Tangier's New Fishing Port and Marina

On Thursday in Tangier King Mohammed VI inaugurated a new fishing port and Tanja Marina Bay, two structuring projects including conversion of the port area of ​​the city at a cost of more than 6 billion dirhams

These two projects aim to make the city of Tangier a destination of choice for pleasure tourism and cruises on an international scale and the improvement of the conditions of fishing professionals by offering them modern facilities that meet their needs.

The new fishing port of Tangier required a budget of 1,189 million dirhams and will provide an ideal working environment for fishing professionals, will allow a better development of the fishing sector in the region, and help boost investment and create more jobs in the sector.

This new fishing port comprises 1,167 metres of protective structures, 2,537 metres of berthing and wharfage piers, 11 ha of ponds and 12 ha of berths. It houses all the equipment necessary for the proper functioning of the port, including ice factories, cold stores, a standard container management unit, stores for shipowners and wholesalers, premises for artisanal fishermen, coastal and offshore fisheries, a hall for artisanal fisheries, a shipyard, ship repair shops and administrative buildings.

The centrepiece of the port is the fish market for coastal and offshore fisheries. Located in the heart of the port, this hall has a refrigerated exhibition and sales area, a reception hall for the identification and weighing of products, an airlock and shipping, cold rooms, a fish counter and a veterinary office.

This seafood marketing infrastructure focuses on improving quality, product valuation, the fluidity and transparency of commercial transactions, and the development of fishing activities in the region.

Built according to the most demanding international quality standards, this hall is equipped with technologies that ensure the computerisation of the sales process as a whole. The computerisation which allows in particular to maximise the speed and the transparency of the transactions and which ensures a rigorous follow-up of the traceability of the products.

Another structuring project inaugurated by the King is the marina Tanja Marina Bay, made for a global investment of 635 million dirhams and offering important infrastructures dedicated to the reception of the sailors eager to discover the charm of Tangier.

With its 800 moorings for boats ranging in length from 7 to 90 m, and the 600 rings for boats of 7 to 30 m planned under the second tranche, this marina, located in the heart of the bay, offers the largest number of moorings in the Kingdom and a multitude of services to international standards.

This marina is also equipped with food and entertainment areas, covered parking with a capacity of 435 seats, a nautical club, and a resort.

SHARE THIS!

Morocco - Africa's #1 Fish Producer

With its two maritime, Mediterranean and Atlantic seaboards, a coastline stretching over 3,500 kilometres and a maritime area of ​​about 1.2 million square kilometres, reputed to be among the most fish-rich areas in the world, Morocco has a very important fishing heritage

According to a report published recently by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), Morocco has some 110,000 fishermen and aquaculturists. With $ 1.59 billion of export revenue, Morocco ranks first among fish producers in Africa and 17th worldwide, according to the National Fisheries Board (ONP).

Moroccan fishermen recorded catches of more than 1.35 million tonnes last year. It is the world's top sardine producer and, along with China and Mauritania, one of the top 3 exporters of octopus in the world.

Morocco, is holding the 4th edition of the industry forum, Halieutis Salon, (15-19 February) in Agadir.

The fisheries sector occupies an important place in the economy of Morocco. With catches of over 1 million tonnes, it accounts for between 2 and 3% of GDP, and generates close to 700 000 direct and indirect jobs. Moroccan exports of seafood accounted for nearly $ 1.59 billion, contributing 58% of agri-food exports. The sector's turnover has grown at an average annual rate of 5% since 2001.

Fact File: Production is...

• 95% by 1,800 inshore fishing vessels and 14,000 small craft boats;

• 5% by the offshore fleet of 356 vessels;

• 2% by other activities.

The national production resulting from the landings of the inshore and artisanal fisheries is destined for:

• 80% to supply the seafood processing industry with 305 units ashore.

• 20% to the supply of fresh produce to the local market.

The seafood processing and processing industry gives birth to various processed products:

• The canned goods ;

• Semi-preserves;

• Frozen products;

• Fresh fish;

• Flour and fish oil.

This industry accounts for 50% of Morocco's agro-food exports, ie 7% of its total exports in value terms.

SHARE THIS!

"National Sardine Day" ~ Morocco is World's Top Producer

On the occasion of the "National Day of the Sardine", Minister of Agriculture, Aziz Akhannouch, said that Morocco is in a noble position, vis-a-vis the sardine. However, others claim it is a shame that the everyday fish of coastal folks is a luxury elsewhere in the country

"With nearly 57% of national fish production, Morocco is the world leader in the production of sardines" - Aziz Akhannouch:

The marine fisheries sector has recently undergone major advances especially with the upgrade of a large number of seaports, noted Aziz Akhannouch as part of the first edition of "Day of the Sardine".

