By the end of March 2025, Morocco’s small-scale and coastal fishing industry brought in over 3.2 billion dirhams in revenue, marking an 8 percent increase in value compared to the same period last year. But while the financial figures are up, the actual volume of fish brought ashore has dropped significantly—down 25 percent to just 136,857 tons, according to the latest data from the National Fisheries Office.
This apparent contradiction—rising revenue despite falling supply—can be largely explained by rising prices for certain high-demand species and stronger market performance both locally and internationally. Export values have improved, and even on the domestic front, there’s been a push to get more out of each catch.
Breaking down the numbers, shellfish recorded the most dramatic growth, with a 184 percent surge in value even though only 44 tons were landed. White fish also performed well, with landings up 13 percent to nearly 28,700 tons. Cephalopods, a favorite in global seafood markets, rose 5 percent to just over 25,000 tons.
But not everything is on the upswing. Pelagic fish, which make up the bulk of Morocco’s total catch, saw a steep decline—down 36 percent to around 80,700 tons. Seaweed and crustaceans also took a hit, falling 81 percent and 12 percent respectively, dragging down the overall volume.
Geography also played a role in this divide. Ports along the Mediterranean coast posted modest gains in both volume and value. With 4,628 tons landed—a 6 percent increase—these ports raked in nearly 245 million dirhams, up 12 percent year-over-year. Meanwhile, ports on the Atlantic, which handle the lion’s share of Morocco’s fish landings, suffered a 25 percent drop in volume. Despite this, the value of Atlantic landings still rose 8 percent, reaching close to 3 billion dirhams.
These numbers reflect a broader trend seen in other parts of agriculture and fisheries: when supply tightens, prices often rise—especially for premium products. Morocco’s fishing sector continues to adapt, leaning into quality, traceability, and a more diverse export strategy. Even as quantities fall, the industry is finding ways to hold its ground by focusing on what the market values most.
