Morocco’s octopus population grows after fishing controls
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Moroccan authorities reported a 13% increase in octopus stock following the end of the summer fishing season on September 10.
The National Institute of Fisheries Research (INRH) assessed the improvement after the State Secretariat implemented measures to limit fishing pressure and protect octopus breeding grounds over several years. This growth allowed officials to increase the fishing quota for the Boujdour area by 21% for the 2026 season, basing the decision on scientific data.
Fishing activity rose overall during the season, with traditional fishing in Dakhla increasing production by 11% compared to 2025, and Boujdour seeing a 5% increase. Coastal fishing south of Sidi Ghazi, a city in Morocco, experienced a 24% rise in production. To further protect the octopus population, the State Secretariat introduced restrictions during the season.
They banned fishing south of 22°42′ N latitude starting August 19 and prohibited bottom trawling within 18 nautical miles of the coast between Sidi Ghazi and 22°42′ N latitude from August 28 to September 10. The Secretariat will continue to use scientific assessments from INRH to manage fishing and ensure the octopus population can recover.
