• 183 aquaculture farms entered operation between January and June 2025

• Projects mobilized nearly 1.3 billion dirhams, led by shellfish farming

• Total installed capacity now stands at more than 75,500 tons per year

Morocco’s aquaculture industry attracted close to 1.3 billion dirhams ($142.6 million) in investment in the first half of 2025, driven by the start-up of 183 aquaculture farms, according to the National Agency for the Development of Aquaculture (ANDA). In its latest information bulletin published on December 18, the regulator said that 78% of the farms launched are focused on shellfish farming, including oysters and mussels, while 18% are dedicated to algal farming.

“These projects have already generated more than 2,250 direct jobs, helping create sustainable economic opportunities in coastal areas,” ANDA said. The regulator estimates that a total of 184 aquaculture projects are now operational nationwide, with a theoretical production capacity of 75,507 tons per year.

Fish farming lags behind investment

During the first half of 2025, fish farming remained the least attractive aquaculture segment in terms of investment. While the specific reasons for this limited interest were not detailed, several structural challenges are well known. In Morocco, fish farming faces constraints that reduce its appeal, including gaps in basic infrastructure. In a report published in September 2025, the World Bank pointed in particular to the lack of hatcheries for fingerling production and fish feed manufacturing units. Feed alone can account for up to 80% of operating costs.

The World Bank said that producing hundreds of thousands of tons of fish protein would require a sharp increase in aquaculture feed production, along with an updated regulatory framework that allows the use of a broader range of protein sources to lower costs. It noted that current feed regulations remain unclear on the inclusion of proven and sustainable alternatives such as processed animal proteins and insect meal, including black soldier fly.

New projects in the pipeline

Following the 26th session of its Board of Directors, held on December 17, ANDA said that 62 additional projects are currently under development, with total investment estimated at 307 million dirhams. Once operational, these projects are expected to add around 14,590 tons of production capacity.

While details on these new projects have not been disclosed, ANDA said it plans to support 35 projects under its 2026 action plan. “This plan will focus in particular on continuing aquaculture planning, including the launch of calls for expressions of interest to open new areas to investment, strengthening capacity and professionalizing operators through the modernization of farming systems, enhanced technical and managerial skills, and improvements in the quality, traceability, and competitiveness of aquaculture products,” the regulator said.

With the upcoming start-up of new farms and the full operation of existing ones, Morocco’s aquaculture sector could make better use of its potential. Official data show the country has the capacity to produce 300,000 tons of aquaculture products per year, but the latest ANDA estimates indicate that output reached only 3,644 tons in 2024.

Stéphanas Assocle