Off the Moroccan coast, a quiet yet profound transformation is underway. In a world where oceans are overfished and farmland is pushed to its limits, Morocco is turning to the sea—not only to feed its population, but also to steward its natural resources responsibly. Once sidelined, aquaculture is now emerging as a vital pillar of the country’s blue economy.
Guided by the national Halieutis Strategy, Morocco’s aquaculture industry is expanding rapidly. With targeted investment, strict environmental standards, and the strategic use of underdeveloped coastal areas, the country is establishing itself as a rising player in Mediterranean and Atlantic seafood production.
Across the coastline—from the turquoise waters of Dakhla to the quiet lagoons of Oualidia and the rocky bays near Imiouadar—dozens of farms have sprung to life. They’re producing a wide range of species: mussels, oysters, sea bass, sea bream, clams, and shrimp—all grown in carefully monitored environments that protect marine ecosystems while fueling economic growth.
This transformation is being led by a diverse mix of players. Large enterprises like Atlantic Oyster Company and La Victoire Seafood operate alongside family-run businesses, local cooperatives, and small-scale entrepreneurs. Farms such as Souss Mytilus in Imiouadar, Mazaria in Larache, and Aqua M’diq in the Bay of M’diq are helping redefine Morocco’s coastal economy. In Dakhla alone, operations like Cala Iris Aquaculture, AquaSea Farm, and Mazaria are elevating the region into a major shellfish hub.
The numbers speak for themselves. In Imiouadar, a hotspot for mussel farming, companies like Blue Harvest, Tri-Marine, and Mussel Harvest Morocco are thriving. Oualidia, long known for its natural beauty, is now home to farms such as Ostrea, Huitre Rouane, and Oualidia Huitre. Even remote areas like Ras El Ma, Cintra, and Duna Blanca are part of this growing network.
Aquaculture has become more than just a solution to food insecurity—it’s a strategy for climate resilience and economic inclusion. As wild fish stocks face increasing pressure, farmed seafood offers a sustainable alternative. Morocco is also investing in innovation, with hatcheries and seaweed farming (algoculture) opening new frontiers. Collaboration with other Southern countries adds another layer to this progress, as the country pursues a model that is not only profitable, but equitable and ecologically sound.
At a time when the oceans are both a source of potential and fragility, Morocco is navigating its maritime future with intention. Each aquaculture farm is more than just a business—it’s a link in a national chain of sustainability, technology, and hope.
Full list of representative aquaculture farms across Morocco (by region and product):
Imiouadar (mussels): Souss Mytilus, Capaqua, Blue Harvest, La Victoire Seafood, Mussel Harvest Morocco, Tri-Marine, Aqua Moules, Barlomar, Atlantic Moules
Dakhla (oysters): Atlantic Oyster Company, Cala Iris Aquaculture, AquaSea Farm, Aliya Golf, Dakhla Marcom, Simdak, Monaya Coquillage, Dahab Aquaculture, Cintra Pro, Eloauali Oyster, Tawarta Mar, Mar Amar, Aquaculture Edadadi
Oualidia (oysters): Ostrea, Huitre Rouane, Oualidia Huitre, Transis Afrique Traders
Larache (shrimp): Mazaria
Bay of M’diq (sea bass): Aqua M’diq
Sidi Ifni (sea bream, sea bass, meagre): Power Fish
Ras El Ma (mussels, meagre, amberjack): Rif Moule, SKB Aquaculture Morocco, Cooperative Al Amal
Cintra (oysters): Aquacisnero
Boutelha (clams): Aqua Type
This vibrant and growing network of producers reflects Morocco’s bold push to unlock the potential of its seas—one sustainable harvest at a time.
