Morocco and Russia have begun implementing a new fisheries agreement, solidifying a growing economic partnership between the two nations. The first session of the joint Russian-Moroccan commission on fisheries concluded in Rabat on March 3, 2026, marking the official start of the accord signed October 17, 2025.
Delegations from both countries reviewed initial results and outlined operational plans for future fishing seasons. The agreement establishes a “solid legal basis for the implementation of promising areas of cooperation in the fisheries sector,” according to a statement released following the meeting. It governs the activity of Russian vessels operating in Moroccan-jurisdictional Atlantic waters.
Russian Fleet Focuses on Pelagic Species
Ilya Shestakov, head of the Russian Federal Agency for Fisheries, stated that “Russia is increasing its catches in the Atlantic fishing zone of Morocco,” adding that “our vessels will continue their activity this year, and at this stage, fishermen are preparing to commence the campaign.”
Russian companies are prioritizing the capture of pelagic species, including mackerel and horse mackerel, Shestakov said. He also noted that “projects are also being considered in the field of training personnel for the fisheries complex and scientific research.” This focus on small pelagics underscores the importance of this segment to industrial catches.
Scientific Collaboration and Educational Opportunities
Shestakov also highlighted “the importance of the results of the Great African Expedition for the development of fisheries.” Work conducted in 2024 and 2025, he said, “made it possible to obtain an objective picture of the state of the marine ecosystem of the Kingdom of Morocco and to develop scientifically sound recommendations.”
The parties agreed to annual expeditions to assess the renewal of small pelagic fish stocks. Russia has also awarded “50 scholarships for Moroccan citizens for the 2025-2026 academic year and 50 additional scholarships for 2026-2027,” with plans to continue providing a similar number of scholarships for 2027-2028 to support training at Russian fisheries institutions. The scholarship program demonstrates a commitment to long-term collaboration and capacity building within Morocco’s fisheries sector.
