Dr. Badir Mohammed, an international expert in oceanography, fisheries, and aquaculture, categorically refuted what he described as “misleading claims” propagated by a news website regarding a potential collapse of Morocco’s fishing sector. He argued these claims are based on inaccurate data and loose conclusions driven by narrow political and electoral interests, far removed from the objectivity and neutrality required in any scientific judgment or study. The expert provided a comprehensive assessment confirming that the sector is not only resilient but also enjoys rigorous scientific management, serving as a strategic pillar of the national economy with promising future prospects.
With over 45 years of experience gained in numerous countries and extensive field experience, Dr. Badir presented a comprehensive assessment confirming that the sector is not only resilient but also enjoys rigorous scientific management, serving as a strategic pillar of the national economy with promising future prospects. He explained, as a professor at the Hassan II Agronomic and Veterinary Institute for 25 years and holder of a Doctorate from Michigan State University in the United States (a top-tier university, obtained in 1986), that what has been described as the “systematic plundering of fish resources” is a misconception that ignores the regulatory and scientific framework governing Moroccan fisheries. He emphasized that fish resource management relies on precise data from the National Institute of Fisheries Research (INRH), which boasts highly skilled personnel and advanced infrastructure, including over three research vessels and regional centers along the Moroccan coast.
Sustainability of fisheries is a top priority, and Morocco is committed to establishing the foundations of a blue economy. He noted that rigorously enforced regulations ensure the sustainability of fisheries and the protection of marine ecosystems. These include a biological rest period for octopus fisheries, expanded to include small pelagic fish; the division of fishing zones with clearly defined areas for traditional, coastal, and high-seas fishing to prevent overlap and overexploitation; catch quotas for each species to ensure sustainable stocks; and a strict satellite monitoring system, alongside continuous coordination between the Royal Navy, the Royal Gendarmerie, and the Ministry of Fisheries to combat illegal fishing. Furthermore, environmental protection measures include the prohibition of destructive fishing gear, the specification of net mesh sizes, and the creation of marine protected areas to safeguard endangered species and spawning grounds.
Dr. Badir acknowledged that some violations occur by “a minority of shipowners,” incidents that remain possible, but thanks to the monitoring system and procedures in place, they are addressed appropriately by the monitoring authorities. He added that despite climate change affecting fish stocks globally, this doesn’t diminish the success of the “Halieutis” strategy launched in 2009, which included fleet modernization, aquaculture development, and the implementation of nearly 30 management plans encompassing key fisheries.
He also rejected the notion that Morocco’s blue economy is “heading for collapse,” describing such predictions as illogical and based on negative sensationalism. He added that the Kingdom of Morocco is moving forward with the implementation of the foundations of the blue economy, which extends beyond fisheries to include shipbuilding, commercial and tourist maritime transport, marine energy, and seabed minerals. He highlighted that the Royal Atlantic Initiative, launched by Morocco to facilitate access to oceans for landlocked countries, strengthens the Kingdom’s position as a prominent regional player in the blue economy.
The international advisor to the UN and specialist in fisheries development and aquaculture for 20 years also pointed to the sector’s economic and social strengths, emphasizing that it provides 264,000 direct and 650,000 indirect jobs and plays a vital role in ensuring the Kingdom’s food security. It also contributed 28.8 billion dirhams to exports in 2024, representing about 6% of total national exports, with an annual growth rate of 6.7% in value added between 2010 and 2024, and achieving a record turnover in exports totaling 31 billion dirhams in 2023.
He stressed that the signing of an agreement to export Moroccan fish to the United States is evidence of the quality of the products and the efficiency of valorization and processing strategies, in accordance with strict quality standards, opening up new markets. He noted that efforts to develop processing include more than 530 modern processing units, the allocation of 60% of catches for local processing, the creation of modern fish markets, and the encouragement of innovation to produce high value-added seafood products.
