RABAT, Morocco – In a move to tackle escalating seafood prices and ensure affordability for consumers, Morocco's Ministry of Maritime Fisheries has successfully distributed 2,150 tons of frozen fish since launching its initiative on February 22nd. The program, designed to combat public outrage over inflated fish costs, aims to distribute over 4,000 tons of seafood across the nation.

The initiative has expanded its reach to more than 40 cities, including major urban centers like Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech, as well as remote areas accessed by mobile fish caravans. This expansion ensures that citizens across Morocco, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan, have access to affordable seafood.

The initiative has proven highly popular, with sales points averaging 400 customers daily. The strong demand is attributed to public trust in the quality and transparent pricing of the frozen fish, all of which undergo rigorous safety inspections by the National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA).

The need for this intervention arose following widespread discontent over fish prices, sparked by a Marrakech resident who sold sardines at a significantly lower price than the market average, accusing middlemen of price gouging. This incident highlighted the discrepancy between wholesale and retail prices, prompting the government to take action.

Looking ahead, the ministry plans to further expand distribution through improved logistics and enhanced coordination among fishing industry stakeholders. This effort aims to maintain a consistent supply of affordable seafood throughout Ramadan, ensuring that Moroccan families can access essential nutrients at reasonable prices.