Russia seeks renewal of fisheries cooperation agreement with Morocco

Russia is pushing to renew its fisheries cooperation agreement with Morocco, which expired in December, allowing Russian fishing vessels to resume sardine fishing in Moroccan waters.

Ilya Shestakov, head of the Russian Federal Agency for Fisheries, confirmed that a draft agreement has already been submitted to the Russian government for approval.

“All issues related to the agreement have been discussed, and once signed, we will be able to catch up to 80,000 tons of fish in Morocco’s exclusive economic zone this year,” he told Interfax.

A Moroccan fisheries official acknowledged ongoing discussions but stated that no final decision had been reached. Under the previous agreement, signed in 2020, Russia operated 10 specialized vessels along Morocco’s coast, primarily targeting sardines. These vessels ceased operations at the end of 2024 following the agreement’s expiration.

The potential renewal of the deal is particularly significant given the recent termination of Morocco’s fisheries agreement with the European Union. Industry professionals in Morocco are closely monitoring negotiations, as a new deal with Russia could have strategic and diplomatic implications.

However, concerns remain over the sustainability of Morocco’s fish stocks, especially sardines, which are in high demand by Russian vessels. Experts emphasize the need for updated studies to assess potential scenarios and ensure responsible fisheries management.

Additionally, Moroccan officials are urging discussions with Russia to address ongoing challenges faced by Moroccan seafood exporters, particularly regarding payment procedures that remain unresolved.

In October, Morocco and Russia had extended their fisheries cooperation agreement until the end of 2024, covering waters off the country’s southern provinces. This extension coincided with a series of high-level meetings between officials from both nations, signaling a mutual interest in maintaining strong economic ties.