Morocco’s Blue Future: How Aquaculture Can Power Growth and Jobs – World Bank Group

Report on the Development of Morocco’s Marine Aquaculture Sector and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Introduction

The Kingdom of Morocco is strategically developing its marine aquaculture sector as a key driver for economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development. Leveraging its extensive coastline and rich marine ecosystems, the nation is positioning aquaculture to significantly contribute to achieving several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This report outlines the current state, strategic objectives, and international support for Morocco’s burgeoning Blue Economy, with a specific focus on its alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

2.0 Strategic Objectives and Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Morocco has established ambitious targets for its aquaculture sector, aiming to increase production from the current 3,600 tons to 300,000 tons and create 30,000 jobs within the next decade. These objectives directly support the following SDGs:

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The creation of 30,000 new jobs will provide significant employment opportunities and stimulate economic activity in coastal communities.
• SDG 2: Zero Hunger: By increasing the domestic supply of sustainable seafood, Morocco aims to enhance food security, improve nutrition, and reduce reliance on seafood imports.
• SDG 14: Life Below Water: The development of a regulated and sustainable aquaculture industry promotes the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources, mitigating pressure on wild fish stocks.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: The expansion of the sector, particularly in innovative areas like seaweed farming, drives bio-innovation and the development of resilient value chain infrastructure.

3.0 Enabling Environment and Regulatory Framework

To facilitate sustainable growth, the Moroccan government has implemented a series of foundational reforms and created a supportive enabling environment. These measures are crucial for achieving responsible production patterns as outlined in SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

3.1 Key Government Initiatives

1. Zonal Mapping: Identification and mapping of the most suitable zones for aquaculture development to optimize land and resource use.
2. Regulatory Modernization: Establishment of a modern regulatory framework to govern the sector, ensuring environmental sustainability and investment security.
3. Market Access: Strengthening of trade links to provide Moroccan aquaculture products with access to global seafood markets.
4. Licensing and Expansion: Issuance of licenses for 322 farms, targeting a combined initial annual output of over 124,000 tons.

4.0 International Partnerships and Investment

International collaboration is a cornerstone of Morocco’s strategy, reflecting a commitment to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The World Bank Group is a key partner in advancing the nation’s Blue Economy.

4.1 World Bank Group Support

• Program for Results: A $350 million program focused on building a climate-resilient Blue Economy, which has already yielded results in the sustainable management of marine resources and restoration of coastal ecosystems.
• PROBLUE Multi-Donor Trust Fund: A $5 million grant to complement the main program.
• North Africa Blue Economy Program Phase II: Provides targeted technical assistance to the National Agency for the Development of Aquaculture (ANDA), including training on sustainable shrimp farming and developing a roadmap for seaweed farming.
• Private Sector Mobilization: The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is leading efforts to assess investment opportunities, reduce risks, and boost private sector participation in the sector. Investment opportunities are projected to exceed USD$1 billion this year.

5.0 Sectoral Innovation and Case Studies

Innovative ventures are demonstrating the viability of sustainable aquaculture and its potential to contribute to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

5.1 Shrimp Farming: VitaminSea Morocco

VitaminSea Morocco, a pilot farm supported by the Blue Economy Program, currently produces 60 tons of shrimp annually for the local market. The company aims to scale production fivefold to 300 tons per year and establish a local production unit to become a competitive player in regional and global markets.

5.2 Seaweed Farming: SETEXAM

Seaweed farming is emerging as a cornerstone of Morocco’s bio-innovation. Seaweed has diverse applications in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, bioenergy, and climate solutions. SETEXAM, a family-owned company, is leveraging support from the Blue Economy Program to experiment with e-commerce and scale up production to unlock the full potential of this resource.

6.0 Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite tangible progress, the sector faces challenges that constrain production efficiency and scalability. Overcoming these hurdles is essential for realizing the full potential of the Blue Economy and its contribution to the SDGs.

6.1 Identified Challenges

• Gaps in hatchery and nursery infrastructure.
• Insufficient local production of specialized feed.
• Limited cold storage and processing facilities.

