Russia seeks to nearly double fishing quota in Moroccan waters to 100,000 tons

Russia is seeking to increase its annual fishing quota in Moroccan waters to 100,000 tonnes, nearly double the 54,000 tonnes allocated for 2026, as a joint scientific expedition assesses fish stocks off Morocco’s Atlantic coast.

Russia’s Federal Fisheries Agency (Rosrybolovstvo) announced the potential increase Wednesday, October 28, during the third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, saying higher catches would depend on improved fishing conditions and approval by the joint Moroccan-Russian fisheries commission.

The current 54,000-tonne allocation covers the agreement’s first year and was distributed among Russian operators under a March 23, 2026, government order. The joint commission held its first meeting in February.

Russian vessels operating in Moroccan waters target four small pelagic species: sardines, mackerel, horse mackerel and anchovies.

To assess their populations, the Russian research vessel Atlantida began a 45-day expedition on October 26 after receiving authorization in Casablanca.

The mission includes 145 trawling operations and sampling at approximately 80 locations agreed with Moroccan authorities.

Forty Russian personnel, including 12 scientists, are participating alongside two Moroccan researchers. Their findings will inform the joint commission’s decisions on future fishing quotas.

The expedition follows Rosrybolovstvo’s recently completed Great African Expedition, conducted by research vessels affiliated with Russia’s fisheries and oceanography institute, VNIRO.

Russia has identified Morocco and Mauritania as priority partners for fishing cooperation in northwest Africa.

Unlike Morocco, where Russian catches are subject to annual quotas, Mauritania allows Russian operators to fish under commercial contracts without equivalent catch-volume limits.

The potential increase comes as Moscow seeks to expand its fisheries presence in African waters, with food security featuring prominently in this week’s Russia-Africa Summit.

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