The State Secretariat in charge of Maritime Fisheries said the summer octopus season ended on September 10, with the latest assessments by the National Institute of Fisheries Research (INRH) showing a positive change in the state of the stock.
The improvement follows several years of measures aimed at controlling fishing pressure, regulating exploitation periods and protecting areas needed for the stock to reproduce.
The increase in biomass also allowed authorities to adjust fishing opportunities for the 2026 season based on scientific assessments. The quota allocated to the southern Boujdour area was increased by 21% compared with the summer 2025 season.
Fishing activity also increased
Figures through September 3 showed higher production across several segments of the octopus fishery.
Traditional fishing in Dakhla (SU2) recorded an 11% increase in production compared with 2025, while 90% of its allocated quota had been used.
Read also : Sardine deaths in South Africa? Fisheries officials say Morocco has a different species
Traditional fishing in Boujdour (SU1) recorded a 5% increase in production, with 83% of its quota used.
Coastal fishing south of Sidi Ghazi recorded a 24% increase in production and used 72% of its allocated quota.
The high-seas fleet had used 57% of its quota during the first nine weeks of the season.
The State Secretariat said the figures reflected a positive trend across the different segments of the octopus fishery while maintaining controlled exploitation levels.
Authorities tighten protection measures
The authorities also introduced additional restrictions during the season to protect the stock.
Fishing south of latitude 22°42′ N was banned from August 19 under decision PLP-08/26.
Bottom trawling was also prohibited within 18 nautical miles between Sidi Ghazi, at 26°24′ N, and latitude 22°42′ N, from August 28 through September 10.
The State Secretariat said such measures are adjusted according to changes in the stock and the latest scientific data provided by INRH.
Read also : UN maritime agency warns global shipping faces mounting security threats
The increase in biomass is being presented as an encouraging sign for the sustainability of the fishery, which supports fishing activity, investment and jobs along the sector’s value chain.
The authorities said they would continue to rely on scientific assessments to adjust fishing management and protect the stock’s ability to regenerate.
