Fish catches increase by 22% in 2001

Fish catches reached in 2001 978,000 tons, posting a 22% increase compared to 2000, say figures released at the 1st session of the Moroccan higher council for sea resources preserving and exploitation opened in Rabat Tuesday.

However, this increase did not reflect on local consumption which stood at an annual 9kg per capita. Experts say fish professionals ought to focus more on local consumption and promote industries to reach by 2004 an added value of 14 billion DH, compared to 11 billion presently.

Opening the session held on "for a new mode of governance of sea resources by and for the national collectivity," prime minister Abderrahmane Youssoufi underscored the importance of fisheries in guaranteeing food security, promoting trade exchanges and developing coastal regions.

He further stressed the need to increase investments in the sector, in an international environment marked by rapid technological progress.