Rabat, October 18, 2025 – The Europe Today: Morocco and Russia have signed a new maritime fisheries cooperation agreement, replacing the previous deal that expired in 2024. The agreement was signed by Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita and Ilya Shestakov, Head of Russia’s Federal Fisheries Agency, on the sidelines of the 8th Morocco-Russia Intergovernmental Joint Commission.
The newly signed accord establishes the legal framework and operational arrangements enabling Russian vessels to operate in Morocco’s Atlantic waters in full compliance with Moroccan regulations. It also stipulates annual catch quotas that must not be exceeded, with a strong emphasis on safeguarding marine ecosystems, preventing overfishing, and combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
In addition to regulating fishing activities, the agreement aims to strengthen Morocco’s fisheries sector by promoting job creation for Moroccan seafarers aboard Russian vessels and supporting the development of related industries in Morocco’s southern ports.
Under the new framework, both countries have committed to enhancing cooperation in maritime education and training. This includes offering scholarships and exchange opportunities for Moroccan students and professionals at specialized Russian maritime institutions.
Russia has repeatedly acknowledged the strategic significance of the marine fisheries sector, highlighting the mutual benefits derived from sustained cooperation with Morocco. Since 1992, the two nations have maintained a series of fisheries agreements, with the latest one in 2020 allowing 10 Russian vessels to fish for small pelagic species beyond 15 nautical miles from Morocco’s coast.
The signing of this new agreement comes amid growing optimism regarding the potential renewal of a fishing partnership between Morocco and the European Union. Earlier this month, Spain’s Minister of Agriculture, Luis Planas, expressed confidence that a new EU-Morocco fishing deal would be concluded in the near future, despite ongoing legal and political challenges.
In response to such developments, Morocco has reiterated that any future agreements with international partners must fully respect the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, including over its southern provinces. On October 3, the EU and Morocco signed an exchange of letters amending their existing accord, reaffirming that agricultural products originating from Morocco’s southern regions will continue to enjoy preferential access to European markets.
