Morocco seeks genuine fishing partnership with EU

Morocco will not renew the fishing accord it concluded in 1995 with the European Union but is ready for launching a genuine partnership in the sector, a senior Spanish official said.

At a meeting held Tuesday with Spanish ship-owners operating in Moroccan waters, the secretary general of the Spanish fishing department urged Spanish fishermen and entrepreneurs to seek alternative activities interesting Morocco after the expiry of the fishing accord in 1999.

The Spanish official added that Morocco wants to lay down sound foundations for the development of its fishing sector, which employs about 40,000 persons.

Moroccan fishing minister informed last week Spain and Portugal about Morocco's decision not to renew the fishing accord with the EU. He proposed to the two countries a new cooperation and partnership formula, providing for the promotion of sea products industries, scientific research, vocational training as well as the modernization and extension of Moroccan fishing ports.

About 750 European trawlers (mostly from Spain and Portugal) operate in Moroccan waters besides the 440 Moroccan fleet.