Aquaculture business opportunities
in Morocco for Dutch entrepreneurs
Commissioned by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency

Aquaculture business opportunities in Morocco for Dutch entrepreneurs | III

Aquaculture business opportunities
in Morocco for Dutch entrepreneurs
Author: Magnus van der Meer, PhD

2 | Aquaculture business opportunities in Morocco for Dutch entrepreneurs

Contents
Executive Summary 

4

Introduction6
a. Context
6
b. Objective
6
c. Guide for the reader
6
Moroccan business climate in brief
a. Economic developments 
b. Moroccan government
c.	Trade and foreign investment regulations
d. Access to finance

7
7
8
9
10

Main trends and developments in the aquaculture sector 
a.	Importance of the subsector to the economy
b. (Sub)sector in international context 
c. Value chain structure 
d. Production
e. Trade and logistics
f. Internal market
g. Export
h. Challenges in the value chain
i.	Aspects of Corporate Social Responsibility in the sector
j. Geographics

11
11
13
13
13
14
14
15
15
15
15

Institutional context
a. Sector policies and regulations 
I. Main policies and regulations
II. Challenges with regulations and policies 
b. Public sector partners 
I. Research and Education
II. Ministry of Agriculture
III. Development partners 
c. Private sector partners

17
17
17
18
18
18
18
18
19

Safety and security
a. Social and economic safety 
b. Fish hygiene considerations
c. Insurances

20
20
20
20

Business opportunities
a.	SWOT analysis of Moroccan aquaculture
b. Business opportunities
c. Suitability of Rif area for aquaculture

21
21
22
24

Annexes25
Annex 1	Travel programme Aquaculture mission in Morocco from 7-11-2017 to 14-11-2017
25
Annex 2	Moroccan aquaculture companies potentially interested in Dutch investment or support
26
Annex 3	Netherlands aquaculture companies potentially interested in business in Morocco
28

Aquaculture business opportunities in Morocco for Dutch entrepreneurs | 3

1. Executive Summary
Moroccan marine aquaculture has shown a fast growth in the 90’s
when production increased from around 500 tons in 1991 to around
1300 tons in 1995. The Marost company in Nador was responsible for
almost all of this growth. After 1995 production levels fell gradually
to 700 tons in 2001, after which they started to increase again. When
the Marost company went broke the marine aquaculture production
in Morocco1 went down from 1440 tons in 2005 to 291 tons in
2006 and never recovered to the previous production levels. Latest
estimates of the production levels of marine aquaculture are less
than 500 tons/year in 2014 – 2017 with oysters and seabass being the
sole two products responsible for the entire production.
In 2009 the Moroccan government launched Plan Halieutis with the
objective to achieve a marine aquaculture production of 200,000
tons/year in 2020. A special agency called ANDA tries to realize these
plans through facilitating companies in obtaining production rights
in pre-defined places along the Atlantic coast and the 500 km of
Mediterranean coast. ANDA also stimulates marine aquaculture
development through supporting pilot projects (seaweed and
mussel farming in the Mediterranean), through providing a legal
framework (Moroccan code of marine aquaculture) and by an
Investment convention providing tax advantages and simplifying
administrative procedures.
Continental aquaculture production levels are not very well
recorded, but according to FAO, the production level has increased
from 2,500 tons in 2005 to around 15,000 tons in 2015. Most
of the production of continental aquaculture comes from carp
production in reservoirs (dams), lakes and rivers. Restocking
levels in these waters were raised from 2 million fingerlings in
2005 to 11 to 14 million pieces per year in 2015 – 2017. Actual fish
production levels in reservoirs, lakes and rivers is estimated in
13,000 tons/year. In fact, this fish is caught by fishermen and more
correctly could be marked “aquaculture-based fishery” instead of
aquaculture. The remaining production of continental aquaculture
is constituted by eel (actual production level estimated in 350 ­tons/
year), tilapia (around 200 tons/year), trout (100 tons/year) and an
unknown production by reservoir fishery of carp and other species.
The Haut-Commissariat aux Eaux et Forêts et à la Lutte contre la
Desertificacion (HCEFLCD) states in its strategic plan 2015-2024
that they want to focus on production in rural areas and increase
production from the actual level of 15,000 to 50,000 tons/year in
2024.

1

The Western Sahara is listed as a non-self-governing territory under Article 73 e
of the Charter of the United Nations. Any reference in this report to (the cities
in) the Western Sahara should be read in this context. For more information:
https://www.rvo.nl/onderwerpen/internationaal-ondernemen/landenoverzicht/marokko/westelijke-sahara

4 | Aquaculture business opportunities in Morocco for Dutch entrepreneurs

National agencies implementing governmental policies to increase
Moroccan aquaculture production make clear statements about
their objectives. However, as far as could be determined during this
study, they do little reflect on strengths and weaknesses of the actual
sector and they don’t elaborate much on the causes of aquaculture
failures in the past.
While in fact most of Moroccan aquaculture production is realised
in fresh water, by some people production of carp, trout, tilapia
(and eel to a lesser extent) is not even considered to be aquaculture.
In marine aquaculture it seems that not always culture of algae
is included in the production figures (at least in 2016 and 2017
there has been some tens of tons of seaweed production at
Marchica near Nador). In fresh water (continental) aquaculture
it seems disputable that all the carp apparently produced in the
wild (13,000 tons per year) are attributed to aquaculture (it might
well be that this is fishery supported by a restocking programme).
At present it seems that in 2017 continental fresh water aquaculture
is both in volume and value bigger than marine aquaculture.
Production volume in fresh water (trout, eel, tilapia) is around
700 tons/year plus potentially 13,000 tons of carp. Production
volume in marine aquaculture (seabass and oyster) is less than
500 tons. The impression is that Moroccan aquaculture are not
always correctly reporting production levels, but are also generally
underreporting. Nevertheless, both in continental and marine
aquaculture there is little evidence that production levels in recent
years are increasing at such levels that the production goals (50,000
tons/year for continental aquaculture and 200,000 tons/year for
marine aquaculture) may be reached anywhere in the near future.
Endowed with a favourable sub-tropical climate and a long coastline
and 120,000 ha underexploited large fresh water resources, it seems
obvious that Morocco has considerable potential to increase
aquaculture production levels in both the marine water and fresh
water. Also demand of consumers for fish in Morocco is likely to
increase due the growing number of inhabitants (36 million in
2017, 39 million forecast for 2025) and also because per capita fish
consumption is envisaged to increase from the present 11 kg/year to
16 kg/y in 2020.
In view of the modest production figures it cannot be denied
that Moroccan aquaculture sector is still in its embryonic phase.
Notwithstanding this, farming of trout, eel, tilapia, oysters and
seabass have some history in the country, production methods
have become well-established and adjusted to local circumstances
and some qualified personnel is available. At this moment the
development of these sectors is inhibited by either shortage of
water (trout), biological limitations (eel, oysters) or by marketing
bottlenecks (tilapia, seabass). As soon as (market) possibilities will
be found, these industries could be upscaled and play an important
role in meeting part of the ambitious goals of the Halieutis strategy.
Also seaweed farming might be a sector with potential as it could
benefit from easy to implement production methods and make use
of the relatively cheap labour. Also farming clams (palourdes) might

be ready for upscaling production (but little info available when
writing this report).
The remaining aquaculture businesses seem that novel in Morocco
that upscaling may still require considerable investment in time and
money. The mussel industry is surely promising, but production
is still experimental, present production levels are close to zero
and upgrading experimental farming in industrial production of
mussels on longlines in open waters will take several years. Microalgae production in Morocco might be promising, but it is still in
very first phase of its development.
Development of continental fresh water aquaculture will be
based on developing aquaculture in rural populations based on
production of carp (by aquaculture-based fisheries) and tilapia (cage
farming in reservoirs in fishermen communities).

lakes. Here the combination of small-scale production units and
organization of the production in cooperatives seem not very
appropriate for involvement of Netherlands investors. However,
it may offer opportunities to support rural development strategies,
supply some of the required inputs (cages, fish feed) and provide
training for officers required to design and implement the Halieutis
strategy in the continental waters.
In both marine (sea bass and other species) and continental
(trout, tilapia, carp) supplying fish feed could improve Moroccan
aquaculture production. Aquaculture economics do highly depend
on fish feed as feed costs are in general in the range of 40 to 70% of
the overall production costs.
A list with potential aquaculture business partners in Morocco and
the Netherlands is provided in the annexes.

Finding the right matches between (a) Moroccan industries wishing
to develop and increase production levels on one side and (b)
capable Netherlands companies wishing to participate in this
development might be facilitated by:
• Taking present ANDA work as a starting point for marine
aquaculture development as it lines out very well available sites
and production potential of the different aquaculture businesses
• The high ambitions of the Halieutis strategy are difficult to justify
in view of the present low aquaculture production figures and
trends. Credibility of the Halieutis strategy could be improved
by (1) further analysis to make present data complete and
more reliable and (2) pointing out clearly all initiatives for new
aquaculture production and close monitoring their progress.
• Make existing legal and fiscal requirements for investment and
operation of Netherlands companies in Morocco as clear as
possible (e.g. clarify contents of “Moroccan marine aquaculture
code” and the “Investment convention”).
• Make economic potential of the businesses more explicit, e.g.
through a kind of “bankable” business plan as investors will be
triggered first on economy of the business (and only after that get
interested in production potential).
This study aims at matching requirements of Moroccan partners
with potential interest of Netherlands companies and institutes to
support aquaculture development in Morocco. Obviously, the marine
aquaculture potential in Morocco and the experience in marine
aquaculture in the Netherlands could result in mutually beneficial
cooperation in several promising projects. Such projects need still
to be worked out in detail, but farming mussel, oyster, clams and
seaweed seem promising areas for considerably upscaling production
(although maybe not always on the short, but medium term).
In fresh water (continental) aquaculture commercial activities are
limited to trout, tilapia and eel. Trout farming development is
limited by water availability, tilapia by limitations of the market
to absorb the produce and eel production is limited by the
unavailability of enough glass eels. The bulk of the fresh water
aquaculture production is carp production in reservoirs and
Aquaculture business opportunities in Morocco for Dutch entrepreneurs | 5

2. Introduction
a. Context
This report is the result of a study on the aquaculture development
potential in Morocco and the opportunities they may create for
Dutch entrepreneurs. The study was commissioned by RVO The
Hague, the Netherlands and the Dutch embassy in Rabat, Morocco.
The study was carried out in November 2017 by Magnus van der Meer
and Ahmed Yahyaoui. The study included a desk study on Morocco
aquaculture sector, a field visit to Morocco from November 6 – 15,
a desk study and interviews on Dutch aquaculture sector and its
members potentially interested in playing a role in aquaculture
development in Morocco.

b. Objective
The objective of this report is to provide entrepreneurs in the
Netherlands and Morocco a brief analysis on potential projects that
could be mutually benefitting for them, while at the same time
contributing to realizing Morocco’s ambitious Halieutis strategy to
increase aquaculture production.

c. Guide for the reader
This report is written to give the reader a brief introduction to
Moroccan aquaculture and potential business opportunities that
could be retrieved from it for Dutch aquaculture companies.
The business proposals are only indicative and, although some
names of companies may be indicated, other companies could well
be equally competent. A list of Moroccan companies and Dutch
companies can be found in Annex 2 and Annex 3, respectively.
These lists are only indicative: other equally competent companies
may well exist, but not be named because this study was far
from exhaustive. Chapter 7 contains a few potential business
opportunities in Moroccan aquaculture for Dutch companies and
institutes.

6 | Aquaculture business opportunities in Morocco for Dutch entrepreneurs

3. Moroccan business climate in
brief
a. Economic developments
Socioeconomics of Morocco
In the context of developments in the Middle East and North Africa
in the past decade, Morocco has remained stable so far. Although
social unrest is sometimes reported (e.g. the unrest in Al Hoceima
in summer 2017), it always is contained to a level not really affecting
the business climate.
Size and state of the Moroccan economy
Morocco is the sixth largest economy in Africa with a GDP of
101 billion US$ (2016), an income of 2,832 USD per inhabitant
(2016). Morocco has about 37 million inhabitants (2017) and the
average life expectancy is 74 years (2015). The unemployment rate
in Morocco is just below 10 percent. The government estimates
that extreme poverty has been eradicated and the poverty rate was
4.8 percent in 2014. However, GIZ states that in Morocco “almost a
quarter of its people, especially in rural areas, live in poverty”.
In the Moroccan economy Services is the largest segment accounting
for 54% to the GDP (Table 1). Other important segments are Industry
and Agriculture accounting for 23 and 13% to the total GDP.
Table 1

Fishing and aquaculture sector
The Moroccan fishery sector is huge with an annual catch of around
600,000 tons of fish for human consumption and 300,000 tons of
fish for fish meal production for the production of animal food,
such as fish feeds. Morocco is one of the world’s largest producers of
sardines and contributes around 3% to the global sardine fisheries
catch. The Moroccan fishery sector employs in total around 126,000
fishermen and around 50,000 people working in the processing,
transport and trade of fish (data of 2006). While most commercial
fisheries can be found in the ports of Agadir and Tan Tan, the largest
part of the fish is caught in the south.
In 2015 the aquaculture production was 470 tons of fish and
shellfish with a value of around 2 million US$, contributing only
0.1% of the total value to the Moroccan fishery sector. In the years
before 2006 aquaculture production was well above 1000 tons/year.
In January 2016 the Ministry of Economy and Finances reported:
“The Moroccan aquaculture sector was characterized these last years
by an important reduction in its production and by a reduction of
the number of aquaculture companies in service”. The closure of the
Marost company in Nador in 2006 was the major cause of this drop
in aquaculture production.
Economic growth rate
General economic development (GDP) Annual Growth Rate was
4.8% in the third quarter of 2017, which is almost the average
growth rate of the last 18 years in which quarterly growth rates have
fluctuated between a minimum of 0.5% and a maximum of 9.3%.

