Morocco Eyes Aquaculture Boom: Jobs, Growth and a Sustainable Blue Economy

Morocco is positioning itself at the forefront of marine aquaculture development, with a recent technical review by the World Bank, supported by the National Agency for the Development of Aquaculture (ANDA), the National Institute of Fisheries Research (INRH), and the Department of Marine Fisheries (DPM), underscoring both the promise and the challenges that define this emerging sector. The report highlights Morocco’s enormous yet largely untapped potential, with production standing at only 3,644 metric tons in 2024, compared to an estimated annual capacity of 600,000 tons. Despite this wide gap, government plans are ambitious. Within five years, Morocco aims to produce 300,000 tons of seafood and create 450,000 jobs across fisheries and aquaculture, effectively turning its vast coastline and rich ecosystems into a new pillar of its blue economy strategy.

A Nation of Seafood, Facing Rising Demand

Morocco is already Africa’s top seafood exporter and ranks among the world’s top twenty. Its exports are anchored in sardines, anchovies, and octopus, with volumes rising from 723,000 tons in 2018 to 846,000 tons in 2023, while export revenues soared from 22.5 billion Moroccan dirhams to nearly 31 billion. Yet reliance on capture fisheries has its limits, as resources face depletion and ecosystems come under stress. Meanwhile, Morocco’s population is projected to reach 43 million by 2050, with dietary demand for fish continuing to grow. At current consumption levels of 18 kilograms per person annually, the country will need at least 140,000 additional tons of seafood by mid-century, while a rise to 22 kilograms per person would push demand far higher. Aquaculture, the fastest-growing food sector globally, is seen as the only viable way to bridge this gap while sustaining export strength.

Bottlenecks in Growth and Governance

Despite strong institutional frameworks, aquaculture in Morocco is held back by systemic inefficiencies. ANDA coordinates licensing and development, ONSSA oversees sanitary and food safety standards, the Department of Sustainable Development manages environmental safeguards, and INRH leads on research. However, overlapping responsibilities and fragmented licensing processes slow down approvals and discourage investment. Marine spatial planning remains incomplete, often leading to conflicts with tourism, conservation, and traditional fisheries. Investors also face high entry costs, since farmed fish take one to two years before reaching sale weight, and few financial instruments exist to cover this long “cash-out” period. Infrastructure adds another layer of difficulty: Morocco lacks sufficient hatcheries, feed mills, cold storage units, and processing facilities, which are critical to support the expansion of marine farming. Feed alone is a looming challenge, as aquaculture depends heavily on it, and Morocco’s regulations do not yet allow broader use of alternative proteins like insect meal or rendered animal proteins that could reduce costs and improve sustainability.

Competing on Global and Domestic Markets

Market potential, however, is undeniable. Morocco’s geographic location gives it privileged access to European, African, and Middle Eastern markets, backed by favorable trade agreements. Analyses by the International Trade Centre identify strong untapped opportunities for seaweed, oysters, mussels, shrimp, and agar-agar, with France, Spain, Italy, China, and Hong Kong emerging as the most promising buyers. France alone could absorb $1.1 million in additional oyster exports, while Spain represents a $377 million opportunity for fish and shellfish. Domestically, consumers are increasingly aware of aquaculture products. Surveys reveal oysters and mussels as the most recognized, and while satisfaction with quality is high, prices remain a barrier. Retailers highlight that awareness campaigns, improved distribution networks, and price adjustments could boost demand significantly. Morocco’s aquaculture sector, if expanded strategically, has the potential to meet rising local needs while carving out a stronger position in global seafood markets.

Building a Sustainable Future

For Morocco to achieve this vision, private sector mobilization is essential. Programs like Intelaka have already provided guaranteed loans to small and medium enterprises, and public-private partnerships have drawn billions in investments. But the review stresses the need for innovative tools such as blue bonds, blended finance, aquaculture investment funds, and digital “blue tokens” for smaller operators. Risk mitigation through aquaculture insurance schemes and feed financing mechanisms is also vital to attract investors. Alongside financial reform, environmental and social safeguards must remain central. Poorly managed farms can pollute waters, spread pathogens, and undermine artisanal fisheries. Morocco has acted with Law 84.21 on marine aquaculture, requiring Environmental Impact Assessments, Social Management Plans, and Environmental Monitoring Programs. Practices such as Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture, where multiple species are farmed together to recycle waste and maintain balance, are strongly encouraged. Community consultations are also considered essential, ensuring local acceptance and benefits for coastal populations.

A Decade of Opportunity

The roadmap outlined in the report is ambitious and staged. In the short term, Morocco is urged to simplify licensing, issue clear site-selection guidelines, and secure hatchery and feed supplies. In the medium term, it should focus on workforce training, building specialized expertise in hatcheries, animal health, water quality, and climate-resilient farming methods, while expanding private sector participation. In the long term, Morocco is expected to integrate aquaculture fully into its broader blue economy, adopt digital farm management technologies, and diversify into seaweed, shrimp, and multi-species farming systems. The ultimate goal is to turn Morocco into a regional leader in sustainable aquaculture, delivering food security, export revenues, and jobs, while conserving marine ecosystems. The report’s conclusion is clear: with decisive reforms, targeted investments, and a balance between growth and sustainability, Morocco’s coastal wealth could anchor a new era of prosperity and resilience.