morocco and fishing

Morocco's ties to Europe date back to its days as a French and Spanish Protectorate and these ties today represent a very important part of Morocco's economic outlook. However, the relative harmonious relations have been disrupted on occasion. There have been disputes between Morocco and her former colonizers. 

Most recently, Morocco expressed her concerns with European Union fishing in her waters which created a contentious dispute with the EU and specifically Spain. As the debate proved, fishing is a key issue between the Government of Morocco and the European Union. Traditionally, Morocco has entered into fishery agreements with Spain bilaterally, and since its accession to the EU, with that body. The agreements have stipulated catch limits for EU fishermen, and granted compensation for Morocco. In 1992, and after, this traditional agreement became the source of problems between Morocco and the EU, with the greatest impact upon Spain. This "fish war" with Spain and the EU made daily headlines in Morocco.

As the only North African country without oil, Morocco has had to make the most of its other advantages. The ocean off Morocco's Atlantic coast is one of the richest fishing grounds in the world. (1) All together, Morocco's coast line covers 2,141 miles along the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Fishing has been a major industry in Morocco since the 1930's and the industry experienced tremendous growth during the 1980's. Since 1983, the annual catch has exceeded 430,000 tons. In 1986 and 1991 landings were the largest ever; both were more than 594,000 tons. These record catches demonstrate the increased maturity of the Moroccan fishing industry, which now accounts for approximately 45% of agricultural exports. In 1990, exports of fish and fish products were equivalent to 8% of total exports. Over 100,000 Moroccans are employed in the fishing industry. The industry's importance is underscored in both the employment sector and by the over $600 million of foreign exchange that is reaped from the industry each year.

The fishing industry is comprised of two distinct sectors: the costal fishery and the high seas. Moroccan coastal fishery is made up of primarily smaller, wooden boats. These boats catch mainly low-priced fish including sardines, mackerel and anchovies. Morocco's boats are older, poorly managed and lack technical equipment such as fish finding gear. Therefore, the boats engaged in this fishing only stay out at sea for up to three days. Due to their lack of technical accoutrement, specifically coolers, they often times bring back damaged catches. The coastal fleet consists of approximately 2,609 vessels, of which 378 are trawlers equipped with mechanisms that assist with catching deep dwelling fish such as octopus and squid. This sector of the Moroccan fishing industry is facing stiff competition from more modern, better equipped, European boats, primarily from Spain.

Morocco's high seas fishing is somewhat more modern and consists of mainly steel boats equipped with freezing facilities, which allow them to stay out at sea longer. These boats are usually between 100 and 150 feet long and make about 5 trips, lasting 60 days, each year. There are currently 280 Moroccan registered high sea cephalopod operating trawlers. Catches by Morocco's high sea fishing fleet is smaller in tonnage than its coastal fishing fleet, but they account for the largest return in value since their catches are comprised mostly of high-priced cephalopods and white fish. These catches are usually exported immediately after arriving at Morcccan ports. Japan is the number one importer from Morocco of these catches.

In 1990, the Government of Morocco began a series of measures, including port improvement and financial incentives, that would increase a move by Moroccan fishing fleets to Moroccan ports. Before 1992, the majority of Morocco's high sea fleet was based in Las Palmas in the Canary Islands and its contribution to the Moroccan economy was limited. Thanks in part to the aforementioned measures, by 1992 all but one or two of Morocco's high sea fleet were based in Moroccan ports. The port city of Agadir is home to most of the fleet, while Tan Tan also maintains a number of boats. The relocation of the high sea fleet underscores the evolution of the Moroccan fishing industry and its development into a rival for Spain. Moreover, this development posited Morocco for confrontation with other fleets in her waters, which is exactly what occurred between Morocco and Spain.