Ocean Crisis Threatens French Sardine Industry

For several months now, cans of sardines have been gradually disappearing from the shelves of French supermarkets, and it is "the entry-level ranges" that are the first to be affected. "All food retailers are affected, from Auchan to Intermarché," reports Le Journal du dimanche. Supermarkets are finding that this product, highly appreciated by the French for its richness in omega 3 and vitamin D, is becoming increasingly rare. "The vast majority of sardines consumed in France come from Moroccan waters, before being shipped to the Breton canneries," explain the industrialists. However, the Moroccan fishing areas are experiencing "extreme climatic conditions and the migration of shoals to deeper areas," which seriously complicates the capture of the usual quantities.

"Morocco, the main supplier, has seen its catches decrease by nearly 40% between 2022 and 2024" due to the warming of the Atlantic waters and the decrease in the plankton on which the sardines feed, according to a source close to the sector. Christian Racle, president of the Confederation of Fish Canners, warns that "the price per kilo of sardines could double if the situation persists." He recalls that each year, France processes "about 20,000 tons of sardines, the majority of which come from Morocco and Portugal." French fishermen are not spared either, with "a 50% drop in yield in certain areas of the Bay of Biscay."

The famous Breton canneries like Chancerelle or Gonidec speak of "stocks on the verge of depletion." To make up for the shortfall, some companies plan to import sardines from South America, but these fish are considered "less tasty and less rich in essential fatty acids." For professionals in the sector, "the sardine is a French cultural and gastronomic marker." They regret that "the increased dependence on Moroccan waters has weakened the industry." For their part, experts from the French Research Institute for the Exploitation of the Sea are calling for "better regulation of catches and strengthened cooperation with Morocco" to save the sector.