The price of sardinine fish in Morocco has surged to unprecedented levels, making it unaffordable for many Moroccans. According to Abdoulah Akkori, head of the Central Market Sustainable Development Traders Association, the price of sardinine fish now ranges between 20 and 30 dirhams per kilogram. This significant increase is not just a matter of supply and demand fluctuations but is linked to fundamental changes in Morocco's marine fisheries over the past few years.
Morocco was once home to a substantial sardinine fish stock, particularly in coastal areas like El Jadida and Asfi. Asfi was even considered the global capital for this product, hosting the first canning units before independence. The industry expanded, becoming a prominent economic activity in the region and a source of employment for many. However, over the years, the sardinine fish stock has declined considerably, leading to the closure of most canneries and a shift in fishing activities to other areas in the southern part of the country.
The decline in sardinine fish stock has been driven by several factors, including increased global demand, environmental and climatic factors such as global warming, which have exacerbated the decline of fisheries and impacted supply chains. Akkori noted that the effects of this decline have not been limited to the fishing sector and related industries but have also affected the domestic market, which now experiences significant price disparities.
The loss of sardinine fish as an affordable and widely consumed fish has made it difficult for many citizens to purchase it. Akkori emphasized that the reduction in supply is not the only factor behind the price increase, as fuel costs have also risen continuously, and market speculation and certain traders' practices have exacerbated the situation. These factors directly impact consumers' purchasing power.
Akkori argued that the crisis should not be confined to sardinine fish alone, as the factors influencing its price apply, to varying degrees, to other fish species. He criticized the focus of the relevant ministry on the situation of sardinine fish, as if the issue only concerned this type of fish and not other seafood products. Morocco, which was once a sardinine fish exporter, now imports significant quantities to meet domestic market needs.
The importation of sardinine fish has helped mitigate the shortage, and the situation would have been more severe without these imports. Akkori's statements highlight the complexity of the issue, which requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of the decline in fish stocks, increased fuel costs, and market practices.
The current situation has significant implications for low-income households, which can no longer afford sardinine fish. The issue also affects the fishing industry and related sectors, which are vital to the country's economy and employment.
Key points
- The price of sardinine fish in Morocco has increased due to dwindling fish stocks, rising fuel costs, and market speculation.
- The decline in sardinine fish stock is attributed to increased global demand, environmental and climatic factors, and overfishing.
- Morocco has become a sardinine fish importer to meet domestic market needs, highlighting the severity of the shortage.
Reporting sources
- تراجع المخزون السمكي يرفع أسعار السردين · Assabah
