Casablanca – Morocco’s fisheries sector has shown a mixed performance during the first months of 2026, as declining catch volumes have been partially offset by stronger market prices and improved revenues from several high-value seafood categories. Recent data from the National Fisheries Office indicate that the coastal and artisanal fishing segment remains an important contributor to the national economy despite facing ongoing challenges linked to resource availability, seasonal fluctuations and changing market conditions.

By the end of May 2026, the value of coastal and artisanal fisheries products marketed in Morocco reached approximately $454 million, compared with around $397 million at the end of April. The latest figures show that total landings reached 264,418 tons by the end of May, representing an 18% decline compared with the same period in 2025. Despite the reduction in volume, the overall value of marketed products decreased by only 1% on an annual basis, highlighting the resilience of prices and demand for several categories of seafood.

The contrast between value and volume trends has become one of the defining characteristics of the sector this year. While fishermen brought fewer products to market, higher prices for some species and stronger performance in selected categories helped limit the financial impact of lower catches.

Shifts in catch composition

The structure of Morocco’s fisheries production has continued to evolve throughout 2026. Pelagic species, which include sardines and other small fish that account for the largest share of national landings, remained dominant. However, volumes of pelagic fish landed through the coastal and artisanal segment fell by 18% to 195,241 tons by the end of May.

White fish also experienced a significant contraction, with volumes declining by 36% to 33,115 tons. Shellfish recorded one of the steepest drops, decreasing by 37% to only 30 tons.

On the other hand, several categories posted positive results. Mollusk landings increased by 10% to 30,837 tons, while crustaceans rose by 1% to 3,137 tons. Seaweed production also expanded by 11%, reaching 2,057 tons.

Earlier data covering the first four months of the year showed a similar trend. At the end of April, seaweed landings had increased by 36%, crustaceans by 12%, and mollusks by 4%, suggesting that these segments have maintained positive momentum throughout the year.

The stronger performance of higher-value seafood products has helped compensate for lower catches in other categories, particularly in terms of revenue generation.

Atlantic ports remain the sector’s backbone

Morocco’s Atlantic coastline continues to dominate fisheries activity, accounting for the overwhelming majority of coastal and artisanal landings.

By the end of May, Atlantic ports handled approximately 257,078 tons of fishery products. Although this represented an 18% decline in volume compared with the previous year, the value of landings increased by 1% to around $423 million.

The ability of Atlantic ports to maintain revenue growth despite lower volumes reflects the importance of market conditions and product mix in determining sector performance. Higher-value species and stronger demand from domestic and export markets have contributed to sustaining earnings.

During the first four months of the year, Atlantic ports had already demonstrated this trend. Landings declined by 6% to 189,775 tons, while their value increased by 7% to approximately $371 million.

The data suggest that price dynamics have played a critical role in cushioning the sector from the effects of lower catches.

Mediterranean ports face different challenges

Along Morocco’s Mediterranean coast, the situation has been somewhat different.

Landings through Mediterranean ports increased by 4% to 7,340 tons by the end of May, following an 11% rise recorded at the end of April. However, the value of these products moved in the opposite direction.

Revenue generated by Mediterranean port landings fell by 13% year-on-year to approximately $31.4 million by the end of May. Earlier figures showed an 11% decline in value at the end of April, when revenues stood at about $26.5 million.

These figures indicate that although catch volumes have improved in the Mediterranean region, lower average prices and changes in the composition of landings have weighed on overall revenues.

Strategic importance for the economy

The fisheries sector remains one of Morocco’s most significant maritime industries, supporting thousands of jobs in fishing, processing, logistics and export activities. Coastal and artisanal fishing plays a particularly important social and economic role in many coastal communities, where it serves as a major source of employment and income.

Beyond domestic consumption, seafood exports continue to represent an important source of foreign currency earnings. Morocco is among the leading fish-producing countries in Africa and benefits from extensive Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines that provide access to diverse marine resources.

The sector has also been the focus of modernization efforts aimed at improving sustainability, strengthening monitoring systems and increasing value creation through processing and product diversification.

Outlook for the remainder of 2026

The performance recorded during the first five months of 2026 suggests that Morocco’s fisheries sector is navigating a period of adjustment characterized by lower catch volumes but relatively stable revenues. Future developments will depend on a combination of factors, including fish stock availability, weather conditions, international demand and market prices.

While declines in several major categories remain a challenge, the continued growth of mollusks, crustaceans and seaweed production demonstrates the sector’s capacity to diversify its output and generate value beyond traditional fisheries products.

If current pricing trends continue and higher-value segments maintain their momentum, Morocco’s fisheries sector could preserve revenue stability even in an environment of reduced landings. At the same time, sustaining marine resources and improving productivity will remain essential for ensuring long-term growth and competitiveness across the fisheries sector.