Morocco’s government has vowed MAD 10 million in aid to assist fishermen in the north who have for years struggled with dolphin attacks, including damaged equipment, loss of catch, and safety concerns.
The sum is intended to provide support to fishermen in acquiring nets that are resistant to attacks from the type of dolphin dubbed El Negro, after its dark grey, nearly black skin – the largest among the three species inhabiting the western Mediterranean.
“The black dolphins, primarily concentrated between M’Diq and Hoceima, have become infamous for their audacious tactics. For nearly a decade, these creatures have lurked in the area, cunningly waiting for fishermen to amass their catches before striking their boats and tearing the net,” said Touirbi Abdelkader, a boat captain, and member of the fishermen’s union.
He explained how the relentless attacks by these dolphins have not only posed a severe threat to the livelihoods of fishermen but have also driven some to abandon their traditional fishing grounds altogether due to the significant losses they suffered.
These local fishermen rely on surface-level fishing, which involves catching fish such as sardines and anchovies, two of the dolphin’s favored prey.
“People complained and still do, however, we are aware that there are no possible ways of sending ‘off’ the dolphin.”
Despite some fishermen being compensated for the extensive damage inflicted upon their nets and boats, the pervasive threat has forced many to abandon their once-thriving fishing communities and head south in search of safer waters away from El Negro.
Touirbi said, “Recovering from the losses caused by the attacks is very challenging, which is why several families of fishermen sold their boats and gave up.”
The aid allocated by the government is contingent upon the signing of agreements that are still in the preparation stage, despite the urgent nature of the problem.
This significant allocation is drawn from the Halieutis strategy fund, a resourceful initiative of MAD 365 million, dedicated to supporting fisheries, advancing research in the field, and establishing innovative programs.
Touirbi described the aggressive nature of these dolphins, saying, “This dolphin is very orca-like and attacks boats harshly.” Repairing the damaged nets has proven to be very costly, causing severe financial losses to the struggling fishermen.
These local fishermen rely on surface-level fishing, which involves catching fish such as sardines and anchovies, two of the dolphin’s favored prey.
Touirbi said, “People complained and still do, however, we are aware that there are no possible ways of sending ‘off’ the dolphin.”
Despite some fishermen being compensated for the extensive damage inflicted upon their nets and boats, the pervasive threat has forced many to abandon their once-thriving fishing communities and head south in search of safer waters away from EL Negro.
Dolphin attacks are not a recent phenomenon and have plagued the region for many years, instilling genuine fear among fishermen.
While several initiatives have been launched to address this pressing issue, including intervention from the Ministry of Fisheries, the situation continues to pose a severe challenge to the local economy in M’Dieq and Hoceima.
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