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.

IN FULL

World’s leading sardine exporter halts frozen supplies to rest of world