Fisheries: Sustainability, a shared goal for Morocco, EU (Joint Statement)

Morocco and the European Union (EU) have announced, on Thursday in Brussels, that they will continue scientific cooperation with the “common objective of ensuring the sustainability” of fisheries resources in the region.

“Morocco and the EU have taken note of the recommendations contained in the report of the Joint Scientific Committee, which met last June. In this context, they will continue their scientific cooperation with the common objective of ensuring the sustainability of fisheries resources in the region,” reads a joint statement issued at the end of the 5th meeting of the Joint Commission responsible for monitoring the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between Morocco and the EU.

This meeting provided opportunity for an overall assessment of the implementation of the four-year Fisheries Protocol of July 18, 2019, which expires on July 17, in accordance with its Article 16, the statement said.

Morocco and the EU expressed satisfaction at their exemplary cooperation, which has permitted, under all circumstances, the operation of artisanal and industrial vessels, the transparent and rigorous management of the Protocol and the continuous scientific monitoring of the state of fishery resources.

The parties welcomed the satisfactory implementation of the various dimensions of the Fisheries Agreement and its Protocol, in particular the excellent state of progress of the projects for the development of the Moroccan fisheries sector, the joint statement said, noting that these projects could continue beyond the expiry of the Protocol, as provided for in the agreement.

On Wednesday, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, said at a news conference that the government is incorporating scientific data into its thinking and assessment of the Fisheries Agreement, with the aim of preserving this important natural resource for Morocco and Moroccans, and ensuring its sustainability.