Organized in partnership with the Swiss Import Promotion Program (SIPPO) and the General Commission for Mediterranean Fisheries (CGPM), this event aimed to share experiences and identify innovative solutions to strengthen economic, social and environmental sustainability. of the Moroccan fishing industry, indicates the Federation in a press release.
In his inauguration speech, the Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development and Water and Forests, Mohamed Sadiki, who chaired this forum, underlined Morocco’s commitment to a blue economy sustainable and inclusive, in accordance with the Royal Vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
Key moments of the event
FENIP President Hassan Sentissi El Idrissi reiterated the crucial importance of sustainability for the fishing industry. He highlighted the significant contributions of the sector, which represents 2.3% of the national gross domestic product (GDP) and generated a turnover of 28 billion dirhams (MMDH) in 2023, ensuring more than 8% of the total exports and about 35% of food exports.
Faced with current challenges such as climate change and the emergence of intrusive species, Mr. Sentissi called for bold measures to strengthen the resilience of the industry.
He stressed the importance of sustainable management of pelagic fish stocks and the need for policies based on rigorous scientific studies to regulate fisheries.
Initiatives et innovations
Given the state of the resource and the level of progress recorded in the evolution of the fishing industry sector, innovation and research and development have been identified as central pillars to maximize the valorization of marine resources, while by reducing the environmental footprint.
The forum highlighted several key initiatives, such as the development of aquaculture management plans and the encouragement of seaweed farming. The use of blockchain for inventory valuation and transferable quotas was also discussed as an innovative solution.
The importance of aquaculture
The forum highlighted the crucial and future role of aquaculture, an activity still in its infancy, and called upon to be the lever of blue growth and an alternative to wild fishing. The development of aquaculture development plans and the encouragement of seaweed farming are among the key initiatives to realize the potential of Moroccan aquaculture.
Engagement and public-private partnership
FENIP called for a reform of the industrial fish marketing system, by involving more the private sector and professional organizations. She emphasized the need for a strong partnership between the public and private sectors to address the challenges and seize opportunities for sustainable development.
She also spoke of the importance of promoting local consumption in addition to export efforts.
B2B meetings and market opportunities
During the event, B2B meeting sessions were organized, facilitating fruitful exchanges between fishing industry operators and international clients and organizations.
These meetings allowed Moroccan companies to present their products and explore new markets. Discussions focused on export opportunities, technological collaborations and joint sustainability initiatives, thus strengthening Morocco’s position as a key player in the international trade of fishery products.
The American experience in sustainable fisheries
Emerging technologies developed in the United States to support sustainable fisheries were highlighted. The importance of blockchain for traceability of transactions throughout the supply chain, as well as computer vision and artificial intelligence to identify fish species, and environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect the presence of species in the environment without seeing them directly, has been highlighted.
Incentives for seafood producers and suppliers to adopt these technologies were also discussed, particularly in relation to improving regulatory compliance and increasing market value.
A concrete example was given of the use of eDNA by Mexican producers to certify that their fishing practices met sustainability standards, by detecting the illegal use of bait. This technology made it possible to identify violators and target regulatory efforts.
Conclusion and call to action
With the participation of more than 32 panelists from various backgrounds, the discussions were rich and varied. The experts’ contributions made it possible to discuss successful practices and innovations in the sustainable management of fisheries resources, illustrating European, Tunisian, Mauritanian and Senegalese examples.
The forum concluded with a call for strengthened interprofessional collaboration as well as between professionals and the State, with particular attention to African cooperation. Mr. Sentissi recalled the importance of reactivating the African Seafood Association (AFIEX) for better continental synergy.
2024-09-28 20:11:51