With continued commitment, investment, and strong partnerships, Morocco is on track to establish itself as a regional leader in sustainable aquaculture. The development of its Blue Economy represents a clear pathway toward achieving long-term economic prosperity and environmental resilience for future generations, in full alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in Morocco’s Aquaculture Sector

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The article highlights Morocco’s efforts to increase its aquaculture production to meet rising domestic seafood consumption. This directly addresses the goal of ensuring access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food by stabilizing the domestic supply and reducing reliance on imports.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The development of marine aquaculture is presented as a “new engine for growth, innovation and jobs.” The article explicitly mentions a national goal of creating 30,000 jobs and boosting exports, which aligns with promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth and productive employment.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The article discusses building a “modern regulatory framework,” addressing infrastructure gaps in “hatcheries, feed mills, cold storage, and processing facilities,” and fostering innovation through seaweed farming for new products like cosmetics and bioenergy. This connects to building resilient infrastructure and promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The initiative is framed as building a “climate-resilient Blue Economy.” The article mentions specific actions like the “restoration of coastal forests and dunes” and improving “protection of communities against flooding and erosion,” which are direct measures to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards.
5. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • This is a central theme. The entire initiative is based on the sustainable use of marine resources. The article emphasizes the “sustainable management of marine and coastal resources” and “protecting marine ecosystems” as key components of the Blue Economy program, directly aligning with the goal to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources.
6. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The article details a multi-stakeholder collaboration involving the Kingdom of Morocco, the National Agency for the Development of Aquaculture (ANDA), the World Bank Group (including the IFC and PROBLUE Multi-Donor Trust Fund), and private sector companies like VitaminSea Morocco and SETEXAM. This exemplifies the partnerships needed to achieve sustainable development.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round.
   • The article connects to this target by describing how increased aquaculture can help in “reducing seafood imports and stabilizing domestic supply” to meet rising demand driven by “population growth and awareness of seafood’s health benefits.”
2. Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all.
   • This is directly addressed by Morocco’s stated goal of creating “30,000 jobs within the next decade” through the expansion of the aquaculture sector.
3. Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure.
   • The article implies this target by identifying current challenges and “gaps in hatcheries, feed mills, cold storage, and processing facilities” that need to be addressed for the sector to scale up.
4. Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
   • The World Bank’s support for a “climate-resilient Blue Economy” includes activities like the “restoration of coastal forests and dunes, and improved protection of communities against flooding and erosion,” which directly contribute to this target.
5. Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts.
   • The article’s emphasis on “sustainable management of marine and coastal resources” and “protecting marine ecosystems” as part of the Blue Economy program directly aligns with this target.
6. Target 14.7: By 2030, increase the economic benefits from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism.
   • The entire article focuses on this target by detailing Morocco’s strategy to develop its aquaculture sector to “boost exports,” attract over “$1 billion” in investment, and create a new “engine for growth.”
7. Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.
   • The collaboration between the Moroccan government, the World Bank, and private companies is a clear example of the multi-stakeholder partnerships this target aims to foster.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Aquaculture Production Volume (in tons):
   • The article provides a baseline (“current production of 3,600 tons”), an intermediate target (“total annual output of over 124,000 tons” from licensed farms), and a long-term goal (“reaching 300,000 tons”). This is a direct indicator of growth in the sector.
2. Number of Jobs Created:
   • A specific target is mentioned: “30,000 jobs within the next decade.” This is a key performance indicator for SDG 8.
3. Amount of Investment Mobilized (in USD):
   • The article mentions that “investment opportunities are expected to exceed USD$1 billion” and notes a “$350 million Program for Results” from the World Bank. This measures financial commitment and partnership effectiveness.
4. Number of Licensed Aquaculture Farms:
   • The article states there are currently “322 licensed farms.” Tracking this number over time can indicate the expansion of infrastructure and private sector participation.
5. Area of Restored Coastal Ecosystems:
   • While no specific number is given, the mention of “restoration of coastal forests and dunes” implies that the area restored could be used as an indicator to measure progress on climate resilience and ecosystem health (SDG 13 and SDG 14).

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: worldbank.org