Tanger, Morocco – Recent data indicates a significant surge in fishing landings at the port of Tangier, Morocco, signaling a positive trend for the nation’s coastal and artisanal fisheries sector. Landings increased by 51% in January, reaching 251 tonnes, according to figures released by the Office National des Pêches (ONP), Morocco’s national fisheries office.
The increase in landings reflects a broader pattern of growth in the Moroccan fisheries sector, which plays a crucial role in the country’s economy and food security. The ONP, established in 1969 and operating under the supervision of the Head of Government, is responsible for organizing the marketing of marine products and developing coastal and artisanal fishing. Established in 1969, the ONP acts as a key intermediary between fishermen and markets, implementing national policies to promote sustainable fishing practices and economic development within the sector. This latest data suggests those policies are beginning to bear fruit, particularly in the Tangier region.
Tangier Port Sees Substantial Gains Across Multiple Species
The value of these catches also rose, increasing by 7% to approximately 8.23 million Moroccan dirhams (MDH) in January, compared to 7.67 MDH during the same period in 2025. This increase in value is driven by gains across several key species, demonstrating the diversity and resilience of the fisheries in the Tangier area. The Moroccan dirham is currently trading at approximately 10.12 to 1 US dollar as of February 29, 2026, according to XE.com.
Pelagic fish, a category including species like sardines and mackerel, saw the most significant increase, with quantities landed at the port rising by 55% to 95 tonnes in January. The value of these pelagic fish landings also increased substantially, reaching over 1.11 MDH, a 54% increase compared to the 725,000 DH/62 tonnes recorded in January 2025. This surge in pelagic fish landings is particularly noteworthy given their importance to both domestic consumption and export markets.
White fish landings experienced an even more dramatic increase, soaring by 157% to 84 tonnes, with a corresponding value increase of 14% to over 2.60 MDH, compared to 2.27 MDH/33 tonnes the previous year. This substantial growth in white fish landings suggests a healthy population of these species in the waters off Tangier, or a shift in fishing patterns towards these more lucrative catches.
While some species saw increases, landings of cephalopods (squid, octopus, cuttlefish) decreased by 30% to 39 tonnes, generating revenues of over 3.17 MDH, a 15% decrease. However, crustacean landings bucked the trend, increasing by 109% to 32 tonnes, generating revenues of approximately 1.34 MDH, a 40% increase. This demonstrates the fluctuating nature of fisheries and the importance of diversifying catches to mitigate risks associated with species-specific declines.
National Trends Show Overall Decline in Landings, But Increased Value
Despite the positive performance at the port of Tangier, national figures reveal a different picture. Total landings of commercialized coastal and artisanal fish products across Morocco reached 24,151 tonnes in January, a 21% decrease compared to January 2025. However, the overall value of these landings increased by 5% to over 1.48 billion dirhams. This suggests that while the volume of catches has decreased nationally, the value of the fish being landed has increased, potentially due to higher prices for certain species or a shift towards more valuable catches.
The Role of the Office National des Pêches (ONP)
The ONP plays a critical role in managing Morocco’s fisheries. As outlined on the Moroccan Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Fisheries website, the ONP manages first-sale fish markets, ensuring quality and hygiene standards are met. It also promotes domestic consumption of seafood, accredits fish for processing plants, and implements programs to modernize the coastal and artisanal fishing fleet. The ONP operates 21 fish halls, with 14 already certified to ISO 9001-2000 standards and four more in the process of certification, demonstrating a commitment to quality control and international standards.
Factors Influencing Moroccan Fisheries
Several factors likely contribute to the trends observed in Moroccan fisheries. These include seasonal variations in fish populations, changes in fishing regulations, weather conditions, and economic factors affecting demand and prices. Morocco’s coastline, stretching over 1,835 kilometers along the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, supports a diverse range of marine ecosystems and fisheries. The country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) extends 200 nautical miles offshore, providing a vast area for fishing activities.
Climate change and overfishing are also significant concerns for the long-term sustainability of Moroccan fisheries. Rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification can impact fish populations and disrupt marine ecosystems. Sustainable fishing practices, effective fisheries management, and international cooperation are crucial to address these challenges and ensure the continued health and productivity of Morocco’s fisheries sector.
Looking Ahead: Sustainable Practices and Future Growth
The recent increase in landings at the port of Tangier offers a positive sign for Morocco’s fisheries sector, but sustained growth requires a continued focus on sustainable practices and effective management. The ONP’s role in promoting responsible fishing, ensuring quality control, and supporting the modernization of the fishing fleet will be critical in achieving this goal. Further investment in research and monitoring of fish stocks, coupled with stricter enforcement of fishing regulations, will be essential to protect marine resources for future generations.
The Moroccan government has also been actively pursuing international collaborations to address issues such as illegal fishing and promote sustainable fisheries management. These efforts are vital to ensuring the long-term health and resilience of Morocco’s fisheries sector in the face of global challenges.
The next official report from the ONP detailing February’s landings is expected to be released in early April 2026. This report will provide further insights into the ongoing trends in Morocco’s fisheries sector and the effectiveness of current management strategies.
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