The Russian Federal Agency for Fisheries (Rosrybolovstvo) has announced the allocation of a 10,000-ton fishing quota for its fleet in the Atlantic waters off Morocco, allowing Russian companies to harvest surface fish, including sardines.
This decision is part of the fisheries cooperation agreement between Morocco and Russia, signed on September 14, 2020, in Rabat and October 14, 2020, in Moscow.
The agreement, which spans four years, is the eighth of its kind since 1992. It grants a fleet of ten Russian vessels permission to fish for small surface species in Moroccan waters beyond 15 nautical miles from the coast.
The agreement also emphasizes scientific and technical collaboration between the National Institute for Fisheries Research (INRH) in Morocco and its Russian counterpart. It includes opportunities for Moroccan students to train in specialized Russian institutions focused on fisheries.
Moreover, the agreement requires Russian vessels to employ at least 16 Moroccan sailors per ship. These vessels are subject to a strict monitoring system, including technical inspections at Moroccan ports, continuous satellite tracking, and the presence of a Moroccan scientific observer onboard.
This agreement highlights the ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between Morocco and Russia in the fisheries sector while reaffirming both countries’ commitment to preserving marine resources and advancing scientific and technical cooperation.
