Morocco’s fishing industry employs almost half a million people and is a major contributor to the economy. But the often rough waters can be dangerous, sometimes deadly.
In the light of recent fatal accidents, the state is now considering updating its $60 million ‘ibhar project’.
The ibhar programme deals essentially with the security of fishermen. It deals with providing them with ultra-high frequency radios and GPS systems and also with sensors to enhance the performances of trawlers, explained Mohammed El-Amrani of the National Fishing Office.
Fishermen are organising themselves into co-operatives and have begun benefiting from government initiatives, such as modern fish markets and improved infrastructure.
But they are calling on authorities to help introduce a new generation of ships to improve fishing trawlers at the nearly 170 ports.
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