Its maritime resources, combined with technical, administrative and service improvements, have strengthened its role in the local economy in recent years.
Dida Bougantar, regional delegate of the National Fisheries Office (ONP) in Boujdour, told Le360 that the port plays a key role in Morocco’s pelagic fish production. It ranks fifth nationally in sardine production.
During the first nine months of 2026, the port marketed more than 30,000 tonnes of fish, generating turnover of over MAD 150 million. This activity is supported by a fleet of around 30 coastal fishing vessels specializing in sardines.
Traditional fishing also contributes significantly to the port’s activity. Bougantar said around 2,000 small fishing boats operate in the sector nationally, including more than 748 based at Boujdour’s port. Landings recorded in the province this year have exceeded 42,000 tonnes.
He attributed this performance to the equipment and infrastructure developed at the new port in 2013 and 2014. The upgrades improved working conditions for fishing professionals across the port’s facilities, including fish marketing units.
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Modern infrastructure improves working conditions
During a Le360 visit to the port and its facilities, Abdellah Ada, head of the Boujdour Maritime Workforce Integration Cooperative, said the fishing sector had undergone significant development thanks to government policies, particularly measures to structure and regulate the industry through legislation governing its activities.
These measures have helped increase the value of marine products and strengthen the sector’s contribution to the local economy, he said.
Mohamed Himad, a Boujdour native and former member of the city’s advisory committee for fish market management, pointed to major improvements in port infrastructure, including modern equipment and facilities supporting maritime activities.
The changes have improved working conditions for fishers and other industry professionals, he said. Industrial units and advanced equipment have also helped modernize operations, while digital tools have improved transparency at the wholesale fish market.
Screens displaying transactions allow traders to monitor sales using their smartphones, making it easier to follow commercial operations and access information.
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A major source of local employment
The volume of fish landed and the turnover generated by commercial activity at Boujdour’s port highlight the fishing sector’s importance to the province’s economic and social development.
Located on the Atlantic coast of Morocco’s Sahara, Boujdour relies heavily on its maritime economy. Fishing and related trades and services provide jobs for residents and workers from outside the province throughout the year, although activity varies with the fishing seasons.
