Morocco’s sardine landings jump 66% through August

Morocco’s sardine landings rose nearly 66% to 394,200 metric tons in the first eight months of 2026, up from 237,800 tons a year earlier.

Their value increased at a similar pace, reaching 1.22 billion dirhams compared with 735.1 million dirhams during the same period in 2025.

Overall seafood landings reached 786,000 tons worth 12.5 billion dirhams through August, representing annual increases of 6% in volume and 4% in value. Sardines accounted for roughly half the total volume landed.

Laayoune recorded an additional 67,000 tons of sardines, a 76% increase, while Dakhla’s landings rose by about 60,000 tons, or 222%.

Tan-Tan added approximately 38,000 tons, up 110%, and Sidi Ifni gained nearly 14,000 tons, an increase of 104%.

Authorities continue to regulate fishing through restrictions and seasonal closures, drawing on scientific monitoring and recommendations from the National Institute of Fisheries Research.