Morocco and Russia have clarified the allocation of pelagic fishing quotas granted to the Russian fleet in Moroccan Atlantic waters for 2026, within the framework of their ongoing fisheries cooperation agreement. This update is part of Rabat’s strategy to strictly regulate access to resources, following the strengthening of the Russian-Moroccan fisheries partnership after the decline of the European presence.
A Long-Term Agreement
Morocco and Russia are bound by a maritime fisheries agreement that authorizes the exploitation of small pelagic fish (sardines, sardinellas, mackerel, horse mackerel) by Russian vessels in the Moroccan Atlantic.
This partnership has been renewed on a multi-year basis, with Morocco retaining the prerogative to set the annual catch quotas granted to the Russian fleet.
Fishing quotas for 2026
For the 2026 fiscal year, Rabat and Moscow have specified the allocation of pelagic quotas for Russian vessels, in order to guarantee controlled and scientifically monitored exploitation of stocks.
The quotas are allocated by fishing zone, species type, and time of year, taking into account the recommendations of the fisheries research institutes of both countries and the biological rest periods.
Moroccan sovereignty and strategic stakes
Through this framework, Morocco reaffirms its sovereignty over its Atlantic waters, including off the coast of the southern provinces, and its exclusive right to set the conditions of access to fisheries resources.
This partnership with Russia is part of a strategy to diversify Rabat’s economic alliances beyond the European framework alone, particularly following the questioning of fishing agreements with the European Union.
Economic Dimension and Financial Benefits
The fishing agreements concluded with Moscow authorize the payment of an annual financial contribution by Russia, in addition to royalties proportional to catches, which were estimated at around tens of thousands of tons of small pelagic fish per year in previous agreements.
Beyond these revenues, the activity of Russian vessels in Moroccan ports generates local economic benefits through provisioning, logistics, port services, and employment opportunities for Moroccan seafarers.
Resource Sustainability and Scientific Cooperation
The quota framework for 2026 also addresses a sustainability imperative, with an emphasis on preserving marine ecosystems and combating overfishing and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
The Moroccan-Russian partnership includes enhanced scientific cooperation between specialized institutions in both countries to monitor the status of pelagic stocks, refine assessments, and adjust future quota levels as needed.
