Fish production at Moroccan ports increases 22% up to May 2008

Fish production at Moroccan ports reached 332,673 Metric tons during the first five months of 2008, that is a 22% increase compared to the same period of 2007, a press release of the Ministry of agriculture and fisheries reported on Tuesday.

Rabat- Fish production at Moroccan ports reached 332,673 Metric tons during the first five months of 2008, that is a 22% increase compared to the same period of 2007, a press release of the Ministry of agriculture and fisheries reported on Tuesday.

    The increase in volume is mainly due to the development of both inshore and artisanal, and high-sea fishing, which went up 24% (292,060 Mt) and 12% (40,613 Mt) respectively.

    In value, fish production generated a turnover of MAD 4.7 billion (USD 640,406), i.e. a 36% increase compared to the same period of the previous year, the document pointed out.

    Exports of seafood posted a 19% increase in value and 37 % increase in volume, whereas octopus catches augmented by 32%, the department of fisheries at the ministry added, stressing that fish exports generated, up to May 2008, a turnover of MAD 3.7Bn (USD 505.4Mn) against MAD 3.1Bn (USD 423.6Mn) in the same period of 2007.

    In order to upscale inshore and artisanal fishing, which represents 87% of overall fish production in volume and 45% in value, Morocco has earmarked some MAD 5Bn (USD 677Mn) to launch the "Ibhar" program.

    The latter will help provide better work conditions in the sector, through the introduction of a new generation of ships to replace some 800 inshore fishing boats working since 15 years, fitting 16,000 boats with stocking and conservation equipment, and upgrading 1,800 boats.

MAP