Can’t get your favorite tinned sardines in Morocco? Starting February 1, the kingdom’s hitting pause on frozen sardine exports to tame skyrocketing prices and secure supplies for households hooked on this coastal staple.
Fisheries chief Zakia Driouich announced the ban Wednesday, sparked by plunging catches—2024 landings crashed 46% to 525,000 metric tons—while pelagic fish like sardines make up 80% of Morocco’s massive Atlantic/Mediterranean haul.
As the world’s top sardine exporter, Morocco faces domestic crunch after UNICOP’s June SOS on illegal fishing. No end date set, but it’s all about prioritizing locals over global markets.
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