Cala Iris:A live bivalve purification and marketing facility with a production capacity of five tons per week has been inaugurated at Cala Iris port, marking the first installation of its kind along Morocco’s Mediterranean coast.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the facility is equipped with a closed-loop purification system comprising two independent production lines. It utilizes advanced technology designed to optimize water and energy consumption while ensuring sanitary conditions during shellfish processing and marketing.
Abdennabi Mansouri, head of the Maritime Fisheries Delegation in Al Hoceima, stated that the facility aims to eliminate harmful substances and toxins in shellfish to ensure their safety and sanitary quality before marketing, in compliance with applicable health standards. Mansouri emphasized that the infrastructure would enhance the marketing of seafood products, provide Moroccan consumers with access to high-quality shellfish, and open up new export opportunities by facilitating access to major domestic and international markets.
He also highlighted that the project combines modern production methods with the preservation of traditional fishing expertise, creating employment opportunities for local residents, particularly in technical fields such as quality control and food safety. The facility, covering 120 square meters, was built with an investment of 1.2 million dirhams through a partnership between the Maritime Fisheries Development Fund and the National Agency for the Development of Aquaculture (ANDA), with a contribution from the Cala Iris Fishermen’s Cooperative.
Located between the Mediterranean Sea and the heights of Al Hoceima National Park, Cala Iris is renowned for its artisanal fishing traditions and rich marine biodiversity. The facility aims to enhance the value of local marine resources while supporting the development of a sustainable blue economy and preserving the fishing village’s economic and social identity.
The project is expected to improve fishermen’s incomes, reduce economic insecurity associated with the seasonal nature of fishing, and create opportunities for young people in the region. Local stakeholders anticipate that the initiative will strengthen cooperative activities and help fishing professionals adapt to growing competitiveness and changing marketing practices.