Rabat: The port of Laayoune: Southern Morocco, has seen a notable recovery in small pelagic fishing activity, recording a 28% increase in landings this summer. After a mixed 2024, this significant progress has revitalized the Laayoune port, which is now experiencing high sardine landings nationally. This recovery is the result of a rigorous policy led by the Secretariat of State for Maritime Fisheries.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, this shift is primarily due to measures such as the establishment of biological rest periods in January and February, and the targeted closure of marine areas where juvenile fish are found.

In a statement to MAP, Mohammed Nafia, the delegate for Maritime Fisheries in Laayoune, highlighted that sustainable fishing measures, backed by scientific data, have ensured resource longevity.

Enhanced monitoring, strengthened regional resources, and favorable environmental conditions have further supported the surge in landings at Laayoune port, he explained.

However, the official reminded that the sustainability of this upward trend depends on strict compliance with regulations, as well as the stability of environmental conditions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining sustainable fishing practices to ensure the renewal of fish stocks.

Economically, more than 116,000 tons of small pelagics, worth over 422 million dirhams, were landed between the start of the year and mid-September 2025.