Contribution of economic sectors to Moroccan GDP

Segment

Sector

% of GDP

Services

54
Wholesale and retail
Public administration
Transport
Hotels and restaurants
Others

9
9
4
2
30

Industry

23
Manufacturing
Construction
Electricity and water
Mining

15
5
2
2

Agriculture
Fisheries & aquaculture
Fisheries
Aquaculture

13
2,5
2,5
0,003

Other

8

Total

100

Weather is an important factor affecting Morocco’s economic growth
as agriculture accounts for around 13% of GDP and 35-40% of all
jobs. When after a record harvest in 2015 Morocco was affected by a
severe drought in 2016, agriculture production dropped by around 10
percent. Consequently, the overall GDP growth reduced by 1.1 percent
in 2016. Non-agricultural growth remained around 3 percent.
In recent years the fiscal deficit reduced to 3.9 percent of GDP in
2016 and the public debt stabilized at around 66 percent of GDP.
Exports of Morocco’s new automobile and aeronautic industries
show fast growth. Also tourism and remittances (money transferred
of Moroccans living abroad) are important sources of foreign
currency and contribute together 12.5% tot the GDP. On the other
hand, the value of the export of the mining industry reduced due
to lower prices for phosphate (which represents 18% of Morocco’s
export). The prudent macroeconomic policies have strengthened
Morocco’s foreign exchange reserves to over 6 months of imports of
goods and services at end-2016.
With good rainfalls GDP annual growth was projected to be
3.8 percent in 2017. However, the drought continued to hamper
Morocco in 2017 and this figure is likely not to be achieved. Nonagricultural GDP is projected to rise slightly above its recent trend
due to a raising confidence of both consumers and producers.
However, these positive developments are unlikely to translate
immediately into major improvements in labour market outcomes.
Aquaculture business opportunities in Morocco for Dutch entrepreneurs | 7

b. Moroccan government
I.

Relevant central governmental institutions

The new Moroccan government officially appointed on April 5th,
2017 is to announce a new program to pursue the macro-economic
and constitutional reforms, upgrade social services and promote
job creation. On local governance, the country has engaged in a
broad regionalization agenda that will be further implemented by
the new government to focus on local development constraints and
turn regions into growth drivers.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Fisheries (Ministère de
l’Agriculture, de la Pêche Maritime, du Développement Rural et des
Eaux et Forêts, MAPDRE&F) has laid down its national agriculture
policy in the Green Morocco Plan (Plan Maroc Vert, PMV). Launched
in 2008, the PMV aims at promoting socio-economic development
through agriculture. One of its objectives is to move the agriculture
sector away from cereal crops and invest in irrigation. As a result of
this policy, irrigation systems are common in many rural areas.
The ministry (MAPDRE&F) is responsible for the Moroccan fisheries
sector, including aquaculture. Within the Ministry, the Haut
Commissariat aux Eaux et Forêts et à la Lutte Contre la Desertificacion
(HCEFLCD) oversees and promotes inland fisheries and inland
aquaculture (aquaculture continentale), while l’Agence Nationale
de Developpement de l’Aquaculture (ANDA) has been created in 2011 to
exclusively promote marine aquaculture development.

II. Marine aquaculture plans and institutions
Blue Plan
INRH (Institut National de Recherche Halieutique) is the institute
under the Ministry responsible for marine aquaculture and from its
headquarters in Casablanca INRH support the marine aquaculture
development in line with the contents of the Blue Plan.
The Blue Plan, dedicated to the fishing sector, was launched in
2009 as an ambitious project that reviews the entire structure of the
Moroccan fishing sector. The blue Morocco plan defines the various
actions to be undertaken in order to align with international
standards. This plan aims to improve competitiveness in order
to increase its contribution to the national economy. Thus,
strategic axes have been put in place to achieve these objectives.
Sustainability, performance and competitiveness are the three
key words on which the new sector ‘s vision is based. According
to the designers of the plan, the sustainability aspect lies not only
in guaranteeing the sustainability of the resources, but also in
providing visibility for economic actors likely to invest in the field.
which works on 3 strategic objectives:
• Development of sustainable aquaculture:
-- Microalgae (industrial)
-- Macroalgae (cooperatives)
-- IMTA (Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture)
• Sustainable fisheries
• Data collection.
8 | Aquaculture business opportunities in Morocco for Dutch entrepreneurs

Halieutis strategy to speed up marine aquaculture development
The HALIEUTIS strategy, launched in 2009 as part of the Blue
Morocco plan, aims to value and contribute on the long term to the
abundant Moroccan fishery resource and to triple the GDP of the
sector by 2020 and make it one of the growth factor for the national
economy. This plan considers that aquaculture must be a growth
engine for two important aquaculture activities, which are fish and
shellfish farming.
The “Halieutis Plan” aims to boost the fishing sector turnover
by streamlining fisheries practices, strengthening infrastructure
and expanding local processing industries. Among the plan’s top
priorities is to strengthen aquaculture by increased production
and improved sustainability of both fish and shellfish farming.
The Halieutis Plan refers to marine aquaculture only and foresees
the development of industrial aquaculture which will be facilitated
by ANDA.
ANDA and marine aquaculture development
In the framework of implementing the Halieutis strategy the
Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Fisheries created in February 2011
ANDA. Since then ANDA worked on its mission to develop Moroccan
aquaculture by:
• Promoting and supporting investments in aquaculture through
the establishment of specific action plans
• Proposing regulatory measures in order to encourage the
development and organisation of the aquaculture sector
• Carrying out studies on pilot projects in close cooperation with
public and private partners
• Assisting investors in establishing aquaculture projects, and
• Establishing a communication policy to promote Moroccan
aquaculture development, including participation in and
organisation of special events.
With regard to marine aquaculture specific areas have been
appointed where companies are invited to start pre-specified
aquaculture businesses. Companies can express their interest in a
tender procedure and, if selected, can start to operate in those areas
without any additional permits or conditions (e.g. environmental
impact studies have already been executed).
On Monday April 14, 2014, contracts were signed to allocate specific
parts of the ocean to several companies to start aquaculture
activities. Many of these activities find place in the Rif region,
among them:
99A fish farm near Chefchaouen by Kilic Morocco Seafood
99A fish farm in Driouch province by Aqualho
99A fish farm in Nador province by “Ocean farm”
99A fish hatchery in Nador province by “Ocean farm”
99A fish farm in Chefchaouen province by “Med Hatchery and Fish
Farming”
99A shellfish farm by «Les Moules de la Méditerranée»

At this very moment (November 2017) ANDA has issued several calls
for expressions of interest (AMI: Appel a Manifestation d’Interet).
Soon (mid November 2017) the AMI in the Mediterranean area
(coastal area between Al Hoceima and Tanger) will be completed.
Other calls in several Atlantic Coast Areas will follow in the coming
years. Kilic, a very large Turkish producer of seabass and seabream,
intents to invests many million euros in the Mediterranean fish
farming but has apparently not yet initiated execution of their
plans.

III.	Fresh water (continental) aquaculture plans and
institutions
HCEFLCD and continental aquaculture development
The Halieutis Plan only concerns marine aquaculture. For fresh
water (continental) aquaculture HCEFLCD made a 2015-2024
strategic plan to develop small scale rural aquaculture businesses.
The Centre National d’Hydrobiologie et de pisciculture d’Azrou
(CNHP) is in charge to implement this plan. Three general
objectives are identified in this strategic plan:
• Making fishing and aquaculture as driver of socio-economic
development in rural areas;
• Develop in each region of Morocco a profitable value chain
related to fisheries and aquaculture and beneficial to local
people;
• Making freshwater fish as a primary source of animal protein in
rural areas.
In the framework of implementing the Halieutus strategy HCEFLCD
made a 2015-2024 programme to develop small scale aquaculture
in which special attention will be dedicated to developing tilapia
farming in cages in dams (reservoirs). Demonstration unit for cage
farming of tilapia in reservoir with cooperatives. By 2024 rural
aquaculture is expected to reach a production of 50 000 tons. Cage
aquaculture in reservoirs by members of fishery cooperatives was
started in 2016 as a pilot project to demonstrate the feasibility of
this technique. Current production is about 30 tons and production
expected in 2018 is 200 tons.
A traditional task that will remain important for HCEFLCD is
supporting recreational fishing by stocking rivers and lakes with
trout and black bass. In this framework they recently launched the
“No kill” campaign promoting sport fishing and urging sportfishermen to return larger catches to the river.

c.	Trade and foreign investment
regulations
Export regulations
Regulations with regard to facilitating export of Moroccan marine
products are:
• Negotiations for a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area
(DCFTA) between the EU and Morocco were launched on
1 March 2013. Four negotiating rounds have taken place so
far, the most recent in April 2014. The DCFTA will build on the
existing EU-Morocco Association Agreement which entered into
force in 2000 and created a Free Trade Area between the EU and
Morocco.
• The United States and Morocco signed an FTA on June 15, 2004.
The Agreement entered into force on January 1, 2006. The United
States-Morocco FTA is a comprehensive agreement that supports
the significant economic and political reforms that are underway in
Morocco and provides for improved commercial opportunities for
U.S. exports to Morocco by reducing and eliminating trade barriers.
• With regard to export of fisheries products Morocco has also trade
agreements with Turkey, Jordan, Egypt and Tunisia.
Import regulations relevant for aquaculture development
Some of the companies trying to penetrate the Moroccan
aquaculture market for the first time, found obtaining Hygiene
certificates a difficult hurdle to take when exporting life fish. Fish
feeds companies may be required to adjust their feed formulation
because feeds containing animal by-products (such as blood
meal and feather meal) are not allowed in Morocco. It is generally
understood that Morocco does not want to import feeds made
with (by-)products from porcine origin as one of its ingredients.
However, the prohibition of all protein from land animals in
fish feeds makes Moroccan fish feeds either more expensive or
nutritionally inferior compared to similar fish feeds in other
Mediterranean countries. Especially the more expensive fish
feeds for carnivorous fish species such as seabass and trout make
Morocco’s aquaculture less competitive. In aquaculture fish feeds
generally compose 40 to 60% of the total production costs. Hence,
the costs and fish growth potential (feed conversion) of a fish feed
are of huge importance for the economic performance of any
aquaculture business.

Aquaculture business opportunities in Morocco for Dutch entrepreneurs | 9

d. Access to finance
The second two-year Precautionary and Liquidity Line (PLL)
arrangement from the IMF for Morocco of August 2017 will serve as
an insurance against external risks. The IMF’s is designed to flexibly
meet the liquidity needs of member countries with sound economic
fundamentals but with some limited remaining vulnerabilities.
The PLL provides financing to meet actual or potential balance
of payments needs. The fact that Morocco did qualify for PLL
assures that the country (1) has sound economic fundamentals
and institutional policy frameworks, (2) is currently implementing
– and has a track record of implementing – sound policies,
and (3) remains committed to maintaining sound policies in the
future.
With an exchange rate pegged to a basket of euro and U.S. dollar,
inflation remained below 2 percent. The strong connection of
the Dirham (MAD) to these currencies may make investors more
confident in investing in Morocco. The value of the MAD against
the euro varies since 2012 roughly between 10.7 to 11.2 MAD for one
euro.
Starting a commercial fish farm requires in general considerable
investment to start up, while first income is only generated one
year or more after initiating the business. Foreign investment in
Morocco is facilitated and the only condition a foreign company to
become operational in Morocco is that it will work under Moroccan
law. Especially for large projects (invest an amount of at least
100 Million MAD or create at least 250 stable jobs) financing might
become attractive through special opportunities created by the
Moroccan government to promote specific earmarked economic
activities such as marine aquaculture. In general aquaculture is
considered by the global banking sector as an area of considerable
to high risk, but institutionalised support through ANDA may help
investors find support for financing aquaculture projects. In the
framework of bilateral agreements between Morocco and some
EU countries, companies may finance the acquisition of goods and
services originating from the signatory countries.

