World’s leading sardine exporter halts frozen supplies to rest of world
Why Morocco is pausing frozen sardine exports
- Morocco, the world's leading sardine exporter, will halt frozen sardine exports from 1 February to safeguard domestic supplies and contain prices.
- The decision was confirmed by Zakia Driouich, the cabinet member for fisheries, who cited a 'noticeable drop in supply' as the primary reason.
- Sardines are a staple for Moroccan households, and pelagic species, including sardines, comprise around 80 per cent of the country's coastal fish resources.
- Official data shows that Morocco's sardine landings dropped by 46 per cent in 2024, reaching 525,000 metric tons.
- The decline in fish levels is attributed to factors such as climate change, overfishing, and pollution, with warmer ocean temperatures impacting fish movement and food sources.