President of the Moroccan Association for Consumer Protection, Dr Bouazza Kherrati, claims that in some regions of the country, particularly in the south, sardines can cost as much as 40 dirhams a kilo. He goes on to say that events such as the "Festival of the Sardine" should be held not only in coastal towns but in the interior as well.

Morocco currently has seven wholesale markets, 22 fishing ports, 22 halls for grading industrial fish (CAPI) and well-established fishing villages 40 km apart across the entire coast of Morocco. The Minister, Aziz Akhannouch, remarked that these facilities are effective in improving the productivity and competitiveness of the fishermen. The minister also noted that nearly 50 per cent of the domestic production of sardines has a development plan that provides a sustainability structure by introducing biological rest periods, quotas and areas closed to fishing, to ensure durability and conditions for reproduction.

Sardines have always held a special place in the food habits of Moroccans in terms of their nutritional value and price that remains accessible to all segments of society, Aziz Akhannouch noted, adding that the importance of the Sardine Festival is that it helps promote the characteristics and benefits of sardines.

The vice president of the Association of Owners of fishing port of Al Hoceima, Fikri Ould Chaib, agreed with the Minister and added that this first edition of the "Festival of the Sardine" is an opportunity to showcase the product fishing in the region characterized by a variety and quality that is renowned nationally and internationally.

Calling the meeting successful event Fikri Ould Chaib added that civil society is willing to work in coordination with the supervisory department for the development of the province.

 Initiated from August 27 to 31 by the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) in the context of the implementation of the strategy to promote seafood, "Day of the Sardine" is organized simultaneously in five beaches in the Kingdom - Al-Hoceima beach (Quemado) Martil beach, Agadir Beach (Taghazout) Dakhla beach, and Mehdia. This event aims to promote domestic consumption of fresh sardines and its value to the Moroccan public as ` flagship of the national fish production and awareness of the benefits of sardines for health.

As our contribution to "Sardine Day" The View from Fez offers a Moroccan Sardine Recipe - Chermoula Sardines

2 kg fresh sardines, double filleted or "butterflied"
1 cup of  Chermoula (see recipe below)
1/2 cup flour
vegetable oil for frying
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes.

Method

Place the sardine fillets skin-side down and spread the chermoula generously over the fish. Some people also place another sardine on top, skin side up. When sardines are all covered in chermoula set them aside to marinate (in the fridge is the best place.

When you are ready to cook, coat the sardines with a sprinkling of flour and cook in vegetable oil in a pan set on medium to high. Do make sure you have enough oil in the pan to cover the entire surface.

Cook in batches until golden (four to five minutes on each side), and then place on paper towels to absorb excess oil before transferring to a serving plate.

Fried stuffed sardines can be served hot or at room temperature

Chermoula

Chermoula can be used as a great dipping sauce for flatbread, but is traditionally used as a marinade. Superb on fish but fine on any other meat - or even vegetarian tagines.

To make one cup:

1 well washed bunch of fresh coriander.
3 large cloves of garlic, peeled and squashed.
1 teaspoon each of ground cumin, coriander and paprika.
1 small red chilli (remove the seeds!)
1/2 teaspoon of sea salt.
Juice of 1 large lemon
1/4 cup of olive oil.

Blend to a rough textured paste with a food processor or mortar and pestle.

**For a marinade - add 1/2 a tablespoon of tomato paste, 3 extra tablespoons of olive oil, 2 generous pinches of good quality saffron and 1/3 of a cup of water. After coating fish or chicken in the marinade, assemble in tagine and pour remainder over entire dish.

See more Moroccan Recipes in our Cookbooks Section

SHARE THIS!

A Five Year Project Brings Fresher Fish

Derek Workman reports that the US Millennium Challenge Corporation's Small-Scale Fisheries Project is a success and popular with the fishermen.

Wander along the port at Essaouira at around noon on most days and you will see fishing boats unloading their shimmering catches as they’ve done for hundreds of years. Boxes of fish are set up on stalls or simply laid along the quayside, where locals buy their lunch and restaurants stock up for their fancy diners, the price depending on how good you are at haggling or what’s left as the crushed ice they lie on melts.

The life of a small scale fisherman has always been a hard one; up a four a.m. to check if the weather will allow them to put to sea, paying out for petrol and boat rental, even if the nets come home empty, and splitting the proceeds of the sale of his catch with crew members. But the five-year U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation’s Small-Scale Fisheries Project aims to improve the lives of fishermen throughout Morocco, typically some of the country’s poorest residents by modernizing the means of catching, storing and marketing fish, and help fishermen get access to both local and export markets. As much as anything, the project is helping the vendors who trundle through small villages selling the fish they buy on the quayside each day.