10 | Aquaculture business opportunities in Morocco for Dutch entrepreneurs

4. Main trends and developments
in the aquaculture sector
a.	Importance of the subsector to the
economy
Importance of global aquaculture and fisheries
Global aquaculture has shown the last two decades the fastest
growth of all agriculture sectors and shows a continuous growth
of about 2% per year. With fishery catches relatively stable for
decades, in 2014 the point was reached at which more than 50%
of the fish for human consumption was produced by aquaculture.
The value of global fish farming grows faster with 6% per year due
to farming more expensive species. Hence, fish continues to be
one of the most-traded food commodities worldwide. More than
half of fish exports by value originates in developing countries.
As global demand for fish is increasing due to both increasing
world population and an increased fish consumption per capita,
a continued growth of aquaculture production is expected in the
years to come.
The global fisheries harvest of 2017 is estimated to be about 40%
under the maximum harvest level in the 1980’s. In spite of reducing
catch volumes, the value of the global harvest of fisheries continued
to grow in value until 2006 due to higher prices per kilo. However,
since 2006 the annual fisheries catch is decreasing both in volume
and value.
Global total capture production in 2014 was 93.4 million tonnes
(FAO 2016 status report). Total capture production in marine
waters was 81.5 million tonnes in 2014, a slight increase on the
previous two years. In 2012 the global aquaculture production
was 90.4 million tons with an estimated value of 144.4 million US
dollar. Production of aquatic animals from aquaculture in 2014
amounted to 73.8 million tonnes, with an estimated first-sale value
of US$160.2 billion.
The Moroccan Agriculture sector accounts for 13 percent of GDP,
including the 2.5% which is contributed by the aquaculture
(0.003%) and fisheries sector (2.5%); see Table 1. The Moroccan
fishery sector is huge with an annual catch of around 600,000 tons
of fish for human consumption and 300,000 tons of fish for fish
meal production for the production of animal food, such as fish
feeds. The Moroccan fishery sector employs in total around 126,000
fishermen and around 50,000 people working in the processing,
transport and trade of fish (2006).
Aquaculture statistics in Morocco
As continental aquaculture and marine aquaculture are governed
by two different institutions (HCEFLCD and ANDA, respectively)
which both operate independently from the Ministry, aquaculture
statistics tend to be fragmented and incomplete. Also, different
institutions tend to use different definitions of “aquaculture”.
In the next part of this paragraph are presented the best available

estimates for production figures in recent years. In view of the
comments above, this report does not pretend to provide reliable
figures of production for individual points in time, but rather tries
to describe as good as possible trends in production.

To make Moroccan aquaculture statistics more consistent
and easy interpretable it is advisable to use always (and
only) the commonly used FAO definition (1998) of
aquaculture:
„Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic organisms, including fish,
molluscs, crustaceans and aquatic plants. Farming implies some form
of intervention in the rearing process to enhance production, such as
regular stocking, feeding, protection from predators, etc. Farming
also implies individual or corporate ownership of the stock being
cultivated. For statistical purposes, aquatic organisms which are
harvested by an individual or corporate body which has owned them
throughout their rearing period contribute to aquaculture, while
aquatic organisms which are exploitable by the public as a common
property resources, with or without appropriate licences, are the
harvest of fisheries.“
Application of the FAO definition to Moroccan aquaculture
will imply that aquaculture statistics will always refer to
fresh water and marine fish farming (tilapia, eel, carp,
seabass sea bream, meagre, etc.), shellfish farming (oyster,
clams, mussels, etc.), farming crustaceans (shrimp, crayfish,
etc) and aquatic plants (micro and macro seaweeds and
others).
In continental aquaculture fish produced for stocking
purposes (trout species, black bass) seem not to appear in
the production statistics. On the other hand, some of the
production of carp species in the wild (reservoirs, lakes,
rivers) may get excluded from aquaculture because of
“being exploited by the public as a common property
resource” and hence will become part of inland fishery (and
not aquaculture) statistics.

Marine aquaculture in Morocco showed a fast growth in the
period 1990 – 1995 when seabass and seabream farming produced
in the Mediterranean produced up to 1200 tons/year; see Figure 1.
When in the period 2004 to 2009 seabass and seabream production
in the entire Mediterranean region (in countries like Turkey,
Greece, Kroatie, Italy, France, Spain and Tunesia) increased from
150,000 tons to 300,000 tons/year, the average prices reduced
from 7.5 to 6.5 US$/kg. In 2006 the fierce competition forced the
Marost company in Nador to close because it failed to compete with
Mediterranean aquaculture companies abroad. As a consequence,
the Moroccan seabass and seabream production fell immediately
from around 1000 to approximately 30 tons per year and is now
(2017) around 200 tons/year.

Aquaculture business opportunities in Morocco for Dutch entrepreneurs | 11

Oyster production has remained fairly constant since 1990 until now
with production of about 300 tons/year, varying between 200 and
400 tons/year. Since 2006 marine fish farming remained always an
activity of modest volumes with production not exceeding 500 tons
per year; that is less than 0.1% of the national fish production.
The Moroccan marine aquaculture sector consisted in 2015 of 21
companies located in e.g. the lagoon of Oualidia and along the
Mediterranean coast. In 2015 the total aquaculture production was
estimated to be 470 tonnes. This entire production was sold on the
national market and had a value of 20 million dirhams. The marine
aquaculture production was dominated by two species: oysters
(290 tons; 61% of total production) and seabass (180 tons; 39%).
In 2016 some small-scale production of mussels took place in the
Mediterranean, but they were not marketed due to regulations
restrictions (hygienic code not yet established and implemented).
Other non-reported species produced in small quantities were
clams and sea weed.
Fresh water (continental) aquaculture in Morocco started in 1924
with farming trout for stocking in the rivers of the Middle Atlas.
In the 1980’s a programme was developed for reproduction of carp
to stock dams and keep them free from weeds. In 2017 continental
aquaculture may achieve a production of an estimated 700 tons of
trout (200 tons), tilapia (180 ton) and eel (350 ton). FAO reports that
fresh water (continental) aquaculture production of mainly carp
from aquaculture-based fisheries in dams and lakes increased from
2500 tons in 2005 to around 13,000 tons in 2014, see Figure 2.
Figure 1

Figure 2

Carp production from aquaculture-based fisheries

Data 2005 and 2014 from FAO, other data estimates from this study.

Major part of fresh water (continental) aquaculture production in
Morocco comes from carp production in reservoirs, lakes and rivers.
These water bodies are stocked with fingerlings from the hatchery
in Beni-Mellal managed by CNHP (Centre National de Hydrobiologie
et de Pisciculture). The Beni-Mellal hatchery produces in principle
exclusively for restocking purposes to develop commercial and
sport fishing. The hatchery is also used for tilapia reproduction,
but is not equipped to produce substantial numbers of tilapia fry
for commercial aquaculture. Other species reproduced here are the
carnivorous black bass and pike; the claimed annual production of
4 million fry of these two species are all used for restocking.

Morocco’s marine aquaculture production 1990 - 2017

Carp farming is widespread in irrigation systems, but seems to be
executed mainly to maintain irrigation systems clean of plants,
rather than producing carp for consumption. The 11 million
of fingerlings annually distributed for stocking into dams and
irrigation schedules can support a production of several thousands
of tons per year. Hence, this carp stocking programme will
contribute substantially to the claimed annual catch of 13,000 tons
of fish in dams and lakes. As carp is little appreciated by urban
consumers, fished and landed on many different sites (hence very
difficult to collect data) and (apparently) not considered as essential
food for rural population by the government, this production
figure seems unreliable. Nevertheless, all indicates that in Morocco
carp production must be by far the largest aquaculture produce in
volume.
Data: ANDA, data 2014 – 2017 are estimates made during this study.

Some characteristics of the farming in fresh water of other species
than carp (Figure 3):
• Farming of tilapia has been performed in Morocco for over 10
years and is important with a production of around 180 tons/year
in its major farm and another estimated 150 tons/year production
in other farms.
• Eel farming has been established more recently, but achieved an
estimated production level of 250 - 300 tons in 2017.
• Trout farming has been well-established in Azrou area with
several permanent mountain streams offering good possibilities
12 | Aquaculture business opportunities in Morocco for Dutch entrepreneurs

for farming of rainbow trout. Brook trout, a native species, might
become in the future an aquaculture species of considerable
importance for Moroccan trout farming. The present trout
production is most estimated to be a few hundred tons per year.
• Continental aquaculture also contributes to sportfishing activities
in rivers and lakes through stocking trout (in lakes) and black bass
(in dams and lakes). Production levels of black bass and trout for
stocking purposes are most likely not very high and seem not to
be included in continental aquaculture production figures.
In 2005 when Marost company still produced seabass and seabream,
marine aquaculture production was definitely much higher than inland
aquaculture production with carp excluded, see Figure 3. However, in 2017
the combined production of trout, eel and tilapia (continental
aquaculture) exceeds production of seabass and oysters (marine
aquaculture), see figure 3. Although reliable production volumes
of continental aquaculture were not available, it is clear that
somewhere between 2005 and 2017 continental aquaculture
surpassed marine aquaculture production levels, even when carp
production is disregarded; in fact, the here estimated production
levels for continental aquaculture are probably conservative.
Figure 3	Production of fresh water and marine aquaculture (carp excluded) and
compared to marine aquaculture production

b. (Sub)sector in international context
While Morocco is a major player in fisheries with a catch of 900,000
tons annually contributing 1.1% of the global fishery production
(Table 2). In contrast, the Moroccan aquaculture industry is a very
small player with an annual production of around 15,000 tons
contributing only 0.02% to the global aquaculture production.
Table 2	Morocco’s aquaculture and fisheries sector compared to global
production

World
tons
81.500.000
73.800.000

Fishery production
Aquaculture production

Morocco
tons
900.000
15.500

% of world
1,10%
0,02%

c. Value chain structure
Most of Moroccan aquaculture production is sold as fresh whole
fish (tilapia and sea bass). The value chain is generally short and
limited to the farm (production and preparation for harvest, harvest
and cooling of the product) and transport to retail.
Only Morocco’s major trout farm seems to produce a processed
(smoked), value added product. Selling tilapia as a fresh whole fish
can distinguish the product from imported frozen tilapia and filet
from Asian countries.
Oyster preparation and packing in Oualalia is done in one packing
atelier used by several oyster farmers.

d. Production
Marine aquaculture production
Production figures for marine aquaculture are given by ANDA as 470
tons in 2015.
Data based on different sources; values must be seen as indicative (guestimates)

Employment in the Moroccan aquaculture sector
Around 460 people have a job in the Moroccan aquaculture sector,
of which 200 jobs in marine aquaculture, 120 in continental
aquaculture, 50 with the government and 95 in aquaculture
sciences and research. Most likely these figures do not include some
additional workers in fish processing and trade.

Shellfish

Fish

Oysters

290 tons

Mussels

0 tons

Clams

0 tons

Sea bass and bream

180 tons

Next to this, in 2016 there was a harvest of 13 tons (dry weight)
of seaweed.

Aquaculture business opportunities in Morocco for Dutch entrepreneurs | 13

Fresh water (continental) aquaculture production
Fresh water aquaculture (continental aquaculture) production
figures can be estimated to be around 800 tons in 2017:
Eel

NouneMaroc 200 tons (based on the annual quotum of
1200 kg of glass eels) and others estimated 150 tons
(quotum 800 kg of glass eels).

Tilapia

Pisciculture du Nord 180 (2017) to 200 (2016) tons per
year, mainly dependent on fluctuations in national demand
for tilapia. Also Asmak Nile and cooperative cage farm (30
tons) have produced tilapia.

Trout

Ain Aghbal company has two farms and is responsible for
almost all of the trout production volume which is not well
known, but probably ranges from 100 to 300 tons/year.

Carp

Silver carp and common carp fingerlings will have been
produced in hatcheries in Beni Mellal. Bulk of carp is produced in reservoirs by ‘aquaculture-based fisheries’, which is
not considered aquaculture.

e. Trade and logistics
Morocco enjoys of a very strategical position with Spain (and
thus also the EU) at a distance of only 14 km from its northern
border. For the young and small aquaculture sector of Morocco,
imports of some essential prime materials such as fish feed and
seeds (seaweed) spat (oysters) and maybe (improved) fingerlings
(tilapia) will remain important. In the past years some Netherlands
companies have exported fish feed to Morocco for trout (once only)
and eel (regular supply).
Export and import to and from Europe is relatively easy thanks to
good access by road to the markets of Spain, France and (among
others) the Netherlands.

f. Internal market
Internal market is important
Purchasing power of the Moroccan public is limited. There is
however a considerable difference between urban and rural market:
while the urban market can absorb more expensive fish species
like seabass, trout and oysters, the rural market prefers sardine
and other cheaper fish species. It is important to understand the
internal market well, as the domestic consumption of fishery
products grows by 8% per year in average.
Conservative internal market
Seafood is preferred above fresh water fish species. Carp, being a
major aquaculture species in Asia due to its low prices, has not such
a tradition in Morocco and seems to be generally little appreciated
by the market. Tilapia is not an indigenous fish of Morocco and
does not find an easy market: at this moment demand seems to be
the limiting factor for tilapia production. Seabass and seabream are
easier to sell. For these two species consumer’s purchasing power
and not demand is limiting production.

