Salé hosted on Tuesday a conference organized by the State Secretariat for Maritime Fisheries in partnership with Global Fishing Watch, dedicated to marine protected areas and the blue economy, as part of national efforts to strengthen marine ecosystem protection and promote a sustainable blue economy.
The event highlighted the strategic importance of marine protected areas in preserving marine biodiversity and fishery resources, as well as their role in supporting socio-economic development in coastal regions, emphasizing the link between marine conservation and sustainable development.
The Secretary of State for Maritime Fisheries stated that Morocco is pursuing a national strategy based on the royal vision aimed at protecting marine ecosystems and developing the blue economy, noting that the country currently has eight marine protected areas, with a target to increase coverage from 1% to 10% by 2027-2028.
She also pointed to the growing involvement of professionals in the sector, particularly artisanal fishermen, who are increasingly requesting the creation of protected areas in their regions, citing projects in Boujdour and ongoing studies in Agadir.
The government official stressed that Morocco adopts an integrated approach linking marine environmental protection with economic development, with the establishment of a national commission in 2023 to coordinate policies related to maritime activities.
She emphasized that marine protected areas should not be seen only as restriction zones, but as tools for sustainable maritime planning that enable ecosystem restoration and climate change adaptation.
Regarding cooperation with Global Fishing Watch, she highlighted the use of satellite technologies and artificial intelligence to monitor fishing activities and enhance maritime transparency.
Finally, she explained that the designation of these areas is based on scientific criteria related to biological and ecological importance, with the aim of creating marine corridors that ensure biodiversity continuity and strengthen Morocco’s role in maritime governance.