Oualidia Lagoon: Lifting of the ban on the collection and marketing of oysters
Rabat – The Department of Maritime Fisheries announced, Wednesday, the lifting of the ban on the collection and marketing of oysters collected in the classified shellfish growing zone of the Oualidia lagoon, falling within the maritime district of El Jadida.
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The Department has also decided to lift the ban on the collection and marketing of mussels in the maritime shellfish production zones classified as Tamri Cap Ghir and Imi Ouaddar, falling within the maritime district of Agadir, indicates the Department of maritime Fisheries in a press release.
“The Technical Committee responsible for monitoring the marine habitat and shellfish examined the results of analyzes carried out by the National Institute of Fisheries Research (INRH) at the level of the classified maritime shellfish production zones of the Oualidia lagoon, Tamri Cap Ghir and Imi Ouaddar, showing stability of the environment and total purification of oysters in the Oualidia lagoon area, and of mussels in the two other areas,” explains the same source.
Moreover,the Department recommends that consumers “only purchase packaged products,bearing identification health labels and sold in authorized points of sale (official markets)”.
Shellfish hawked or sold in bulk offer no guarantee of safety and constitute a danger to public health,the press release concludes.
– What are teh environmental benefits of lifting the shellfish collection ban in Oualidia Lagoon?
interview with Marine Fisheries Expert on the Lifting of Shellfish Collection Ban in Oualidia Lagoon
By Time.news Editor
Time.news: Thank you for joining us today. We’re excited to discuss the recent announcement regarding the lifting of the ban on the collection adn marketing of oysters and mussels in certain maritime districts of Morocco. Can you provide us with an overview of what this means for the marine fisheries sector?
Expert: Thank you for having me. The lifting of the ban on collecting and marketing oysters in the Oualidia lagoon, and also mussels in Tamri Cap Ghir and Imi Ouaddar, is a significant development for the marine fisheries sector. It indicates that the habitat in these areas has shown stability and safety for harvesting shellfish. This decision comes after thorough assessments by the Technical Committee and the National Institute of Fisheries research (INRH), which confirmed the purification of these shellfish.
Time.news: What specific assessments were made to determine the safety of these shellfish?
Expert: The Technical Committee monitored the marine habitats and conducted detailed analyses of the shellfish. The results indicated that the oysters in Oualidia and mussels in the other regions are now safe for consumption. It’s a positive sign not just for the local fishing communities but also for the health of the ecosystem in these areas.
Time.news: How will this lifting of the ban impact local economies, particularly in Oualidia and the surrounding regions?
Expert: The local economies stand to benefit vastly from this decision. Shellfish collection is an vital source of income for many fishermen and small businesses in these regions. With the ban lifted, there’s potential for increased revenue and job creation within the community. Furthermore, this could attract more tourists to Oualidia, known for its rich marine biodiversity and culinary offerings, further stimulating the local economy.
Time.news: You mentioned consumer safety earlier. What measures should consumers take when purchasing shellfish now that the ban has been lifted?
Expert: It’s crucial for consumers to remain vigilant. I recommend that they only purchase packaged shellfish bearing health identification labels and buy them from authorized points of sale, such as official markets. Shellfish sold in bulk or by unverified vendors could pose health risks, as they may not meet safety standards. These precautions will help ensure that consumers enjoy these delicacies without compromising their health.
Time.news: Given the environmental monitoring that led to this decision,how can we ensure that the marine habitats remain sustainable moving forward?
Expert: Sustainable practices are essential. Ongoing monitoring and regulatory assessments are key to maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. Fishermen and businesses should adopt sustainable fishing practices, adhering to guidelines set by the department of Maritime Fisheries. Education on the importance of conservation can help foster a culture of obligation and awareness among both fishermen and consumers.
Time.news: Lastly, what’s your outlook on the future of the shellfish industry in Morocco?
Expert: I am optimistic about the future of the shellfish industry in Morocco. With responsible management, continued research, and consumer awareness, we can enhance both the economic viability of our fishing communities and the health of our marine ecosystems.If we learn from past challenges and prioritize sustainability, the shellfish industry can flourish, providing both delicious seafood and vital livelihoods for many.
Time.news: Thank you for your insights. This details is invaluable for understanding the implications of this recent announcement and for ensuring the continued health of our marine environments.