Morocco's Aquaculture Growth Potential
Morocco is making significant strides in its aquaculture sector, with 244 active projects aiming for an annual production of 90,000 tons, as announced by the National Agency for Aquaculture Development (ANDA) after its July 2026 board meeting. However, the current output is a mere 3,500 tons, according to a World Bank report released in October. This discrepancy highlights the challenges facing the industry, as the nation aims to harness its maritime resources more effectively.
As of late 2024, the State Secretariat for Maritime Fisheries reported that there were 322 agreements published in the Official Gazette and 200 established farms, with an ambitious production target exceeding 124,000 tons. In July 2025, ANDA noted that 183 operational farms were expected to contribute over 71,000 tons, with 64 projects in the pipeline that could add another 16,000 tons. Despite these figures, the current production level stands at only about 4% of the ambitious targets set for the active projects. It's critical to note that the production estimate and capacity targets refer to different timelines, and the capacity does not reflect fully operational production.
Pathway to 300,000 Tons by 2035
The Moroccan government has set an ambitious goal to increase aquaculture production to 300,000 tons by the year 2035. Achieving this target could create approximately 52,000 jobs, including 30,000 direct positions, according to the World Bank. However, several constraints hinder this growth, such as shortages in hatcheries, feed mills, cold storage facilities, and processing infrastructure. Notably, VitaminSea Morocco, a shrimp farm supported by the World Bank's Blue Economy Program, generates around 60 tons annually for the local market. Its co-founder, Driss Krafess, has indicated that they import their shrimp larvae from the United States. The World Bank is backing Morocco's blue economy efforts with a $350 million Program-for-Results loan, which includes technical assistance for aquaculture site selection and shrimp farming, as well as the development of a seaweed industry roadmap.
With an investment of nearly MAD 1.3 billion ($142.6 million) in aquaculture projects operational in the first half of 2025, Morocco is on a promising path to transforming its marine resources into a robust economic sector, provided the necessary infrastructure and support systems are established.
As reported by ecofinagency.com.
