Casablanca – Morocco’s Mediterranean fishing sector experienced a significant slowdown at the beginning of 2026, as both the volume and value of coastal and traditional fishing landings declined sharply in January, according to official data from the National Fisheries Office. The downturn highlights the challenges facing fishing activity along the Mediterranean coastline, amid unfavorable weather conditions, environmental pressures, and changing market dynamics.

Official figures show that total seafood landings at Mediterranean ports and fishing villages reached 1,437 tons in January 2026, marking a 30% decrease compared with 2,047 tons recorded during the same period in 2025. This represents a loss of approximately 610 tons of production and reflects a clear contraction in fishing activity along the coastal stretch extending from Tangier in the west to Saïdia in the east.

The decline in volume was accompanied by a sharp drop in commercial value. Total revenues generated from Mediterranean coastal and traditional fishing landings reached approximately $8.37 million in January 2026, compared with $12.87 million during the same month a year earlier. This represents a decline of 35%, equivalent to a financial loss of about $4.43 million year-on-year, underscoring the economic impact of reduced fishing activity in the region.

Mixed performance across major seafood categories

Despite the overall decline, performance varied across different seafood categories, with some species recording higher volumes while others experienced steep reductions in both quantity and value.

Pelagic fish, including sardines and mackerel, recorded a 13% increase in landings, reaching 233 tons compared with 206 tons a year earlier. Revenues from pelagic fish totaled approximately $393,000, up slightly from $372,000 in January 2025. This increase suggests relatively stable demand and availability for this category.

White fish also showed growth in volume, with landings rising by 25% to reach 225 tons, compared with about 180 tons in the previous year. However, the commercial value declined by 7%, falling to approximately $758,000, compared with $811,000 a year earlier. This indicates that while catches increased, lower market prices or changes in species composition affected total earnings.

In contrast, cephalopods, including octopus and squid, which are among the most valuable seafood products in Morocco’s fishing sector, experienced the largest decline. Landings fell by 43%, reaching 901 tons. Revenues from cephalopods totaled approximately $6.78 million, representing a 39% decrease compared with the previous year. This decline had a major impact on overall sector revenues due to the high economic importance of these species.

Crustaceans, such as shrimp and shellfish, also recorded weaker performance. Landings declined by 5% to reach 78 tons, while revenues fell by 24% to approximately $438,000, reflecting both reduced production and lower market prices.

National fishing volumes decline while revenues increase

The slowdown observed along the Mediterranean coast reflects a broader national trend in terms of declining fishing volumes. Across Morocco, total coastal and traditional fishing landings reached 24,151 tons in January 2026, representing a decrease of 21% compared with the same month in 2025.

However, national revenues from coastal and traditional fishing activities increased by 5% to reach approximately $152.6 million. This increase suggests that higher market prices for certain seafood products helped offset the impact of lower catch volumes.

This divergence between declining volumes and rising revenues highlights the role of price increases in supporting the sector’s financial performance, even during periods of reduced fishing activity.

Weather conditions and environmental pressures identified as key factors

Fishing professionals attribute much of the January decline to unfavorable weather conditions, including strong winds and rough seas that limited fishing operations. Many vessels, particularly small and medium-sized boats that dominate coastal and artisanal fishing, were unable to operate regularly due to safety concerns.

These weather disruptions significantly reduced the number of fishing days, directly affecting total production and income for fishing communities.

Environmental and biological factors may also have contributed to the decline. Seasonal biological rest periods aimed at protecting fish stocks can limit catches for certain species, while ongoing environmental changes in the Mediterranean Sea may be affecting the availability and distribution of commercially important fish.

Mediterranean ports face greater challenges compared with Atlantic coast

The decline in Mediterranean fishing contrasts with developments along Morocco’s Atlantic coast, where revenues increased despite some decreases in volume. Atlantic ports benefited from stronger demand and more favorable conditions for certain high-value species, helping sustain income levels.

By comparison, Mediterranean fishing ports appear to be facing greater challenges related to weather variability, resource pressures, and market fluctuations, contributing to sharper declines in both volume and value at the start of 2026.

Outlook for the sector

Although January marked a difficult start to the year, the sector’s performance in the coming months will depend on several key factors, including improved weather conditions, recovery of fish stocks, and stable demand in domestic and international markets.

Morocco’s fishing sector remains a vital component of the national economy, providing employment for thousands of fishermen and contributing to food security and export revenues. Sustainable resource management and improved operational conditions will play an important role in supporting the sector’s recovery and long-term stability.