Consumers preference for marine fish
The Ministry of Economics and Finances identifies as one
potential reason for failed aquaculture projects in the past: “The
failure to understand the internal market and the preferences
of the consumers”. Quite understandably a lot of present efforts
in Morocco to increase aquaculture production is focussed on
production related issues. However, market related issues will be
decisive for projects to be successful in the long run.
Thanks to its huge fishery production, Moroccan consumers are
familiar with marine fish and know to appreciate it. In contrast,
fresh water fish is rather unknown and considered of inferior
quality. However, in inland reservoirs considerable quantities of
carp are being produced and it would be interesting to know where
and how carp is being sold. Carp is apparently the major locally
produced fresh water fish in Morocco, but little is known about
its market. For aquaculture development it is relevant to note that
tilapia is finding a ready market all over the world, but consumer’s
acceptance in Morocco seems to be limited. Possibly, consumers
consider pangasius imported from Vietnam as a comparable but
cheaper product.
The steadily increasing market prices of marine fish may offer
fresh water aquaculture fish the opportunity to proof itself as an
alternative. Locally produced fresh whole tilapia certainly should
have a superior quality compared to imported frozen pangasius
fillets. In 2013 the value of the import of pangasius from Vietnam
was estimated to be a few million US dollar. Moroccan aquaculture
could take the challenge to replace this import by producing its own
fresh water aquaculture species for competitive prices.
Products of porcine origin are not acceptable for local consumers.
However, in Morocco not only porcine products, but also protein or
by-products of any land animal is prohibited to be used in animal
feed. This excludes products such as blood meal, feather meal and
meat meal from being used in fish feeds. Hence, fish feed costs are
higher in Morocco (if more expensive fish meal is used to substitute
land animal slaughter residues) or fish feed quality is lower (if the
less digestible vegetal products are used as protein substitute).
As fish feed costs constitute normally 40 to 70% of all aquaculture
production costs, feed costs strongly affect overall productions
costs. Hence, Moroccan fish farmers can for this reason compete
difficultly in the international (bulk) market with similar (frozen)
products from countries such as China, Taiwan, Greece and Turkey.
Moroccan farmed fish most likely has to be sold in a niche market,
e.g. as a fresh product (not frozen) or sell it as a (certified) halal or
organic product.

g. Export
Substantial export of aquaculture products from Morocco seems
to be limited to oyster and eel. Eel is a relatively expensive fresh
water fish, it is not usually eaten in Morocco and it is finding a good
export market in Asia (China, Japan, South Korea). Oyster is a special
product with great acceptance worldwide at special occasions.
Especially at the end of the year there is substantial export of
oysters to Russia, filling the vacuum left when European oyster
exports dropped as the row between Russia and the EU over Ukraine
developed.

h. Challenges in the value chain
Moroccan aquaculture fish production is mainly sold as whole
fresh fish. However, to fully attend the Moroccan internal market
probably two different strategies have to be followed:
• one with an assortment of fish and fish products, including
prepared, added value products in the cities, and
• one for rural markets where cheaper bulk products might be most
successful.
Market strategies, processing and packing may have to be developed
to attend these two internal markets of Morocco. So far, in the
aquaculture sector there is little experience with developing added
value products. Especially for the urban market processing and
packing may require adjustments if also the higher end of the
market has to be attended.
Creating a niche in the higher end of the market has already been
done by Ain Aghbal selling its trout as delicious 19-gram cold
smoked appetizers on flights of Air Maroc.
For export purposes farmed fish could be sold as certified halal
or organic products. In Europe there might be a market for such
products and for certified halal products its Moroccan origin might
be an additional advantage for the many European consumers with
North African roots. In Europe there is a fast increase in sales of
certified sustainable and organic products. For tilapia production in
Morocco it seems well feasible to make the required adjustments to
produce them according to EU organic standards.
Oysters are by themselves already a product for the higher end of the
market. As such they need little additional processing and packing.
Just like all shellfish also oysters require permanent control of
environment and produce itself on food safety. Both testing
production areas by the government (ONSSA, Office National de
Securite Sanitaire des Produits Alimentaires) and preparation and
control of oysters before export seem to be solidly organised.
In the very young sector of seaweed farming, drying and storage of
harvested seaweeds might still require considerable improvement
in order to produce high quality product.

i.	Aspects of Corporate Social
Responsibility in the sector
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in this upcoming sector
seems to be of little relevance yet. Once the industry develops into
a more mature size CSR might help the industry to either (1) obtain
a ‘licence to produce’ or (2) add value to the company and/or its
produce. At present, the entire aquaculture industry of Morocco
principally needs to focus all efforts in becoming a larger and
economically healthier business. When the Moroccan aquaculture
industry becomes mature, CSR is expected to become a valuable
tool to distinguish companies and their seafood products from
other producers. However, in the present situation Moroccan
aquaculture development will mainly depend on finding solutions
to economic problems and CSR initiatives are yet considered of
limited importance for the success of the individual companies.
Nevertheless, in a few cases CSR awareness is already present among
Moroccan aquaculture entrepreneurs. Eel fish farmers which are
highly dependent on export have incorporated measures to protect
the eel stock by annually restocking Moroccan waters with young
eels. This practice is in line with regulations as taken by the EU (the
Eel Regulation EC 1100/2007). One of the tilapia farmers in Morocco
uses green (wind) energy for its production.

j. Geographics
Morocco is endowed with good seawater quality, water temperature
suitable for many commercially interesting fish species and some
favourable aquaculture sites along the Atlantic coast and the 500
km Mediterranean coast. Apart from sites exposed to high waves
and strong currents requiring open ocean fish farming techniques,
there are also many sheltered sites in natural bays and lagoons
suitable for cage farming of sea bass or producing mussels and
oysters. The most recent update of ANDA (2017) indicates there are
in total 18 commercial companies active in marine aquaculture (one
of them producing fish, the others shell fish) and 3 “projects with a
social character” two of them producing mussels and one sea weed.
Presently oyster farming is mainly practised along the Atlantic coast
around Oualidia, while mussels, seaweed and seabass are produced
along the Mediterranean coast roughly between Nador and M’diq
(addresses to be found in Annex 2).
With regard to fresh water aquaculture (continental aquaculture)
there is potential in farming fish along some of its permanent
rivers and in the around 140 dams (with approximately 120,000
ha of water surface) built for water storage. Most of these dams
are used for irrigation of agriculture land and offer good potential
for integration its present purpose with farming fresh water fish
species. Indoor farms with RAS systems require less water and can
be found on strategical sites: tilapia farming south of Tanger near
the owner’s tilapia feed factory and eel farming in Kenitra from
which import of feed and export of fish is easy (addresses to be
found in Annex 2).

Aquaculture business opportunities in Morocco for Dutch entrepreneurs | 15

Morocco is strategically very well situated along the border of
Europe and has potentially easy access to major (fish) markets in
southern Europa such as Spain, Portugal and France.

16 | Aquaculture business opportunities in Morocco for Dutch entrepreneurs

5. Institutional context
a. Sector policies and regulations
I.

Main policies and regulations

Marine aquaculture
In 2009 Morocco‘s new policy to develop marine aquaculture
“Stratégie Halieutis” was launched by his Majesty King Mohammed
VI. ANDA (Agence Nationale pour le Developpement de
l’Aquaculture) was created in 2011 to implement this plan. ANDA is
an independent agency operating under the wings of the Ministry of
Agriculture and Marine Fisheries. The objective of the strategy is to
achieve an aquaculture production of 200,000 tons per year in 2020.
Present (2015) marine aquaculture production level is 470 tons/year.
Future development of aquaculture production
Moroccan government is ambitious and wants to make aquaculture
a fast growing sector (“Faire de l’aquaculture un moteur de
croissance majeur”). According to ANDA the Moroccan marine
aquaculture production of less than 500 tons/year in 2007 should
increase to 200,000 tons in 2020 (Les ambitions chiffrées à
l’horizon 2020, No AMI/MED1/09/12).
ANDA has executed studies on the potential of marine aquaculture
development along the Moroccan coast. Based on the studies
several zones of interest were assigned. In these zones precisely
described areas have been assigned to specific kind of aquaculture
to be developed in each area. The idea is that these zones are well
suitable for the assigned type of aquaculture and they also fit in the
national aquaculture development strategy. As such, in these area
entrepreneurs can readily start the assigned type of aquaculture,
without the need of extensively working on obtaining the required
licenses (among them environmental impact studies). Also,
in the framework of this strategy is the lifting of import taxes on
aquaculture inputs such as fish feed and young fish.
The areas of importance for foreign entrepreneurs or investors in
aquaculture are all together measuring 14,271 ha of sea water surface
of which over 9,204 ha destined for shellfish farming (either oysters,
mussels, clams or abalone), 3.335 ha for fish farming and 1.732 ha
for seaweed farming (see Table 3).

Seaweed production
Morocco is one of the major red seaweed production areas of the
world and was until 2006 the global number 1 exporter of red
seaweed. The collection of the weed takes place in the summer
months along the ocean coast around Al Jadida in waters up to
25 meters deep. Harvesting seaweed by divers is a dangerous job,
but nevertheless, this industry was economically interesting and
harvest increased to 14,000 tons in 2009. This overharvesting was
halted when INRH raised the alarm and a quotum was set of 6040
tons per year with a value of around 31 million euros.
The agar agar produced from the weed is high quality gelatine with
in general a higher quality then the gelatine from animal origin
and with a wide acceptance as it also is suitable for vegetarians
and religious groups banning pork. Of Morocco’s seaweed 80% is
processed in Kinitra for agar agar production (the remaining 20% is
exported).
So far, seaweed is exclusively collected from nature and aquaculture
of seaweed (as far as known) is only practised in Marchica, Nador.
The 1732 ha of sea destined for seaweed farming could highly
contribute to seaweed production in Morocco, as harvests can be as
high as 12 tons (wet weight)/ha/year.
Apart from overviews of potential aquaculture production sites and
make this information accessible to potential producers, ANDA also
undertakes the following activities:
• supports pilot projects of fishing cooperatives in the
Mediterranean (e.g. Cala Iris and Marchica),
• works on a “Moroccan code of marine aquaculture” to establish
a framework matching international standards and ensuring a
total transparency as far as the aquaculture sector management is
concerned, and
• supports creating a positive investment environment through an
investment convention which includes:
-- alleviation and sharing out of tax burden
-- providing a preferential tax regime
-- simplifying administrative procedures
-- promoting free zones and free industrial storage regime.

Table 3	Some areas destined by ANDA for shellfish, marine fish or seaweed production

1
2
3
4

Region
Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima
Region Oriental
Guelmim-Oued Noun
Region Sous Mass

Shellfish
Fish
Seaweed
Total
units ha units ha units ha units ha
18 310 18 510
36
820
12 180 49 1.225 4
60
65 1.465
48 720 24 600
72 1.320
210 3.150 24 600 24 360 258 4.110

Aquaculture business opportunities in Morocco for Dutch entrepreneurs | 17

Brand new shellfish hatchery and laboratory in Amsa
In Amsa (Mediterranean coast) a new laboratory and shellfish pilot
farm is under construction. This project will operate as part of INRH
(Institut National de Recherche Halieutique).
Micro-algae production in development in Agadir
INRH also promotes micro-algae production. A consortium of UK,
South African and Moroccan companies is developing south of
Agadir a farm of 8000 ha of ponds to produce microalgae. Of the
potentially 100 interesting species, 8 have now been selected to
be produced from March 2018 in the first 3 ha of ponds. Total
investment here is expected to reach 415 million US$ and 100,000
ton of dried algae could be produced by 2022.
Continental aquaculture
The strategic plan of the Haut Commissariat aux Eaux et Forêts
et à la Lutte contre la Désertifications 2015-2024 aims to develop
new production system for the benefit of the local population that
are economically and ecologically sustainable makes continental
aquaculture an important source of animal protein in rural areas.
In 2024 the production of inland aquaculture should have reached
the level of 50,000 tons/year (actual production in 2017 estimated in
around 15,000 tons per year).

II. Challenges with regulations and policies
The Moroccan aquaculture industry depends on the import of oyster
seed (spat) and fish feed (especially in cases where standards have to
be high such as for the younger fish or eel). Imports are not always
easy, due to complicated clearance protocols. However, it seems
that importing is especially difficult for new products to arrive at the
Moroccan border, while for repetitive imports of the same product
the processes become smoother and more reliable. For exporters
it is very important to have an experienced and well-informed
Moroccan importer.
For import of fish feed restrictions on ingredients are tough as
the use of all products from land animal origin is prohibited. Fish
feed would be cheaper (and Moroccan aquaculture sector more
competitive) if restrictions on fish feed ingredients would be
limited to the prohibition of products from certain animals (such
as porcine species) while products from other land animals (such as
cows and chickens) could be allowed.
With regard to the aquaculture development policies the challenge
will be to adjust growth level expectations to more realistic values.
It may help to specify levels for certain products and certain areas
for short terms (few years max.) in co-operation with the potential
producers or those responsible at the local level. In this way
aquaculture development policies could get a wider support in the
aquaculture community and, consequently, become more efficient.
According to the Ministry of Economy and Finances (2016) among
factors hindering investment in Moroccan aquaculture is the
complexity of acquiring real estate.
18 | Aquaculture business opportunities in Morocco for Dutch entrepreneurs

b. Public sector partners
I.

