Casablanca – The House of Representatives in Morocco has unanimously adopted Bill No. 95.21 concerning the regulation of maritime fishing. This legislative move introduces significant reforms aimed at enhancing the sustainability and regulation of the maritime fishing sector, amidst growing concerns about marine resource depletion and environmental impacts.

Ministerial insight

During the legislative session, Mohamed Sadiki, the Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, emphasized that this bill is part of a progressive reform of the legal framework governing maritime fishing. The goal is to align with the sector’s evolution and sustainable development needs. “This project aims to preserve marine resources, strengthen scientific research, improve the control of maritime fishing activities, and combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing,” Sadiki stated.

Heavy financial penalties

The bill introduces severe financial penalties to deter violations, with fines ranging from $515 to $206,185. These penalties apply to individuals who:

– Capture or attempt to capture marine species without a valid fishing license.

– Use an expired fishing license.

– Fail to comply with the requirements of their fishing license.

Moreover, fines extend to those who:

– Capture marine species below the minimum commercial size.

– Exceed the allowable catch limits for specific species.

– Use toxic substances or prohibited foods in fishing activities.

Impact on fishing activities

The new legislation has sparked concerns among professionals about its potential to hinder fishing operations. Critics argue that the bill’s requirements, such as suspending fishing activities for up to 72 hours if the location and monitoring device fails, impose undue burdens on vessels operating far from ports. This is particularly challenging for coastal trawlers and deep-sea vessels during limited fishing seasons.

Scientific and recreational fishing regulations

The bill also empowers the National Institute of Fisheries Research (INRH) to monitor fishing operations and collect necessary samples during unloading or at fish markets. New provisions set conditions for issuing scientific maritime fishing authorizations and outline the practice of recreational fishing, both with and without vessels.

Enhanced traceability and compliance

To bolster the traceability of seafood products, the bill mandates that wholesale fish market officials maintain a record of the origin of their catches. It introduces new infractions related to exceeding the allowable percentage of additional species and classifies fines based on the type of fishing activity and the vessel’s gross tonnage.

Sector response and recommendations

Professional sources have called for a broader discussion with the Ministry of Fisheries to ensure that the bill’s implementation protects the rights of fishing professionals while achieving its environmental goals. They suggest that penalties for incomplete or false declarations should be directly borne by the declarant to prevent negligence and ensure accurate reporting.

Bill No. 95.21 represents a significant step towards sustainable maritime fishing in Morocco, addressing both environmental concerns and the need for regulatory compliance. As the sector adjusts to these new regulations, ongoing dialogue between the government and industry stakeholders will be crucial to balancing resource preservation with the livelihoods of fishing communities.