On most days, Essaid Sadik would arrive at a port shortly after the first fishing boats docked. He would buy what he could and then drive to nearby villages and start selling – usually sardines and other small fish. As temperatures rose during the day, the fish sometimes began to spoil, occasionally making him and his customers sick.

Now Sadik is one of about 600 mobile fish vendors to receive a new heavy-duty, three-wheeled motorcycle and training through the project. His motorbike is equipped with an insulated ice chest to help preserve the quality of the fish and its value, and can keep fish fresh for up to 48 hours. He has received training which covered marketing, proper hygiene, product handling, quality preservation, small business management, access to financial services, and formation of associations and cooperatives.

Sadik is proud of the uniform his cooperative provides, white coats, matching hats and Wellington boots. “It’s not just nice – it’s really, really nice,” said Sadik, a father of two. “We have a newfound dignity because of the project.”

Regular View from Fez reporter Derek Workman is an English journalist living in Valencia City, Spain but is a regular traveller around Morocco. To read more about life in Spain visit Spain Uncovered. Articles and books can also be found at Digital Paparazzi.

This post was originally seen on Villa Dinari

SHARE THIS!

Controversial Fishing and Farming Pact Signed

Morocco has cause to celebrate the signing in Strasbourg on Thursday of the controversial fishing and farming accord with the European Union. The issue has been divisive, with strong opposition from European farmers as well as some environmental groups. Critics say it will hurt small family farms in France, Spain and Morocco and swing the economic advantages towards the large European food conglomerates

the European Parliament will revisit the vetoed fishing agreement

The European Parliament approved the new fishing and farming accord with Morocco by 369 to 225 votes. It is intended that the new agreement will reduce customs costs and boost trade across the Mediterranean.

Supporters of the accord maintain that it will allow European access to a key market and show European support for Morocco as it undertakes democratic reforms prompted by the Arab Spring uprisings.

The win for Morocco comes in the wake of their embarrassing defeat on the proposed extension of the European Union-Morocco “agreement on fishing”. The resolution to scrap the EU-Morocco fisheries deal was approved on the 14th December, 2011 with 326 votes for, 296 votes against and 58 abstentions.

The fishing fleet in Agadir

However, despite last year's setback, two days ago all the countries of the European Union formally approved to authorize the Commissioner for Fisheries, Maria Damanaki, to resume contacts with Morocco and to sign a new fishing agreement, to replace that vetoed by the European Parliament last year after sustained social media pressure from supporters of the Algerian backed Polisario rebels.

The decision of the 27 member states does not expressly mention the Sahara or Polisario, references to which the governments of Spain and France opposed. The parliament's approval is now needed for it to be valid.

 According to European sources consulted by Europa Press Agency, the measure provides a "geographical description" of the regions covered by the agreement.and that should benefit from the advantages it offers. Specifically, the text mentions 'south 27° 40'N' The Polisario have been attempting to claim that Morocco is exploiting its resources and claims to be excluded from any agreement with Morocco.

On this occasion, Sweden, Finland, United Kingdom and the Netherlands voted against the document because they argued that there is no express reference to the Sahara region. In light on the online activism by Polisario supporters, it is a timely reminder for Morocco that the inability of the Moroccan representatives to understand the importance and impacts of blogs, online activism, and “the internet diplomacy” can have very negative consequences.

SHARE THIS!

Postcard from Essaouira: Teredo 'worm' threatens boats

The livelihood of the fishermen in Essaouira is being threatened by a mollusc that is eating away at their boats.

The teredo or 'shipworm' is a type of saltwater bivalve mollusc known to bore into and eventually destroy wooden structures immersed in sea water. More and more of the blue fishing boats in Essaouira are being put into dry dock, taken apart, repaired and being put back together. The problem has increased over the last four months. There have always been attacks of the teredo, but it's getting worse - probably because of global warming producing warmer waters.

the teredo mollusc

When shipworms bore into submerged wood, bacteria in a special organ called the gland of Deshayes allow them to digest cellulose. The excavated burrow is usually lined with a calcareous tube. Shipworms have slender worm-like forms, but nonetheless possess the characteristic structures of bivalves. The valves of the shell of shipworms are small separate parts located at the anterior end of the worm, used for excavating the burrow.

damage caused by the teredo

They're pretty hardy, too. Mooring boats in fresh water or putting them in dry dock for weeks at a time doesn't always get rid of the borers. Since ancient times, fishermen have been daubing the hulls of their boats with tar or special paint to prevent an attack. However, this is an expensive process and the fishermen in Essaouira simply can't afford it.

