Morocco and Russia Sign New 4-Year Fishing Agreement, Allowing Russian Vessels in Moroccan Waters

As soon as they took office, the two ministers in charge of Fisheries set about renewing the fisheries cooperation between the two countries. This new agreement is established for a period of four years and is the 8th of its kind since 1992, it is indicated. It sets up the legal framework that allows a fleet of 10 Russian vessels to fish for small pelagic species in Moroccan waters beyond 15 nautical miles.

It also aims at scientific and technical cooperation for the monitoring of the pelagic ecosystem in Moroccan waters between the National Institute of Fisheries Research and its Russian counterpart. Thanks to this agreement, Moroccan students can benefit from scholarships for training in Russian institutes specialized in maritime fishing, the press release specifies.

While this agreement grants Moroccan fishermen job opportunities at a rate of 16 sailors per vessel, it also provides for an annual financial contribution representing the right of access to the resource, the annual royalty and the regulatory fees for fishing licenses.