• Morocco will ban frozen sardine exports starting Feb. 1 to protect domestic supply and prices.
• Sardine landings fell 46% between 2022 and 2024 due to stock depletion and overfishing.
• Morocco remains the world’s largest producer and exporter of canned sardines.

Morocco will ban exports of frozen sardines starting Feb. 1, Secretary of State for Maritime Fisheries Zakia Driouich said on Monday, Jan. 5. She did not specify the duration of the measure. She said the government aims to improve domestic market supply and limit price increases for local consumers, particularly during Ramadan, when demand for sardines typically rises.

In the North African kingdom, sardine landings fell 46% between 2022 and 2024, declining to 525,000 metric tons from 965,000 tons, according to data from the National Fisheries Office (ONP). This decline intensified competition for the resource and triggered several price spikes in multiple regions during 2025.

According to several observers, the announced ban highlights the delicate balance authorities must manage between meeting domestic demand and supporting an export-oriented segment of the industry. Morocco remains the world’s leading producer and exporter of canned sardines, shipping nearly 15,000 tons to markets in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Against the backdrop of declining fish stocks, the National Union of Fish Canning Industries (UNICOP) in June 2025 called for stricter port controls and stronger action against illegal fishing. The group also urged authorities to ban the capture of juvenile fish and enforce biological rest periods to ensure stock sustainability.

This article was initially published in Frenhc by Espoir Olodo

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum