HIBAPRESS – Rabat
The Regional Delegate for the Maritime Fishing Sector in the Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra region revealed the reasons behind the rise in sardine prices in the national markets, highlighting the measures taken and planned to be taken to reduce prices, especially with the approach of the holy month of Ramadan.
Mohammed Nafi, the Regional Delegate for Maritime Fishing in Laayoune, said in a statement to "HIBAPRESS" that "the increase in the price of sardines these days is due to two main reasons, the first of which is that we are in a period of biological rest that started at the port of Laayoune, which is considered one of the main ports that supply the national markets with this vital substance."
Nafi added that "the period of biological rest, which started on January 1st and will continue until February 15th, aims to preserve the sustainability of the small pelagic fish catch, so that these fish stocks can regain their balance, and this is a measure based on the recommendations and scientific reports of the National Institute for Marine Fisheries Research."
He explained that "it is natural that this will lead to a shortage in supply, and therefore a rise in price," adding that the second reason is that the northern ports known for the activity of catching small pelagic fish are experiencing unfavorable climatic conditions for sailing these days for sardine fishing boats."
As for the measures taken by the Secretariat of State in charge of Maritime Fishing, in order to restore the price of sardines to the usual level, Nafi explained that a decision was made to ban the export of frozen sardines, and that fishing activity will be resumed in all national ports, prior to the holy month of Ramadan.
The same official continued that the Secretariat of State in charge of Maritime Fishing will, during the holy month of Ramadan, activate the "Fish at a Reasonable Price" initiative, which will lead to "diversifying the supply of marine products, between fresh products and frozen products; including frozen sardines."