Research and Education

To stimulate the aquaculture development young professionals
will be needed. Some of the institutions offering education in
aquaculture are:
• The Mohammed V university in Rabat offers an aquaculture
course which is mainly theoretical, but contains also a few days of
visiting aquaculture farms.
• The Hassan II Agronomic and Veterinary Institute (IAV) in Rabat
has been offering for more than three decades a well-structured
education on fisheries science and aquaculture with a fully
dedicated department and research lab. After the two first
year of engineering studies, an average of 25 students per
year follow a 36 months program to have a master degree in
Fisheries/ aquaculture. An exchange program already exists with
European universities, especially Belgium, and can include also
the university of Wageningen which already have a history of
collaboration with the IAV.
• Interestingly, the University of Larache/Tanger is already
involved in research programmes executed in co-operation and
co-financed by aquaculture entrepreneurs.
• The ENFI (Ecole Nationale Forestière d’Ingénieurs) is also offering
course modules for students who would like to specialize in
pisciculture.

II. Ministry of Agriculture
Within the Moroccan government the Ministry of Agriculture
and Fisheries (Ministère de l’Agriculture, de la Pêche Maritime,
du Développement Rural et des Eaux et Forêts) has created
two bodies to promote inland aquaculture HCEFLCD (Haut
Commissariat aux Eaux et Forêts et à la Lutte Contre la
Désertification) and marine water aquaculture (ANDA).

III. Development partners
JICA
Japan (JICA) is traditionally an important partner in developing
Moroccan aquaculture. In M’diq they are involved already for
decades in developing and exploitation of aquaculture research
facilities. While it is claimed not to be easy work with them
(as they tend to stick to techniques used in Japan and are little
eager to adopt to Moroccan conditions), they offer money and
technical assistance without difficult conditions. In the Moroccan
aquaculture sector Japan is generally considered to be a fairly easy
and generous partner to cooperate with. EU is considered as a more
flexible partner, but also delivering only very small amounts of
money (mini-projects, such as those financed by GIZ).
GIZ
GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)
GmbH) has been working in Morocco since 1975 and opened an
office in Rabat in 1999. GIZ is taking on commissions in Morocco

from other clients, such as German Ministries and institutions,
the European Union and Moroccan companies. GIZ has 130 staff in
Morocco. Their major project in Morocco was focussed on climate
change (2013-2016). Development of fish farming in 2 reservoirs
(Hansali et Hassan II), supporting sustainable management of fish
stocks (Bin El Ouidanne et Hassan 1) and fish farming in cages with
cooperative Tamaroute.
Cooperatives
Cooperatives are regular participants in aquaculture development
in Morocco. The Moroccan development strategy for small scale
farming of seaweed and tilapia seems to be mainly targeted to
fishermen organised in cooperatives. In development strategies of
continental aquaculture local populations are important targets,
either as producers (e.g. cooperatives of fishermen are seen as the
potential farmers of tilapia in cages in reservoirs) and as consumers
of affordable animal protein from fish.
Potentially, NGO’s could be suitable organisations to support
development of rural aquaculture in Morocco but, as far as we
know, their role is still very limited.

c. Private sector partners
The strongest partners in the Moroccan aquaculture sector are the
private companies. All considerable investments so far done in
aquaculture production are from private partners: the Domaines
Royal in trout, NouneMaroc in eel and Ostrea in oysters and
Pisciculture du Nord in tilapia.
Some of the key private partners of interest for aquaculture
development are mentioned in Annex 3.

Aquaculture business opportunities in Morocco for Dutch entrepreneurs | 19

6. Safety and security
a. Social and economic safety
Safety is at present (Nov 2017) no big issue (see Chapter 2, paragraph a.)
and Morocco can be considered a rather safe place to work and live.
Also the economic growth is rather stable (see Chapter 3, paragraph a)
and Morocco is also internationally considered a generally wellgoverned economy. Hence, Morocco provides investors with a
relatively good business climate.

b. Fish hygiene considerations
The Moroccan fish industry is quite familiar with European
quality and hygiene standards. Large shrimp ateliers in the north
of Morocco deliver exclusively products of the highest quality
standards.
With regard to the local market: lot of the fish is sold in the open air
on markets which are generally far from being clean and tidy.
With regard to the hygienic conditions at production, processing
and packing of food in Morocco, the ONSSA (Office National de
Securite Sanitaire des Produits Alimentaires) plays a key role. In the
area of aquaculture they qualify production areas (Classement
des zones de production des coquillages du littoral marocain)
and producers, processors and exporters of shellfish (Liste des
établissements agréés pour le conditionnement, l’expédition et la
transformation des mollusques bivalves vivants au Maroc). So far,
no specific rules have been elaborated for fish farms. However,
when importing fish or fish feed, strict rules are applied and
enforced. When importing animal feed these rules require that the
feeds “do not contain any trace of animal meal”. In practice this
turns out to be a serious bottleneck for fish farmers in Morocco,
as the products substituting the prohibited animal meal are either
more expensive or are of less nutritional value for fish.

c. Insurances
In general aquaculture is considered an enterprise of considerable
risk. Climate, disease and technical failures can cause havoc at any
time if not well-prepared. Part of this risk is usually integrated into
the business plan of the operation by assuring that sufficient capital
is reserved for unexpected costly events. However, other part of the
risk should be covered by insurances. It seems that insurances in
Morocco charge around 30% more than in surrounding countries.
Compulsory health insurances for workers in fisheries are very
recently agreed upon.

20 | Aquaculture business opportunities in Morocco for Dutch entrepreneurs

7. Business opportunities
a.	SWOT analysis of Moroccan
aquaculture
Business opportunities depend on many factors related to
economics, business climate, available qualified and unqualified
personnel, environmental issues and market opportunities for
specific fish products.

Some of the main reasons stated why one would consider
investments in Morocco are:
• Cost competitiveness
-- Only 14 kilometres from Europe
-- Low wages (average wage around €330/month)
-- Cheap to export (600US$/container).
-- Stable macro-economic performance
• Free trade access to one billion consumers (in EU, USA and other
countries).
A listing of some of the factors affecting the aquaculture business
potential in Morocco are summarized in the following SWOT
analysis:

Table 5

SWOT analysis of the Moroccan aquaculture sector

Strengths

Weaknesses

1 ANDA institute specially created for aquaculture development 1 Competitiveness local farms is weak because import taxes for
fish farm inputs, while import of farmed fish for human
consumption is free of VAT (corrected since 1/1/2018 ?)
2 Cheap labour abundantly available
2 Fish feeds expensive in Morocco because no land-animal
products can be used
3 Very close to huge fish market (Spain and rest of EU)
3 Complexity in assessing real estate in Morocco
4 Considerable fishery and fish processing sector
5 Small but solid eel farming sector

4 Limited understanding of internal market and consumers
preference market (urban and rural market differ highly)
5 Fragmented
6 Many fresh water fish farming technologies outdated
7 Economy of scale not favourable due to small sector
8 Imports in Morocco complicated for first-time importers (and
foreign exporters)
9 Aquaculture sector not organised
10 Spats (oysters) and fingerlings (seabass) have to be imported
11 Availability of fresh water for trout and tilapia farming is
limited
12 Aquaculture planning topdown organised/private sector
involvement could be improved/ potential fresh water
aquaculture overlooked
13 Risk insurances 30% higher than in neighbouring countries
14 Limited availability glass eel make growth eel sector
impossible

Opportunities

Threaths

1 Demand for fish in Morocco continues to increase: increased
population and higher per capita consumption

1 Biotoxins may appear in M'diq and other areas

2 Trade agreements with major fish markets as EU, USA and
2 Limited acceptance of new products by consumers, e.g. tilapia
Turkey
3 Import duties to be reduced to only 2.5% as of 1/1/2018
4 Easy to occupy areas for marine farming through AMI
procedure
5 Government investing heavily in new research and production
facilities in shellfish and seaweed
6 Producing fingerlings for stocking reservoirs for fishery (carp,
tilapia) and sport fishery (black bass, trout) may not yet be
fully exploited.
7 Fishfarming using little water by integration with agriculture
irrigation is well possible and desirable (tilapia in cages, carp
in reservoirs, introduction RAS systems)
Aquaculture business opportunities in Morocco for Dutch entrepreneurs | 21

b. Business opportunities
1.	Tilapia farming opportunities in water
management
Morocco possesses 140 dams storing run-off waters in reservoirs
with a total surface of 120,000 ha. These dams are of extreme
importance for agriculture as few rivers have a sufficient permanent
flow to sustain irrigation systems. Apart from the government-built
dams there are many small dams built by private farmers.
There is a GIZ project supporting HCEFLCD to increase rural tilapia
farming in dams and ponds. This project aims to improve living
conditions in rural areas by providing more people with income and
sufficient animal protein in their diet.
As water scarcity is a serious problem, fish farming should be
designed such as to save as to consume as little as possible water.
Cage farming in lakes may affect water quality, but has virtually no
impact on water consumption. Cage farming in lakes seems also
suitable as a new activity for fishery communities. Tilapia farming
in ponds can be carried out minimizing water losses by integrating
it with irrigated agriculture activities. Water from fishponds can
be used for irrigation of fruits, vegetables and other crops. When
properly integrated the fish pond will not only supply agriculture
plots with water, but also with extra nutrients. Also mud from
fishponds can be used as a fertilizer.
Tilapia is a relatively easy to farm fish, is widely used in small and
large-scale fish farming and can be kept under a large variety of
holding systems. Economics of tilapia farming still require more
study, as consumer’s acceptance of tilapia might be limiting sales
and keep tilapia prices low.
Opportunity:
99present tilapia strains for stocking purposes of limited quality
(genetically not well maintained)
99local Tilapia feed of limited quality
99farming tilapia might be first step in development rural
aquaculture providing work and food in rural areas
99Interest of GIZ (German agency) in developing this type of
aquaculture in Morocco
99Interest from skilled Moroccan entrepreneur in developing tilapia
hatchery, could also support farmers in fish farming management
Dutch opportunities:
99Delivering tilapia hatchery /farm equipment
99Supply (red) tilapia fingerlings
99Tilapia feed, especially first feeds

22 | Aquaculture business opportunities in Morocco for Dutch entrepreneurs

Moroccan partner(s):
99HCEFLCD,
99GIZ Morocco
99Mohammed V university
99Asmak Nile
ü Pisciculture du Nord
ü Aliments et proteins du Nord

2. Commercial tilapia farming
Tilapia is a fish species indigenous in almost entire Africa.
In Morocco the fish has been introduced about 10 years ago. This
decade of tilapia farming has resulted in selection of a local tilapia
strain adapted to the local farming conditions and reproducing
and growing well in the (northern) Moroccan climate. The national
market absorbs a volume of 180 to 200 tons of fresh whole tilapia
per year. For this specific product it seems difficult to increase
national demand and this limits production: if demand would be
higher, production could increase easily. To move away from this
status quo, production costs of tilapia farming should be reduced
and tilapia should be marketed in a bigger assortment of products
(added value).
Sales potential of local produced tilapia imports has to be estimated
against a background of considerable imports of cheap pangasius
filets from Asia. Locally produced fresh tilapia could easily beat this
product in quality, but not in price. Also, the EU market could be
explored: a fresh product instead of frozen, and also the potential
of exporting tilapia as a certified halal or organic product could be
exploited.
Key factors to competitive tilapia production in Morocco might be
strategic location of the farm (e.g. close to market, safe and cheap
water supply, area with low energy costs) and, compared to present
practice, improved fish feed and fish farm design.
Dutch opportunities
99Upgrading tilapia recirculation system (RAS) to reduce production
costs
99Technical support for tilapia fish feed production
99Fish feed sales
99Delivering tilapia fingerlings of improved quality
99Certification of tilapia farming as organic or halal
Moroccan partner:
99Pisciculture du Nord
99Asmak Nile
99HCEFLCD
99Aliments et proteins du Nord

3. Education and training in aquaculture
Mohammed V university in Rabat showed interest in developing a
laboratory for inland aquaculture to support its fish farming course.
Other Moroccan universities engaged in aquaculture education are:
ENFI, University of Larache, Hassan II Agronomic and Veterinary
Institute. All these universities provide students with the possibility
to take courses in fish farming, but none of them possess a wet
lab with aquaria, basins or ponds. Hence, students get theoretical
courses at the university and they have to acquire all practical
experience (including practical aquaculture research) by working
together with commercial companies. To some extend INRH offers
them in their laboratories opportunities: e.g. Larache university
carries out with a commercial company fish feed experiments in
INRH laboratory in M’Diq. Also the new INRH shellfish laboratory in
Amsa may create great opportunity to improve practical (applicable)
aquaculture research.
Mohammed V university is now prepared to make funds available
to build an aquaculture laboratory in Rabat. The university is
also very much interested in an exchange programme with a
Netherlands university in which both researchers and students take
part. It would be recommended to start this exchange programme
and make a joint effort (University Mohammed V in Rabat and
WUR Wageningen seems to be the most logic combination)
to investigate needs and options for the wet lab in Rabat and
develop subsequently jointly the design, purchase of equipment,
of the laboratory.
Special attention could be paid to INRH research in M’Diq on
micro-algae research. In southern Morocco laboratories on
micro-algae and hatcheries for shellfish also might hold promise
for cooperation with Netherlands researchers (although these
statements should be first verified!). While scientific laboratory
research in these areas may have more opportunities to prosper
in the Netherlands, Moroccan field conditions are far more
appropriate for (commercial) production and applied research.
Dutch opportunities:
99Identification of laboratory needs in Rabat, design lab during
exchange of researchers and students
99Delivering fish farm laboratory equipment and building the
laboratory
99Course for fish farm technicians in e.g. sustainable aquaculture
99Exchange of scientists, researchers and students (micro-algae
could be interesting!)
Moroccan partner(s):
99Universities
99INRH

