Fish landings at the port of Safi have seen a sharp decline, falling 22% through the end of April, according to data from the National Fisheries Office (ONP).
- Safi Port Decline: Landings decreased by 22% as of late April.
- Regional Impact: Dakhla is also reporting a drastic drop in fish landings.
- Sector Outlook: Trends for coastal and artisanal fishing remain mixed.
- Economic Pivot: Industry observers are questioning if artisanal transformation is the key to survival.
Pressure on Safi’s Maritime Economy
The 22% drop in landings at the port of Safi represents a significant contraction in local seafood supply and revenue. According to reports from the National Fisheries Office (ONP), this downturn was evident by the end of April, signaling a difficult start to the period for the region’s fishing operations.
Broader Sector Volatility
The struggles in Safi are not isolated. Local media reports indicate a “drastic drop” in fish landings in Dakhla, suggesting a wider regional trend of volatility in the fishing industry. When viewed on a larger scale, trends for coastal and artisanal fishing have been described as mixed through the end of April, with some areas struggling more acutely than others.
The Survival Strategy: Artisanal Transformation
As landings decline, the economic focus has shifted toward the viability of the industry’s business model. There is an ongoing debate regarding whether artisanal transformation—the process of adding value to raw catches through local processing—can serve as a necessary solution for survival.
By moving from the mere extraction of fish to the transformation of products, the sector may be able to offset the loss in volume with higher-value exports and local goods, potentially stabilizing the income of artisanal fishers facing dwindling catches.
