Among the objectives of the development of the fishing sector policy in Morocco is to adapt the capacity of the fishing fleet so that the spinneret may have a sustainable future through a responsible exploitation of resources. In order to modernize the fleet, many means are necessary such as the improvement of working conditions, of sanitary conditions and of the selectivity of fishing gear. This will make it competitive by eliminating the surplus capacities and by orienting the sector towards maintenance and integral development of coastal areas.
MODERNIZATION PROGRAM FLEET
In order to contribute to the fishing development, Morocco also ensures the fishing fleet modernization and the renewal of ships and fishing gear. It is a matter of supporting the improvement of crews’ safety, the valorization of products, the improvement of working conditions and the alignment of production with the demand in order to pursue a sustainable exploitation of the resources.
The «IBHAR» program encourages operators to upgrade and modernize their fishing units.
The purpose of upgrading the coastal and artisanal fleets is to preserve the fish quality on board, improve the living and working conditions of the sailors and improve the performance of the ships.
ELIMINATION of drift gillnets
Morocco is aware and serious about maintaining the stability of natural ecosystems and works to preserve marine biodiversity and reduce fishing pressure. In order to preserver marine resources, Morocco decided in 2010 the to eliminate drift gillnet (FMD in French) by the publishing the law n ° 19-07 that prohibits the use of drift gillnets, which is a non-selective gear mainly used for the fishing of swordfish in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean seas, in order to reduce incidental fish catching that could have a potential impact on certain fish species populations like dolphins, whales, sea turtles and juvenile swordfish.
The elimination of drift gillnets project involves two parts: compensation for the disposal of gear and compensation for the departure of ships.
263 ships are involved in this program.
PROTECTED MARINE AREAS
In regard to the sustainable development of the fishing sector, Morocco also decided to create Protected Marine Areas (AMP in French, PMA in English). This measure was initiated in Morocco by the Millennium Challenge Corporation MCC « APP » for the benefit of artisanal fishing.
The creation of PMAs in Morocco is an eco-systemic approach that focuses the promotion and integration of biodiversity (habitats and critical species) into the fishery resource management strategy.
PMA pilot areas:
- SOUIRIA KDIMA-Tafedena area (Oued Soultan-Bouzarktoun),
- SIDI area IFNI - AGLOU (Firk elil-Lagzira),
- JEBHA-AMSA zone (Alargoub-Tamerabet).
ARTIFICIAL REEFS
Morocco also opts for the artificial reefs as an integrated tool to protect and restore marine ecosystems and thereby promote the sustainability of fishing.
Typical artisanal reefs are implemented in the Atlantic, at Souiria Kdima, and in the Mediterranean, at Sidi Hssain and Cala iris. Industrial-type reefs are forged in the Mediterranean (in the bay of Martil) and in the Atlantic (in the Bay of Agadir). The program of scientific and socio-economic monitoring of artisanal and industrial reefs continues to evaluate the ecological and economic benefits, the value extension and the do ability of new projects.