Morocco, an example of innovation and sustainable growth in the aquaculture supply chain, stands as a model for African countries that are betting on sustainable aquaculture as an alternative to traditional fishing, writes the Italian monthly magazine “Porto e Interporto.”
Indeed, Morocco has consolidated the role of aquaculture as a driver of sustainable economic development, through the creation of businesses related to aquaculture, thus establishing an important economic circuit, the publication emphasizes in an article titled “Morocco and the New Aquaculture Strategy.”
In this context, the Italian magazine noted that the National Agency for the Development of Aquaculture (ANDA) focuses on promoting and strengthening the Kingdom’s fishing capabilities, launching an ambitious strategic plan for 2025, which includes 22 new projects aimed at attracting national and foreign investments.
It recalled that the Kingdom created, last year, the first fish hatchery for aquaculture, aiming to produce up to 30 million fry of sea bream, sea bass, meagre, and other species of interest for high-quality aquaculture.
This hatchery will be “an essential element” of the Mediterranean aquaculture sector dedicated to ensuring a reliable supply of fry for feeding, the monthly indicates.
“This strategic initiative aims to strengthen production and promote comprehensive, high-quality, and sustainable development of the maritime fishing sector in the Mediterranean,” adds the magazine, estimating that the production and monitoring of fry must ensure the long-term viability of fish farming projects.
For “Porto e Interporto,” the breeding of young fish will not only ensure the future of aquaculture but also help alleviate the pressure on Mediterranean marine resources.
And it concludes that Morocco’s experience shows that a targeted strategy, supported by a range of partners, adequate international funding, and concrete and technologically innovative policies, can transform aquaculture into a central pillar of food security and “blue” economic growth.