4. Mussel farming
ANDA has put a lot of effort in making areas along the coast
available for shell fish farming, including very promising sites in the
Mediterranean. Companies are still new and not very experienced,
but with Japanese and French support the obtained first results are
promising: catch of seeds has been very satisfactory and growth
high with meat % optimal in August (data from Cala Iris). Presently
considerable investment is on its way in the Mediterranean (Amsa,
Cala Iris) Due to the harsh conditions in many sites along the
Moroccan coasts (waves, wind, currents and deep water), mussel
production may require considerable effort and time to upscale the
present experimental production into fully commercial production
levels.
Dutch opportunities:
99Investment / joints ventures / creating own Moroccan companies
in the Mediterranean areas as company is already operating in
this area
99Delivering mussel farming equipment (seed collectors,
machinery to get mussels into ‘socks’, mussel cleaners, mussel
harvesting machines, etc.
99Processing and trade in mussels
99Technical assistance, including veterinary research for prevention,
identification and treatment of diseased oysters.
Moroccan partners:
99ANDA (providing services to facilitate foreign investment, AMI’s),
99Cala Iris
99INRH

5. Sea bass and sea bream farming
Sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and sea bream (Sparatus aurata)
are commonly farmed in the Mediterranean Sea (e.g. Spain, France,
Greece, Turkey). Also meagre (Argyrosomus regius) is used (tested)
in Morocco.
Both the European bass and the gilt-head (sea) bream are found
in the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern coastal regions of the
North Atlantic Ocean. Sea bass can reach sizes of up to 1 m in length
and 12 kg in weight, though the most common size is only 1 to
2 kg. Sea bream commonly reaches about 35 cm in length (0.7 kg),
but may reach 70 cm and weigh up to about 7 kg. Both species are
widespread, are both cultured and fished and there are no major
threats to its population.
Sea bass and sea bream are the most important fish species cultured
in the Mediterranean, each contributing about 50% to the total
production of just over 300,000 tons/year. World market prices for
fresh whole seabass and sea bream were 6 to 6.5 US$/kg in 2016.
Competition with other Mediterranean fish producers is harsh,
as long as production volume remains low (economy of scale)
and restrictions on fish feed requirements keep imported fish
feeds more expensive. Though, tax inequalities will be removed by
1/1/2018.

Aquaculture business opportunities in Morocco for Dutch entrepreneurs | 23

In elaborating business plans for this endeavour, one should also
consider previous projects with sea bass and seabream farming,
such as the Marost company failure in 2009, the plans of Kilic
(Turkey) in 2014 to start with large sea bass farming (but as far as
known not yet materialized) and the present performance of the
only remaining sea bass farm in M’Diq.
Dutch opportunities
99Fish feed
99Trade
99Hatchery products and materials
Moroccan partners:
99AquaM’diq

6. Carp farming (development)
Presently extensive carp farming takes place in dams and ponds
of farmers used for agriculture irrigation purposes, see 1. Carps
can be farmed also in the high-altitude area. Carp farming is well
established in rural Morocco as farmers use carp to keep their water
storage ponds free of weeds (silver carp, grass carp are mainly used,
sometimes also common carp). Government is now supplying carp
fingerlings to farmers, but price is rather high, hatchery with ponds
is poorly designed and production could be improved / become
cheaper when modern techniques and systems (like RAS) will be
applied.
Recently (in 2017) prices of carp have substantially increased due
to high demand in Eastern Europe. Carp production could switch
from present very extensive production methods to a slightly
more sophisticated system in which production is increased by
application of fish feed.
Dutch opportunities:
99Technical assistance for substituting present carp hatchery system
(several)
99Delivering carp hatchery
99Carp feed
Moroccan partners:
99HCEFLCD
99GIZ
99Aliments et protein du Nord

7. Seaweed farming
In Mediterranean area seaweed farming is still in developing
phase, but along the Atlantic coast Morocco is a world player in
red seaweed production. Seaweed farming might economically be
very profitable as over-harvesting has reduced Moroccan seaweed
production; not clear why production not yet taken off. Relative
cheap labour may make seaweed production in Morocco attractive
(notwithstanding firm competition from other low wage (sub)
tropical countries).

24 | Aquaculture business opportunities in Morocco for Dutch entrepreneurs

Red algae (Gracilaria gracilis) is a common weed in warm and
temperate sea water all around the world. This weed is very easy to
propagate (multiplication is done by braking of parts that grow into
new individual plants), is tolerant to wide scope of environmental
conditions, it grows fast (in Morocco growth is claimed to be
between 5 and 10 %/day) and it has considerable economic value
(main species for the global agar industry).
In the Netherlands in the last decade a lot of effort has been
dedicated to developing seaweed production in the North Sea. A lot
of the production technology can possibly be used in Morocco.
Opportunities:
99Research (WUR, Hortimare)
99Pilot projects for upscaling production and improved processing
(WUR, Hortimare, …)
Moroccan partner:
99Setexam,
99Cooperative de Marchica

c. Suitability of Rif area for aquaculture
As policy makers of the Netherlands has special interest in
supporting development in the Rif area, for each of the above
business opportunities a brief assessment is made of the suitability
of the Rif:
Tilapia farming in
water management

The Rif offers good possibilities for this activity
in lower altitude areas.

Commercial tilapia
farming

The present major tilapia farm is located just
outside Rif area; probably enough opportunities to establish more tilapia farms.

Aquaculture training
and education

Rabat seems the most obvious location for this
activity.

Mussel farming

Most promising mussel production along the
Moroccan Mediterranean coast in Rif area.

Sea bass and sea
bream farming

Rif area possesses very suitable locations along
the Mediterranean coast.

Carp farming

Rif: Yes, in principle suitable anywhere, as long
as fresh water is available.

Seaweed farming

Very suitable areas along the Mediterranean
coast.

Annexes
Annex 1	Travel programme Aquaculture mission in Morocco from
7-11-2017 to 14-11-2017
Date

Ville

Organisation

Heure Nom

Fonction

Ambassade des Pays-Bas

08h00

Nico Visser

Conseiller Affaires Agricoles

Ministere de l'Agriculture et des Peches Maritimes

09h00

M. Bouchta Aichane

Directeur, Direction des Peches Maritimes

0537688244/46

Agence Nationale pour le Dev. De l'Aquaculture

14h00

M. Amine Masnsouri
M.Hicham Ouazzani

Chef de Service des Etudes
Chef de Service Appui Technique

O538099700

Haut Commissariat aux Eaux et Forets

16h00

M. Badr Laamiri

Chef de Service

O661484007

Faculte des Sciences Rabat

18h00

Mohammed Belkacemi

Doyen

O661434425

Institut National de Recherches Halieutiques

08h30

M. Idhalla

Chef de Departement

O661478558

Consultation FAO

10h00

M. Abdellatif Orbi

Consultant

O661489510

Complexe Lagunaire Sidi-Moussa

15h00

M. Pinclou

Directeur

O663460008

9-11-2017 Agadir

Centre Regional d'Investissement

15h00

M. Khalil Nazih

Directeur

O528230877

10-11-2017 Beni-Mellal

Grass Carp Project

09h00

M. Aziz El Moujtahid

Directeur

O661255371

CNHP et visite de ferme de truites

15h00

Mohamed Sadik

Chef de Service

O661910785

Domaines (king) Ain Aghbal

16h30

M. Aziz Maychal

Gerant

0661062706/055621117

11-11-2017 Nador

Cooperative Marchika de la Pêche Artisanale

10h30

M. Maimoun Bouhssine Directeur

O662190684

12-11-2017 El Hoceima

Cooperative Cala Iris

15h00

M. Fatih Ahmed

Responsible

O661082960

13-11-2017 M'diq

Aquaculture Center

09h30

M. Hassan Nhhala

Directeur

O623695260

Aqua M'diq

11h00

M. Houssine Chadli

Directeur General

O661345983

FST, Tanger

09h00

M. Mohammed Addou
M. Hicham Chaairi

Doyen
Professeur Universite Larache

O661355725
O661497782

Pisciculture du Nord (Tilapia Farm)

12h00

M. Mernissi

Gerant

O661300290

NouneMaroc

17h30

Mme Asmae Bekkali

Directeur

O661165684

7-11-2017 Rabat

8-11-2017 Casablanca

Oualidia

Azrou

14-11-2017 Tanger

Kenitra

telephone

Aquaculture business opportunities in Morocco for Dutch entrepreneurs | 25

Annex 2	Moroccan aquaculture companies potentially interested in
Dutch investment or support
Name & contact details

1 Pisciculture du Nord
Juan Lobo Torner

T +212 6677.88.084
lobosum@ hotmail.com

2 AquaM'diq
Housni Chadli
Port de M'Diq

GSM 06-6134.5983
housni.chadli@ gmail.com
www.aquamdiq.com

3 Cala Iris
Fatih Ahmed
Port Cala Iris
Beni Boufrah
+212 6 6108.2960
GSM 06-6108.2960/5922.4575
totalcalairis@ gmail.com

4 Marchica
T 00212 6 6219,0684
T 00212 6 4237.0650
mnadori395@ gmail.com

5 Al Amal
Lamdaghri Tarik
T +212 6 7129.9869
alamal.cooperat@ gmail.com

6 University Mohammed V
Rabat
Ahmed Yahyaoui

7 HCEFLCD
Mohammed Badr Laamiri
Service de la Peche et de la
Pisciculture Continentales
3, Rue Harroun Errachid, Rabat
GSM +212 6 6148.4007
laamirimb@ gmail.com

8 Setexam
km 7, Rte de Tanger ElAssam
Kenitra
Tele : (212) 5 37 32 98 00
E-Mail : setex@ setexam.com
www.setexam.com

Requirements

Interest

Tilapia fish farm producing annually around 200 tons of Tilapia nilotica
Tilapia
between 400 and 600 grams individual weight. During the 10 years of
operation has developed its own tilapia strain well-adopted to local
circumstances, such as low winter temperature. Production system
outdated, but still well functioning. Sister company produces its feed (fc 1.3
to 1.6). Company’s location in the north of Morocco facilitates export to EU.
Acceptance of tilapia by local market and difficulties in competing frozen
tilapia from Asia are inhibiting its expansion at this moment.

Profile

Specie(s)

Increasing tilapia sales
upgrading RAS system

yes
?

AquaM’diq is at this moment Morocco’s only marine fish farm, producing
sea bass
around 200 tons of seabass per year in 14 cages located just outside the
harbour of M’diq. Fingerlings and feed for fingerlings are imported, growout feed is purchased locally. Farmsite has a potential production of 400
tons/year, but marketing fish is the major problem, also because unfair
competition due to tax disadvantage. Compared to other Mediterranean
countries fish feed in Morocco is more expensive as land animal proteins in
fish feed are prohibited, making the feed more expensive.

fish feed
market for seabass

?
yes

Well-organised cooperative of fishermen has invested years in establishing mussels
mussel production on longlines in protected part of the sea near the new
harbour of Cala Iris. Mussel seed is abundantly available and growth of
mussels is high: 6 to 7 cm in 7 months. Permissions are ready for building
processing plant and increase production areas. Japanese (JICA) have
invested in developing mussel farming, but now investment is needed, not
only in mussel production equipment, but also in work boats, mussels
harvester and purification, processing and packing plant.

investor in equipment
and mussel processing
and packing

yes

Cooperative producing sea weed (Gracilaria gracillis) on an apparently ideal seaweed
site 10 km east from Nador city. Present artisanal scale production of less
than 100 tons/year seems economically unattractive. However, production
seems to be easily upgradable to 4000 tons/year at this site. As seaweed
production is labour intensive and labour costs are relatively cheap, this
business may have economic potential if well managed.

investor

yes

This cooperation of artisanal fishermen is specialised in off-shore, semisubmerged longline mussel production. Production level and available
organization and infrastructure not known.

mussels

?

?

Largest and oldest university of Morocco is interested /can make available
funds for building aquaculture research unit based on RAS technology.

fish species

research unit
yes
exchange students and yes
researchers
aquaculture course in NL?

Plans to their Halieutis programme requires persons in the field with skills
to develop small-scale aquaculture on a large scale.

tilapia
carp

aquaculture course in NL?
fisheries course in NL ?

Setexam was founded in 1960 and specialized in the harvesting of seaweeds seaweed
destined for the export. In 1968 a food grade agar-agar extraction plant with a

buyer

?

research/pilot
production

?

capacity of 100 tons /year was es tablis hed with the technical as s is tance of a
Japanes e partner. S eaweed collection takes places along the entire Moroccan
coas t. In 1988 the factory was completely renovated for the production of
bacteriological and food grade agars .