The artisanal fishing fleet is very important in Morocco. There are over 20 000 wooden boats along the coast and most of them are built in Essaouira. They are usually 5,40m long with a width of 2m and a draught of 0,45m. They can face the heavy seas of the Atlantic and have exceptional sailing qualities.

Boats made of modern materials such as glass fibre and polyester resin to the same design are also manufactured in Morocco, for export mostly to France. As they're much lighter than the original wooden boats, 100kg of ballast has to be added to the keel to give them the same stability and unsinkability. These boats, of course, would not be subject to attacks by the teredo. But again, Essaouira's fisherman can't afford modern versions of their ancient craft.

Essaouira photos: Kirsty McArdle

See all The View from Fez POSTCARDS HERE.

Morocco bans driftnets

Great news in the battle against illegal fishing: Morocco has passed an amendment banning the use, possession, manufacture or sale of driftnets.

Known as “curtains of death,” driftnets are a type of illegal fishing gear that can be nearly 100 feet high and 12 miles long. Because they are so passive and indiscriminate, driftnets snag whatever’s in their path, including many marine mammals and other endangered species.

The UN passed an international moratorium on driftnets 15 years ago, and the EU instituted a ban seven years ago, but many French, Italian and Moroccan vessels have continued using them.

The penalty for breaking Morocco’s new law ranges from three months to one year in prison and fines between approximately $550 and $110,000.

Climate Change Hits Moroccan Fishermen

Rising temperatures and more frequent heat waves in the Mediterranean are contributing to an undermining of fishing activities and the quality of fish caught. Mohammed Tafraouti reports for Middle East Online.

Traditional fishing has become today a pressing issue as a sector which, if properly developed, could increase job opportunities and alleviate unemployment, particularly in coastal areas.

Workers in the sector endure vulnerable social and economic conditions owed to loss of income and the dwindling of resources, with the harshness of nature and the impacts of climate changes only exacerbating the situation.

These challenges are faced by many fishing villages on the Moroccan coasts, including the one of Saidia, one of the country’s major summer resorts and a popular destination for tourists located in the North eastern Mediterranean coast of the country. Yet, the local population continues to rely on traditional fishing and local crops. The region of Saidia-Ras El Maa houses 42600 inhabitants of whom 76% live in rural areas while city dwellers do not exceed 24%. The Saidia fishermen use small 5 to 6 meters-long boats and operate along the coast between the estuary of the Moulouya River and the city of Saidia.

Fishermen from Saidia

The ACCMA project, implemented in the framework of Climate Change Adaptation in Africa (CCAA), funded jointly by IDRC (Canada) and DFID (United Kingdom), operates in this region in an attempt to improve the potentialities of adaptation of the traditional fishing activity in coastal zones. The pursuit of such goals has become a must in order to develop the Saidia fishing site and enable fishermen to adapt to climate changes such as temperature rising and extreme weather events. The project also seeks to improve fishermen’s living and working conditions and preserve natural resources and the local marine ecosystem in its general aspect in order to develop the traditional fishing sector, facilitate adaptation and better fishing practices against the undeniable impacts of climate change on the eastern Mediterranean coast.

Climate Change and Environment Degradation

Climate change affects fishermen activities by limiting fishing days and influencing the quantity and quality of fish harvested. Other factors of impact include the tourism development in the region and which generates solid and liquid waste polluting the coast and the unfair fishing practices of larger ships.

The Mediterranean coast suffers from the rise of temperatures and a stronger recurrence of heat waves which drive fish away from warmer waters and result in turn in an intensification of the fishing activity and an expansion of the fishing perimeter following the change of seasons. These and different other factors have also affected the species of fish caught and their suitability for consumption, influencing catch volumes and the profitability for fishermen. Furthermore, the frequency and severity of increasingly unpredictable storms have seriously reduced the number of fishing days.

Dr. Abdellatif Khattabi, Coordinator of the ACCMA project and professor at the National School for Forest Engineers, pointed out that the region will experience the effects of climate change. In-depth analysis carried out in the region by the ACCMA project forecasts a clear upward trend of average annual temperature degrees, and a worsening of harsh weather conditions such as droughts and flood and more frequent and longer spells of cold and heat waves. Dr Kattabi explains that according to this study, the region records an annual increase in temperature ranging between 0.6 and 1.1 degrees, a 4% decrease in rainfall volumes, and a 10 to 14% drop in water resources. This might be coupled with the rise of sea level, higher probability of recurrent storms and a disruption of wave patterns.

Faced by such a bleak and embarrassing environmental situation and after an in-depth data processing, the ACCMA project recommended the improvement of fishermen’s living and fishing conditions and building the capacities of local communities to adapt to the negative impacts of climate change.