VOW Plunder of Morocco’s fishing villages

In the quiet fishing villages of Taghazout and Tameaght, life revolves around the sea. For generations, families have set sail in small wooden boats, relying on the Atlantic’s bounty to sustain their communities. But now, these villages face an existential crisis, one brought about not by natural forces but by international agreements and the dominance of industrial fishing fleets.

The EU-Morocco fisheries agreements, often presented as mutually beneficial, have had devastating consequences for Morocco’s small-scale fishing communities. These deals grant access to EU fleets, primarily Spanish and Portuguese, to fish in Moroccan waters, including the disputed waters off Western Sahara. While these fleets operate with state-of-the-art technology and at industrial scales, the family-run boats of Taghazout and Tameaght are left struggling to compete.

In the quiet fishing villages of Taghazout and Tameaght, life revolves around the sea. For generations, families have set sail in small wooden boats, relying on the Atlantic’s bounty to sustain their communities. But now, these villages face an existential crisis, one brought about not by natural forces but by international agreements and the dominance of industrial fishing fleets.

The EU-Morocco fisheries agreements, often presented as mutually beneficial, have had devastating consequences for Morocco’s small-scale fishing communities. These deals grant access to EU fleets, primarily Spanish and Portuguese, to fish in Moroccan waters, including the disputed waters off Western Sahara. While these fleets operate with state-of-the-art technology and at industrial scales, the family-run boats of Taghazout and Tameaght are left struggling to compete.

A Struggle for Survival

For these traditional fishers, the agreements have had a profound impact. Fish stocks, already under pressure, are being depleted further by the industrial trawlers. Small boats that once returned with enough to support families and local markets now struggle to make ends meet. In some cases, fishers have been forced to lay up their boats entirely, unable to compete or sustain their livelihoods.

The promised financial compensation from the EU agreements does little to alleviate their struggles. Much of it is absorbed by large-scale projects or administrative costs, leaving the small-scale fishers and their families with little support. This has led to growing frustration in villages like Taghazout, where fishers talk of shrinking catches and increasing hardship, and Tameaght, where families are left wondering if they have any future at all in the fishing industry.

A Struggle for Survival

For these traditional fishers, the agreements have had a profound impact. Fish stocks, already under pressure, are being depleted further by the industrial trawlers. Small boats that once returned with enough to support families and local markets now struggle to make ends meet. In some cases, fishers have been forced to lay up their boats entirely, unable to compete or sustain their livelihoods.

The promised financial compensation from the EU agreements does little to alleviate their struggles. Much of it is absorbed by large-scale projects or administrative costs, leaving the small-scale fishers and their families with little support. This has led to growing frustration in villages like Taghazout, where fishers talk of shrinking catches and increasing hardship, and Tameaght, where families are left wondering if they have any future at all in the fishing industry.

Cultural Erosion

This is not just an economic issue—it is a cultural one. The fishing villages of Morocco are more than places of work; they are vibrant communities where traditions and skills are passed down through generations. Fishing is not simply a livelihood; it is a way of life.

The decline of small-scale fishing threatens to erode these traditions. Without their boats, many families are left disconnected from their heritage. The bustling harbours and lively markets of Taghazout and Tameaght are at risk of becoming quiet remnants of what they once were.

A Broader Pattern

The situation in Morocco mirrors challenges faced by fishing communities around the world. Just like the fishing communities across Wales and the United Kingdom, Morocco’s family-run fishing businesses are facing an uncertain future. The pressures of international agreements, dwindling fish stocks, and the dominance of industrial fleets are putting traditional ways of life at risk.

For the fishers of Taghazout and Tameaght, this is a battle to preserve their livelihoods and their cultural identity. It is a story of resilience in the face of mounting challenges—a story that resonates far beyond Morocco’s shores.

 

By Stan Robinson, Voice of Wales

Click on the button below, to view the different options on how you can support VOW.

Follow VOW on these socials