9 INRH

INRH is national aquaculture research institutes with many branches all over shellfish
Morocco. INRH will be responsible for pilot shellfish farm in Amsa. At this
Hassan Nhhala
marine fish
Centre Specialise en Aquaculture site also a laboratory and shellfish hatchery are now (November 2017) under
construction.
Port Maritime de M'Diq
T +212 6 2389.5260
nhhala@ inrh.ma
nhhala@ gmail.com
GIZ has been working in Morocco since 1975 and opened an office in Rabat in tilapia, carp
10 GIZ
1999. GIZ is taking on commissions in Morocco from other clients, such as
Michael Gajo
2, Avenue Tour Hassan, 10 001 RabatGerman Ministries and institutions, the European Union and Moroccan
companies. GIZ has 130 staff in Morocco. Major project In Morocco was
Tél. : +212 (0) 537 70 44 84
focussed on climate change (2013-2016). Development of fishfarming in 2
michael.gajo@ giz.de
reservoirs (Hansali et Hassan II), supporting sustainable management of fish
giz-maroc@ giz.de
stocks (Bin El Ouidanne et Hassan 1èr) and fish farming in cages with
www.giz.de/marokko
coopérativ ‘’Tamaroute’’.

26 | Aquaculture business opportunities in Morocco for Dutch entrepreneurs

rural development

11 Hassan II Agronomic and
Veterinary Institute,
Rabat

Well structered education in aquaculture and fisheries science

fish species

research unit
yes
exchange students and yes
researchers
aquaculture course in NL?

Madinat Al Irfane
B.P. 6202, Rabat
Tél : (00 212) 0537 77 17 58/59
http://www.iav.ac.ma

12 University of
Tanger/Larache

Education and research in aquaculture

?

Aquaculture education

?

Departement des Resources Naturelles

Hicham Chairi
Faculte Polydisciplinaire de Larache

+212 - 539.523 960
hicham.chairi@ yahoo.fr
+212 644 444 786

13 ENFI
Ecole Nationale Forestière d'Ingénieurs

14 Marokagar, S.A.

Agar agar producer, not sure if still operational

seaweed processor, agar agar

no ?

Tilapia
Silver carp
Grass carp

?

M. R a chid K etta ni

44 Rue Abou Baker Wahrani
B.P. 2121
Casablanca 05
Tel: [INT+212] + 2 623 611

15 Asmak Nile
Oula d B oura hmoun

Souk Es Sebt
Beni Mellal
asmaknile@ gmail.com
+212 5234-26781
http://www.asmaknile.com

16 Aliments et proteines du
Nord
Happy Fish

17 Nounemaroc
E: contact@ nounemaroc.ma
T :+212(05) 37 37 89 64
Quartier Muncipal Industriel
Lot 71, Kenitra
www.nounemaroc.ma

Address also can be:
12, rue Nisrine -ex Arras
20000 Casablanca
0522 260 541 - 0522 260 548

Company founded in 2013, producing fresh water fish in ponds.

This factory makes use of the in Morokko abundantly available fish meal to Fishfeed manufacturer
produce food for cats, dogs and fish. The company was established in 2004,
employs 50 people and has a production potential of 700 tons per year. The
company is associated with Pisciculture du Nord. The fish feed they produce
is called Happy Fish and is used for tilapia but also for seabass grow-out
food.

?

Nounemaroc is a company specialised in the production of eel. The company Eel
has invested over 40 million Dirham to introduce innovative recirculation
technology (RAS) in Morocco. Due to the application of the latest
fishfarming technology eel can be offered a very well controlled
environment in which they can be kept in high densities and grow fast.
Nounemaroc is the first company realised in the framework of the Maroc
Vert programme.

no

none

Aquaculture business opportunities in Morocco for Dutch entrepreneurs | 27

Annex 3	Netherlands aquaculture companies potentially interested in
business in Morocco
Netherlands companies with potential interest in Moroccan aquaculture development
Name & contact details

1 Aqua Spark

Achter Sint Pieter 5
3512HP Utrecht
The Netherlands
+31 (0)30 8200369
info@ aqua-spark.nl
www.aqua-spark.nl

2 Seafarm BV

Adri Bout
Jacobahaven 4
4493 ML Kamperland
The Netherlands
(+31) (0)113 371828
info@ seafarm.nl
http://www.seafarm.nl/

3 HESY Aquaculture B.V.
Arie de Bond
Bovendijk 35-Z
2295 RV Kwintsheul
The Netherlands
+31 (0) 174 220140
office@ hesy.com
www.hesy.com

Profile

Specie(s)

?

Bij Seafarm kweekt messchelpen en schelpdieren en is actief in visserij en shellfish
viskweek. Door gemotiveerde personeel kunnen wij een hoge kwaliteit
turbot
waarborgen. Seafarm heeft agenten in Spanje, Italie en Frankrijk waardoor
een snelle levering op deze markten kan worden gegarandeerd. Seafarm
ziet zichzelf als adviseur en/of exploitant van nieuw of om te bouwen
schelpdieren opslag systemen en kwekrijen, welke milieuvriendelijk en
diervriendelijken efficient opgezet worden. door gebruik van innovatieve
automatisering.
HESY Aquaculture is one of the world's leading companies in design and turn- all fish species
key delivery of Recirculation aquaculture systems and conducts this
worldwide. HESY has a large and well documented reference list which
document more than 30 years of experience in design, installations and
service of intensive re-circulation fish farms.

??

No

RAS fish farms
hatcheries

Yes

Education & research
MSc &PhD students
aquaculture and
fisheries training

yes

RAS fish farms
production units

yes

fish feed consultancy

yes

WUR, Wageningen University Wageningen University & Research (WUR) has a staff of 6,500 and 10,000
shellfish
students from over 100 countries. They work everywhere around the world all fish species
& Research
(a) WMR
in the domain of food and living environment. The strength of WUR lies in seaweed

4

Marnix Poelman
marnix.poelman@ wur.nl
+31 317 487035
(b) Aquaculture&Fisheries Dept
Johan Verreth
johan.verreth@ wur.nl
+31 317 483.510 / 483.307
(c) CDI
Peter van der Heijden
peter.vanderheijden@ wur.nl
+ 31 317 481.394
(d) DLO
Lolke Sijtsma
lolke.sijtsma@ wur.nl
+31 317 480.220
(e) Animal Breeding and Genetics
Hans Komen
hans.komen@ wur.nl
+31 317 482.465

5 ACE

R ene R emmers waal
Meulenveldt 4
5451 HV Mill
T he Netherlands
T +31 485 32 43 43
F info@ ace4all.com
www.ace4all.com

6 Aquaculture experience
Staatsspoor 17
3994 VD Houten
T +31 30 63 81 790
hboon@ aquaculture-experience.com
www.aquaculture-experience.com

7 Catvis BV
Martin Ooms
Veemarktkade 8
5222 AE Den Bosch
The Netherlands
T +31 73 6213323
catvis@ catvis.nl
www.catvis.nl

Products or services Interest

Aqua-Spark is a global investment fund based in Utrecht, the Netherlands
all aquaculture
investment fund
that makes investments in sustainable aquaculture businesses that generate related activities
investment returns, while creating positive social and environmental
impact. The fund invests in small to medium enterprises that are working
towards the production of safe, accessible aquatic life, such as fish, shellfish
and plants, in a way that does not harm the health of the planet.

joining forces of specialised research institutes and the university, leading
to scientific breakthroughs that can quickly be put into practice. The
scientific quality of WUR is affirmed by the prominent position we occupy in
international rankings and citation indexes. Institutes within the WUR with
relevance for aquaculture development in Morocco are: (a) WMR,
Wageningen Marine Research with expertise in all aspects of marine fisnfish
and shellfish farming and fishery, (b) Aquaculture and Fisheries
Department, with expertise in eduction (BSc, MSC and PhD) in aquaculture
and fisheries with a lot of expertise in Europe (RAS production systems and
hatcheries) and pond farming (Asia and Africa) and (c) CDI given annually
several courses for managers in aquaculture and fisheries all over the world.
Other relevant subsjects studied at the WUR are fish genetics (prof. dr Hans
Komen) and seaweed production (Dr Lolke Sytsma)

fish species
Aquaculture Consultancy & Engineering (ACE) is specialized in design and
construction of recirculation systems for aquaculture farms, as well as the
micro algae
supply of equipment needed for these farms. Hands-on experience is
available with marine and fresh water fish, but also with shrimp, lobster and
crab, shellfish and micro algae. ACE also provides full support to the clients
before and after the design and construction phase. ACE has broad
experience with all technical aspects of Recirculation Aquaculture Systems
(RAS).
all species
Aquaculture Experience has over 25 years experience in the international
aquaculture and aquafeed industry. Hans Boon has worked as general
manager, nutritionist, product manager, sales and marketing coordinator as
well as in export development at operational and corporate level. Hans
works on assignments like interim general manager of an aquafeed
company in Greece and Coordinator and technical-commercial advisor to
establish an aquafeed production unit for a Russian feed company,
developing export markets in Asia and support feed ingredient suppliers.
Catvis BV was founded in 1985, with initial activities in the design and supply all fish species
of recirculation systems for Catfish- hence our name- and soon after that for
other species as well. Numerous systems were designed and built in the
following years, both in The Netherlands as well as other countries. Catvis
also soon diversified into the marine farming sector, rapidly expanding
throughout the Mediterranean area. At present Catvis is known as a
versatile, yet specialized, supplier to the international aquaculture industry,
serving companies all over the world.

28 | Aquaculture business opportunities in Morocco for Dutch entrepreneurs

Larval feeds
yes
Equipment fish farms
Equipment off-shore farming

Coppens International BV was established in 1993. From the headquarters in all fish species
the Netherlands a team of experienced fish feed specialists develop highquality, innovative fish feed programs for almost every species of farmed
fish in all their development stages. Coppens is active in entire Europe and
beyond. The combination of quality-conscious, efficient staff and our
widespread network of specialized agents and distributors assures that 70
countries throughout the world are supplied with our feeds.

fish feeds

yes

Producer of seaweed seedlings. Strong in genetic improvement and
research of weeds.

seaweed

Production &
consultancy

?

Machinefabriek Bakker designs and manufactures special machinery and
installations for the shellfish industry since 1924. Supplying unique
installations for efficiently producing and processing shellfish. Bakker is
world leader in developing, fabricating and implementing installations
onboard fishing vessels. Bakker also designs and develops processing units
for shellfish working efficiently and economically, depending of the local
conditions. Bakker also optimises existing installations and after the full
project trajectory from concept to well considered fabrication.

shellfish
mussels

machinery on board
processing plants

yes

11 Seaweed Harvest Holland Seaweed Harvest Holland B.V. is a cooperation between de Zeeuwse
Zeewierhandel, (wild seaweed harvesting), Spennekot Group, (producer of
B.V.

seaweed

consultancy on all
aspects of production,
processing and trade of
seaweeds

yes

?

?

Til-Aqua International is a tilapia hatchery producing Natural Male Tilapia
tilapia
(NMT) and special Broodstock using the so-called YY-technology, resulting in
all-male Tilapia without the use of hormones. Silver and Red lines are pure
Oreochromis niloticus. Advantages of this Tilapia YY technology are: No use
of hormones, - Easy to useno difference with traditional broodstock, always
> 95% males in our Silver and Red strains, No ecological impact No decrease
in fish resistance caused by hormone treatment of tilapia fry

fingerlings

yes

EasyFarm is a complete system for the cultivation and harvesting of mussels mussels
in the vertical water column. Murre Technologies produces on-board rinsing
lines for mussel cutters. They are rinsed in the hoppers and later undersized
mussels are washed away. Murre Technologies distributes the product flow
on to various machines. It is important that this is done gently and without
causing damage. We have rotating scrapers, which have the advantage that
they always unload. We also build longitudinal scrapers, which distribute
the product in batches along the length of a conveyor belt.

on-board & onshore
machinary for
harvesting and
processing of mussels

yes

COSTA offers consultancy services in the fields of aquaculture and fisheries. all species
Aquaculture working experience includes production of catfish and eel in
RAS systems, tilapia farming, fish nutrition and pond shrimp farming. In
fishery work has been carried out on Nile perch and tilapia fisheries in Africa
and in The Netherlands on eel, pike-perch, mullet, mussels and cockles
fisheries. Next to training and research, COSTA writes business plans,
feasibility studies and project design & management.

training & research
yes
project design&management

Fleuren & Nooijen B.V. is a Dutch company established in 1985 as an African tilapia
catfish fingerling hatchery, supplying the growing African catfish culture
carp
sector in The Netherlands and Germany. In recent decades, designing and
catfish
constructing aquaculture recirculation systems (RAS), for both commercial as zebrafish
well as research purposes, and consultancy have become the main activities
of the company. Fleuren & Nooijen has also established a successful joint
venture in Kenya since 2010 (Jambo Fish Western Ltd.).

