DR ‹ › Preventive measures have been put in place to stabilize sardine prices at their usual levels, particularly with the approach of Ramadan, said Mohammed Nafia, Maritime Fisheries Delegate of Laâyoune, on Saturday. According to a statement he made to Maghreb Arabe Presse (MAP), these measures, adopted by the State Secretariat in charge of maritime fisheries, include a ban on the export of frozen sardines and the implementation of the «Fish at a Reasonable Price» initiative. The latter aims to diversify the supply of fresh and frozen fish products, including sardines, in the domestic market. The measures also include prohibiting the use of whole, consumption-grade sardines in the production of fishmeal and fish oil, in order to secure supplies for the local market and protect consumers' purchasing power. In parallel, the supervisory authorities are preparing for the resumption of fishing activities at the ports of Agadir, Sidi Ifni, Tan-Tan, Tarfaya, and Laâyoune, once the biological rest period ends. This seasonal halt runs from January 1 to February 15. Nafia explained that the recent rise in sardine prices observed in Moroccan markets is mainly due to the biological rest period, combined with unfavorable weather conditions. As a result, current supplies are limited to frozen sardines and small quantities of fresh catches landed at northern ports during occasional windows of favorable weather. These measures are based on scientific findings and recommendations issued by the National Institute of Fisheries Research (INRH), drawing on biological monitoring data and assessments of fish stock conditions. Nafia also highlighted the strategic role of the port of Laâyoune, describing it as one of the Kingdom's main fishing hubs for supplying domestic markets with sardines. The maritime district of Laâyoune includes 1,008 artisanal fishing boats, 350 coastal fishing vessels, and 52 fish processing units, underscoring its central role in Morocco's fisheries sector.
