The Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union (EU) and Morocco, established over 30 years ago, reflects a strong partnership aimed at enhancing fisheries governance and promoting economic development in Morocco’s maritime sector. Initiated with its first agreement in 1988 and renewed most recently on July 18, 2019, this partnership enables fishing opportunities for EU vessels while ensuring sustainable management of marine resources. It supports various projects that contribute to the sustainable growth of Morocco’s fishing industry.
Both Morocco and the EU are dedicated to protecting marine biodiversity as part of their mutual goal. Their collaborative efforts align with the United Nations’ Agenda 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals. One notable initiative is Morocco’s participation in the AFRIMED project, funded by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, which aims to restore degraded marine ecosystems, particularly macroalgal forests. Furthermore, the WestMed Initiative fosters cooperation in the western Mediterranean region, with a focus on biodiversity preservation and sustainable blue economy practices, which Morocco co-led from 2019 to 2020.
Pollution, particularly plastic waste, is a significant concern, with the Mediterranean being one of the most polluted seas globally. To combat this, the two entities have prioritized pollution control under the WestMed Initiative. Morocco has engaged in projects such as WestMoPoCo to enhance preparedness for chemical spills. The EU and Morocco signed the recent Ministerial Declaration on Sustainable Blue Economy, which outlines actions to mitigate marine pollution, including reducing plastic waste and improving waste management practices in fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
In renewable marine energy, the EU aims to significantly expand offshore renewable energy capacity. Morocco is viewed as a key partner due to its vast offshore potential in both the Mediterranean and Atlantic regions. The collaboration between the EU and Morocco was formalized through an administrative arrangement signed in December 2020, which encourages joint marine research and innovation. This arrangement is part of broader commitments like the Atlantic Ocean Research Alliance aiming to facilitate cooperation in ocean observation, biodiversity, and marine pollution management.
The partnership reflects a commitment to addressing the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss, contributing to the shared goals of economic growth and environmental sustainability. Recent engagements show promising outcomes, such as Moroccan scientists participating in vital research initiatives, underscoring the collaborative spirit that defines the EU-Morocco relationship in protecting marine resources and advancing sustainable practices.
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