Dakhla Port's Q1 Fishing Haul Soars 46%, Boosting Local Economy

In an impressive demonstration of resilience, the port of Dakhla experienced a remarkable 46% surge in coastal and small-scale fishing landings during the first quarter of 2024, as reported by the National Fisheries Office (ONP). This surge amounted to an astounding 22,918 tonnes, significantly surpassing the 15,731 tonnes recorded during the same period last year.

The financial impact of this abundant catch was equally notable, with the market value of these products increasing by 15% to a substantial 213.14 million dirhams. This marked a significant leap from the 184.81 million dirhams recorded at the end of March 2023. Undoubtedly, this surge in revenue has injected a much-needed boost into the local economy, emphasizing the indispensable role of the fishing industry in the region.

Delving into specifics, the report revealed a remarkable 93% surge in pelagic fish landings at the Dakhla port, reaching 17,594 tonnes with an estimated value of 97.56 million dirhams. This contrasts starkly with the 9,120 tonnes worth 50.56 million dirhams recorded during the same period the previous year, highlighting the exceptional abundance of these species.

However, not all sectors experienced such resounding success. Cephalopod landings plummeted by a staggering 55%, declining to a mere 2 tonnes valued at 142,000 dirhams, representing a substantial 73% decrease in revenue compared to the previous year. Similarly, crustacean landings took a hit, dropping by 68% to 31 tonnes, generating revenues of more than 4.58 million dirhams, a 69% decline from the previous year.

On a national scale, the report indicated that landings of marketed coastal and small-scale fishing products reached 181,280 tonnes by the end of March 2024, representing a 14% decrease compared to the same period a year earlier. Nonetheless, the value of these landings remained relatively stable, amounting to nearly 3 billion dirhams, marking only a modest 2% dip from the previous year's figures, according to the ONP.

As the fishing industry continues to navigate the ebbs and flows of nature's bounty, the resounding success witnessed in Dakhla serves as a beacon of hope, underscoring the resilience and adaptability of this vital economic sector in the face of ever-changing circumstances.