The Board of Directors of the National Fisheries Office (ONP) met on Friday December 20, 2024 in Rabat, under the chairmanship of Zakia Driouich, Secretary of State in charge of Maritime Fisheries. This meeting provided an opportunity to take stock of the main indicators of the fishing sector and to present the broad outlines of the prospects for 2025.
Regarding the performance of coastal and artisanal fishing, products marketed in first and second sale at the end of November 2024 reached a volume of approximately 1.394 million tonnes, for a total value of 10.65 billion dirhams. These results are similar in volume to those of the previous year, with a slight improvement in terms of value.
Advances in digitalization
The project to digitize the auction of seafood products is progressing well, with 18 out of 22 markets (or 82%) in ports now using the digital sales system. This system covers 71% of species sold. For the halls located at the VDP/PDA level, 16 out of 45 halls (i.e. 35%) have also adopted this technology, representing 66% of the species marketed. The digitalization process is also continuing in industrial fish approval counters (CAPI).
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The action plan for 2025 aims to modernize and sustainably structure the Moroccan fishing sector. It focuses on several key areas, including the modernization of fish markets and wholesale markets to improve hygiene and product quality. Another major objective is the extension of the digitalization of auctions to all marketing sites.
In addition, the ONP plans the installation of photovoltaic plants on isolated sites in order to strengthen the energy efficiency of the sector. A national benchmark will also be put in place to improve the traceability and quality of fish products.
Governance and strategy
The Board of Directors also highlighted the importance of strengthening governance within the ONP. To this end, two new committees were established: the strategy and investment committee, as well as the governance committee, aimed at strengthening decision-making processes and ensuring the proper management of the Office's projects.
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The Council concluded by reaffirming the ONP's commitment to supporting the strategic and operational transformation of the fishing sector, by continuing its modernization and digitalization efforts, and by implementing initiatives to ensure sustainability and competitiveness. of the Moroccan fishing sector.