RAS fish farms
RAS research facilities
aquaculture equipment

8 Coppens
Jan-Cees van der Leek
P.O. Box 534
5700 AM Helmond
The Netherlands
+31 492 531 222
info@ coppens.com
www.coppens.com

9 Hortimare
Jan de Vries
J. Duikerweg 12 B
1703 DH Heerhugowaard
The Netherlands
T: +31 72 888 8768
E: info@ hortimare.com
www.hortimare.com

10 Machinefabriek Bakker
Dregweg 10
4401 LD - Yerseke
The Netherlands
info@ wbakker.nl
T +31-113-571521

www.wbakker.com

Kees Boender
Verseputseweg 38
4321 TD Kerkwerve
The Netherlands
info@ s ea weedha rves tholla nd.nl

t.+31 (0) 631165249
www.s ea weedha rves tholla nd.nl

12 Dutch Oyster Association

Dutch seaweed products), and Your Well (wholesaler in products based on
European seaweeds) and was founded in 2015. Seaweed Harvest Holland’s
mission is to cultivate in an innovative and sustainable way all year long
seaweed on different locations in the Eastern Scheldt and also to reproduce,
process and trade the cultivated seaweed. The seaweed will be offered to
health food and organic stores, fish and specialty shops, supermarkets,
restaurants, feed and fertilizing manufacturers, processing industry and
export. The ultimate goal: Everyone, every day some seaweed!
Organisation of Dutch oyster producers. Members might well be intersted in oysters
expanding their business to Morocco.

Jaap de Rooij
Nederlandse Oestervereniging
Postbus 124
4400 AC Yerseke
Telefoon: +31 (0)6 - 53 72 21 33
E-mail: info@ zeeuwseoesters.nl

13 Til-Aqua
Eric Bink
Bong 20
5941 NL Velden
The Netherlands
T +31493470225
info@ til-aqua.com
www.til-aqua.com

14 Murre Technologies B.V.
Jan Murre
Zuidweg 18-20
4413 NM Krabbendijke
The Netherlands
Tel. +31 (0) 113 - 50 30 80
E-mail info@ murre.nl
www.murre.nl

15 COSTA
Magnus van der Meer
Plevierenweide 38
6708 BW Wageningen
The Netherlands
T +31 6 1297,4176
magnusvandermeer@ gmail.com

16 Fleuren&Nooijen
Bert-Jan Roosendaal
Eindhovensebaan 9
6031NB Nederweert
The Netherlands
T +31 (0) 495 626163
info@ fleuren-nooijen.nl
www.fleuren-nooijen.nl

yes

Aquaculture business opportunities in Morocco for Dutch entrepreneurs | 29

17 SAS
Karin van de Braak
Kranestraat 99
5961 GX Horst
The Netherlands
T +31 (0)6 108 975 22
Karin@ sasnet.nl
www.sasnet.nl

18 Q-point BV
Victor Volkers
Zuidweg 38
2671 MN Naaldwijk
The Netherlands
T +31174282888
V.Volkers@ q-point-bv.nl
www.q-point-bv.nl

Sustainable Aquaculture Solutions (SAS) is founded by Karin van de Braak in all species
2005. Services by SAS enable more sustainable operations through
improving quality and productivity, improving market access, reducing risk,
and preparing and verifying compliance to sustainability standards (e.g. ASC,
GlobalGAP, MSC CoC).In a world with increasing limited natural resources
and a growing population, SAS is playing a role in raising more awareness,
developing innovative concepts and supplying effective and tailor-made
solutions for the aquaculture industry.

certification
labelling

yes

Q-Point is an advisory company, specialized in food safety, traceability, and all species
integrated quality management and value chain management. Our clients
include aquaculture firms, retail companies, trade associations and public
institutions. We guide aquaculture and agro-food chains in the
implementation of: (1) Quality management systems (ISO 9001, -14001, 22000, -17025, etc.) (2) Food safety systems (HACCP, BRC, IFS, GLOBAL GAP
fish, (3) Risk assessments, (4) ASC Sustainable Aquaculture System

certification systems
food safety systems

yes

fish feeds

?

Hendrix Genetics is a leading multi-species breeding company dedicated to trout
generating solutions for the animal protein sector. Hendrix Genetics is
active in more than 100 countries, with operations and joint ventures in 24
countries and more than 2,500 employees. Since 2011 Hendrix Genetics
owns two leading brands, Troutlodge and Landcatch, investing in 3
continents, delivering top genetics in over 60 countries. Troutlodge now
commands over 25% global market share in rainbow trout eggs.

genetics

yes ?

Holland Aqua offers consultancy and project management in aquaculture, air all species
and water treatment. We specialize in supply chain management, business
analyses, quality systems, grant applications and aquaculture engineering.
Holland Aqua assembles state of the art fish farms with low environmental
impact and high productivity, based on local production demands combining
local as well as imported materials. Holland Aqua represents 20 years of
experience in international aquaculture projects.

recirculations systems

yes

training & research

yes ?

The experience of Andries Kamstra in fish farming covers a period of 30
all species
years and started with an education in Fisheries & Aquaculture at
Wageningen University. In his career as a researcher he has been working on
a wide range of practice oriented subjects mainly supporting farmers and
often in an international setting. As an entrepreneur he has started and
managed a number of innovative fish farms which has given him a broad
perspective on all aspects of commercial fish farming.

consultancy

yes

Zeeland’s Roem is Europe’s largest seafood processor. Mussels, oysters and oysters
prawns play the leading roles. We constantly work on novel cultivation
mussels
methods, quality processes and optimal control of food safety. Large
capacity and precise climate control allow us to guarantee optimal
processing and packaging of our products. Researching the breeding and
cultivation of seafood on and offshore for many years resulted in the
construction of our own unique hatchery for crustaceans and shellfish.

production
trade

yes
no

VIQON Water Solutions is a consulting company founded in 2010 and has
all
since then realised projects in Europe, North America, Africa and the Middle
East. VIQON water solutions is specialised in fish farm engineering and
project realization. It has developed a unique denitrification system that
enables fish farmers to reduce water usage with more than 90%. This
feature gives farmers the opportunity to develop aquaculture projects in
region with limited water supply or to consider marine applications.

recirculations systems

yes

19 De Heus Animal Nutrition De Heus Animal Nutrition is an international organization with a leading
Rubenstraat 175
6717 VE Ede
The Netherlands
T +31 (0)318 675 500
info@ deheus.com
www.deheus.com

20 Hendrix Genetics BV
Neil Manchester
Spoorstraat 69
5830 AC Boxmeer
The Netherlands
T +31 485 801911
Neil.Manchester@ hendrix-genetics.com

position in the animal feed industry. De Heus was founded in 1911. Since
then, it has been our goal to help our customers move forward. During that
time, De Heus Animal Nutrition has evolved from being a one-man business
to one of the top animal nutrition suppliers worldwide. We now have
production locations all over the world where we produce our nutritional
products. After more than a 100 years the company is still owned and
managed by the De Heus family.

fish species

www.hendrix-genetics.com

21 Holland Aqua BV
Frans Aartsen
F loras traat 6
5715 AK Lierop
The Netherlands
T +31492 776089
F info@ hollandaqua.nl
www.hollandaqua.nl

22 HZ University of Applied Sciences The HZ University of Applied Sciences has been active in the field of practice- fish species
Jouke Heringa
Edisonweg 4
4382 NW Vlissingen
The Netherlands
T +31 118 489473
F jouke.heringa@ hz.nl
www.deltaacademy.nl

23 Kamstra Consult
Andries Kamstra
Grote Buitendijk 296
1991 SX Velserbroek
The Netherlands
T +31 6 25036576
andries.kamstra@ ziggo.nl
www

24 Roem van Yerseke
Pieter Gijssen
Roem van Yerseke B.V.
Groeninx van Zoelenstraat 35
4401 KZ Yerseke
The Netherlands
Tel +31 (0)113 57 77 00
info@ roemvanyerseke.nl
www.zeelandsroem.nl

25 Viqon
Victor Bierbooms
Burgemeester Krollaan 93
5707 BB Helmond
The Netherlands
T +316 53250229
victor@ viqon.com
www.viqon.com

oriented aquaculture research for 12 years. The Group cooperates with
shellfish species
regional aquaculture companies and institutes and has a body of knowledge
in saline sustainable aquaculture. We mainly work with halophytes,
polychaetes, micro- and macro algae and shellfish. Research is done in close
collaboration with the aquaculture industry (mostly SME’s). We have state
of the art experimental facilities and modern laboratories.

30 | Aquaculture business opportunities in Morocco for Dutch entrepreneurs

26 Prins & Dingemanse
Postbus 63
4400 AB Yerseke
Korringaweg 39
4401 NT Yerseke
+31 (0)113 572 910
info@ prinsendingemanse.com

27 Anova Seafood BV
Hambakenwetering 3
5231 DD 's-Hertogenbosch
THE NETHERLANDS
Phone: +31 73 7502000
E-mail:anova@ anovaseafood.nl
www.anovaseafood.com

28 Skal Biocontrole
Kantoorgebouw "Leickert"
Dr. Klinkertweg 28a
8025 BS Zwolle
The Netherlands
tel.: 038-426 8181
http://www.skal.nl

29 Noordzeeboerderij
Eef Brouwers
eefbrouwers @ noordzeeboerderij.nl

+31(0)6 24 56 55 46
www.noordzeeboerderij.nl

30 Skretting
Hans Vink
hans.vink@ nutreco.com
+31 485 589 499
+31 653 847 604

31 Biomar
Joost Blom
Sales Manager
Email: job@ biomar.dk
Tel: +31 621 29 38 81 /
Fax: +31 180 64 90 72

Prins & Dingemanse is based in Yerseke, the centre of shellfish farming in
mussels
the Netherlands. We farm oysters and mussels since 1880. 137 years of
oysters
dealing respectfully with pure, natural products is reflected in our working palourdes
method and in the broad range of quality products. We always look for the
best products in our own cultivation, but also elsewhere in the world. Next
to mussels and oysters our shellfish assortment consists of many other shell
fishes like cockles and palourdes from the Mediterranean.

production
trade

At Anova Seafood, we believe we can make pure & responsible fish choices tilapia
accessible for every consumer and provide a sound income for our
fishermen and seafood farmers. By continuously leading the way in
sustainability and innovation, we create reliable and performance driven
value chains. The Anova assortment includes an extended range of natural
fish products. We trade in over 20 species, among them tilapia, Nile perch,
seabass and sea bream. We source our seafood from all over the world.

trade

?

De volgende vormen van aquacultuur kunnen biologisch worden
all species
gecertificeerd: het kweken van vis, weekdieren als mosselen en oesters,
maar ook zeewier en algen. In het verleden mochten biologische microalgen alleen gebruikt worden als ingrediënt voor biologisch veevoer,
tegenwoordig mag het ook gebruikt worden in biologische levensmiddelen.
Op onze website kunt u alles vinden over de eisen die gesteld worden aan
de verschillende soorten biologische aquacultuur.

certification

?

Seaweed forms the basis for a promising blue-green economy; local,
seaweed
sustainable, healthy and new opportunity for the European economy. It
offers an extraordinary offshore and onshore opportunity and is applicable
to a wide variety of categories such as tasty food, renewable resources and
important ecosystem services. The North Sea Farm Foundation is a nonprofit organisation aimed at realising a sustainable seaweed industry in the
Netherlands and surrounding EU countries

consultancy

yes

Skretting is the global leader in providing innovative and sustainable
fish and shrimp
nutritional solutions for the aquaculture industry. We deliver outstanding
feeds and services worldwide for sustainable production of healthy and
delicious fish and shrimp. Skretting is active in several African countries, e.g.
Nigeria, Zambia and Egypt.

fish feed

?

BioMar is one of the leading suppliers of high performance fish feed to the fish and shrimp
aquaculture industry worldwide. In addition to the production facilities,
BioMar also has numerous research and development facilities of its own,
covering diverse geographical locations with production facilities across the
globe. The factory in Spain is located in Duenãs near Valladolid in the central
part of Spain. It primarily serves the Iberian Peninsula and produces feed for
among other species trout, sea bass, sea bream, meagre and turbot.

fish feed

?

no / ?

Aquaculture business opportunities in Morocco for Dutch entrepreneurs | 31

32 | Aquaculture business opportunities in Morocco for Dutch entrepreneurs

II | Aquaculture business opportunities in Morocco for Dutch entrepreneurs

This is a publication of:
Netherlands Enterprise Agency
Prinses Beatrixlaan 2
PO Box 93144 | 2509 AC The Hague
T +31 (0) 88 042 42 42
E klantcontact@rvo.nl
www.rvo.nl
This publication was commissioned by the ministry of Foreign Affairs
© Netherlands Enterprise Agency | June 2018
Publication number: RVO-067-1801/RP-INT
NL Enterprise Agency is a department of the Dutch ministry
of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy that implements
government policy for Agricultural, sustainability, innovation,
and international business and cooperation. NL Enterprise
Agency is the contact point for businesses, educational
institutions and government bodies for information and advice,
financing, networking and regulatory matters.
Netherlands Enterprise Agency is part of the ministry of
Economic Affairs and Climate Policy.