco has already announced it will not renew the accord signed with the European Union and last Tuesday, minister in charge of fisheries Thami Khyari informed Spanish officials about this decision.

For the Moroccan fisheries professionals, Morocco-EU cooperation must seek another partnership formula, promoting joint ventures in fisheries-related sectors such as shipyards, ships maintenance, and sea-food processing, in addition to fish-farming.

The professionals denounced the over-exploitation of sea resources by European trawlers and the non-respect of the regulations in force, saying Moroccan sea resources are seriously at stake.

Chairman of the Moroccan federation of sea products processing, Abdelhamid Ayouch, described the Morocco-EU accord as "lame". He said Moroccan operators have taken up the challenges and used their own means to restructure the processing industry sector, enhancing thus its competitive edge through a better quality and diversified products.

The professionals have equally called for the promotion of scientific research and for improving ports infrastructures, storing and refrigerating facilities, as well as all equipment needed for a good functioning of fishing trawlers.

they also appealed to tighten control in Moroccan waters to preserve the interests of the fisheries operators.

Morocco's decision not to renew the fisheries accord with the EU was dictated by the need to protect the country's depleting sea resources and by the government's determination to consolidate the role played by the fisheries sector in economic and social development.

Morocco announced it will propose to Spain and Portugal, which benefit most >from the accord, another cooperation and partnership formula, providing for the promotion of sea products industries, scientific research, vocational training, shipyards as well as the modernization and extension of Moroccan fishing ports.

Previous Stories:
  Morocco will not renew fisheries accord with E.U.   (11/11/1998)
  Moroccan fisheries minister in Madrid   (11/10/1998)
  Morocco will not renew fishing accord with EU   (10/28/1998)

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