Morocco halts sardine exports from February 1 to protect local supply
Morocco will ban all frozen sardine exports starting February 1, 2026, to protect domestic supply and contain prices. The announcement came from Fisheries Minister Zakia Driouich on Wednesday, who told parliament the decision addresses a sharp drop in catches that threatens local food security.
Sardines are a staple for Moroccan households and the country is the world's top exporter of the fish, thanks to its long Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines. The ban specifically targets pelagic species like sardines, which account for about 80 per cent of Morocco's coastal fish resources compared to just 20 per cent for white fish.
The move follows urgent calls from the national canned-sardine industry (UNICOP) in June for action against illegal fishing amid falling catches. Official data shows Morocco's sardine landings plummeted 46 per cent in 2024 to 525,000 metric tons—a crisis point that forced government intervention.
The minister did not specify how long the export ban will last, only that it takes effect February 1. This gives Nigerian importers and West African seafood distributors about three weeks to secure alternative sardine sources or absorb potential price shocks in regional markets.