Nador port sees 11% drop in coastal fish landings as national catch shrinks 18%

Coastal and artisanal fish landings at Morocco’s Nador port declined by 11% year-on-year by the end of May 2025, totaling 1,498 tonnes, according to the National Fisheries Office (ONP). The commercial value also fell 4%, reaching MAD 71 million.

Pelagic species saw the steepest drop, down 36% to 180 tonnes. Whitefish declined 11% in both volume and value, while crustaceans dropped 10% in quantity but gained 4% in revenue. Cephalopod landings rose 6% to 694 tonnes, though revenues slipped 2%.

Nationally, Morocco’s coastal and artisanal fishing sector posted over MAD 4.4 billion in value, a 1% rise, but the overall volume dropped 18%, settling at 321,520 tonnes. 

The figures reflect a growing imbalance between quantity and value in Morocco’s fish trade, as climate volatility and sector inefficiencies weigh on supply.

Despite volume declines, higher-value species and better pricing helped partially offset losses.