Moroccan fishery experience dramatic loss

Morocco's sea resources are in constant depletion, and as a result Morocco slid from the world 1st fish-producing country to the 14th rank, said chairman of the Moroccan sea fisheries Federation, Abderrahim Laabidi.

In a statement to the Moroccan 2nd TV channel, Laabidi explained that several species have disappeared and that this situation compelled 45 percent of the national fleet to freeze activities. He said this is the natural result of the agreements which authorize the Russian fleet to fish 200,000 tons of sardines and the European and Japanese fleet to fish in Moroccan waters shellfish, mollusks and other species, Map reported.

Laabidi recalled that the federation had recently submitted to the fisheries minister proposals for the protection of environment, including the non-renewal of the fisheries agreement with the European Union and the forbidding of joint ventures between Morocco and other parties.

He further stressed the need to rationalize the management of sea resources and to re-structure ports facilities in order to ensure an efficient control of European ships operating in Moroccan waters.