The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water, and Forests has confirmed a decline in sardine production, caused by rising water temperatures between 21 and 23 degrees Celsius. Sardines, which thrive at 18°C, are particularly vulnerable to these temperature changes, as well as to the impacts of climate change and human activities.
In response to a parliamentary question, the Minister explained that small pelagic fish—such as sardines—represent 80% of national fish production and are crucial to the development of the fishing industry.
Despite the drop in sardine stocks, the Ministry noted an increase in the availability of other fish species, including mackerel, trumpetfish, and anchovies.
Ongoing research and scientific evaluations indicate that the overall state of the country’s fish stocks remains balanced.
The sector continues to support 261,000 direct jobs and has reached an export value of 31 billion dirhams.