Maritime fishing: working meeting in Casablanca on the progress of ONP projects
Casablanca – The Secretary of State to the Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development and Water and Forests, in charge of Maritime Fisheries, Zakia Driouich, examined, Friday during a meeting in Casablanca, the progress of National Fisheries Office (ONP) projects.
This meeting is part of the meetings held by Ms. Driouich with the various heads of establishments under the supervision of the ministry with a view to boosting their actions, with emphasis on the current state of progress of the various projects and programs linked to the sector and define priorities as well as study the mechanisms for implementing the projects opened as soon as possible, indicates a press release from the State Secretariat in charge of Maritime Fisheries.
During this meeting, which took place in the presence of the Director General of the ONP and several officials from the State Secretariat responsible for Maritime Fisheries and the Office, Ms. Driouich focused on the importance of continuing the dynamic of implementation of the Office’s flagship programs while consolidating the achievements made in the fisheries sector in accordance with the royal vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and the strategic axes of the sector’s development strategy.
This meeting made it possible to present the key figures relating to the marketing of fishery products, as well as the priority projects aimed at developing the marketing network for fishery products across the country.
Among the strategic actions highlighted are the generalization of the digitalization of the marketing system across all sites managed by the ONP, as well as the construction and renovation of marketing infrastructures.
Regarding the efforts made by the Office as part of the renewed strategy, particularly its component relating to the deployment of the digital strategy, the Secretary of State called for accelerating the pace of modernization of the marketing channels for fishing products. , to work for the generalization of the digitalization of the marketing system across all sites managed by the Office by 2025 and to adopt a policy of proximity with operators.
This dynamic commitment reflects the desire of the government authority responsible for maritime fishing to actively contribute to sustainable development and the optimization of fishery resources, in accordance with the guidelines defined by the Halieutis strategy, concludes the press release.
How does illegal fishing impact the maritime fisheries in Morocco, and what measures are being proposed to address this issue?
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Maritime Fisheries Expert
Editor: Good morning, and thank you for joining us today. We recently learned that the Secretary of State for Maritime Fisheries, Zakia Driouich, held a significant meeting in Casablanca to discuss the progress of projects undertaken by the National Fisheries Office (ONP). Can you give us an overview of the meeting’s context and its relevance to the fishing industry?
Expert: Good morning! Absolutely, the meeting held by Ms. Driouich is crucial for the development of the maritime fishing sector in Morocco. It underscores the government’s commitment to evaluate and accelerate the implementation of ONP projects. These projects are essential for sustaining the industry, which plays a vital role in our economy and food security.
Editor: It seems that there is a strong focus on boosting the actions of the ONP. What specific programs or projects were highlighted during the meeting?
Expert: While the meeting’s specific details were not fully disclosed, the press release indicated that they discussed various ongoing programs aimed at enhancing sustainability and efficiency within the fishing sector. This includes improving regulatory measures, technology integration, and methods to ensure that fisheries are managed sustainably, thereby protecting marine ecosystems.
Editor: Sustainability is becoming a hot topic globally. How do you think these ONP projects will address sustainability in maritime fishing?
Expert: Great question! The ONP is shifting towards more sustainable fishing practices. This involves setting quotas to prevent overfishing, implementing better monitoring systems, and encouraging responsible fishing methods. By doing so, they aim to balance economic needs with environmental stewardship. It’s essential to ensure that fisheries remain productive for future generations.
Editor: In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges facing the maritime fishing sector in Morocco, and how can meetings like this help?
Expert: One of the significant challenges is combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which threatens both the ecosystem and the livelihoods of law-abiding fishers. Meetings like this are vital as they bring together key stakeholders, facilitating discussions on how to tackle such issues collectively. Setting clear priorities and action plans can lead to effective strategies to mitigate these challenges.
Editor: Speaking of stakeholders, who else was present at the meeting besides Ms. Driouich, and what roles do they play?
Expert: The meeting included various officials from the State Secretariat and the ONP, including the Director General of the ONP. These individuals are crucial as they lead the implementation of policies and programs that directly impact the fishing sector. Their involvement indicates a unified front toward addressing the challenges and opportunities in maritime fisheries.
Editor: Moving forward, what should we expect from the Ministry of Agriculture and the ONP in terms of results from these discussions?
Expert: We should anticipate a clearer timeline for project implementation and perhaps new initiatives aimed at enhancing transparency and sustainability. Additionally, public engagement initiatives could be on the horizon, informing the fishing community about best practices and regulations. these meetings should lead to tangible progress that aligns with both national economic goals and environmental objectives.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights on this important topic. It’s clear that the future of maritime fishing in Morocco hinges on effective collaboration and sustainable practices.
Expert: Thank you for having me! It’s crucial to keep the conversation alive as we strive for a resilient fishing sector that benefits both our economy and the environment.