Advancing Marine Aquaculture in Morocco
A recent report from the World Bank Group (WBG) strongly advocates for Morocco to proceed with the establishment of regulations that allow the controlled incorporation of rendered animal proteins (RAPs) into aquaculture feed formulations. This recommendation is part of the WBG's newly released document titled "Morocco: Country Private Sector Diagnostic," which underscores the authorization of RAPs as a crucial reform aimed at enhancing the competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience of Morocco's burgeoning marine aquaculture industry.
The North American Renderers Association (NARA) has expressed its support for the findings of the report, with President and CEO Kent Swisher emphasizing the significance of this international endorsement. He stated, "This is an important international validation of the role rendered animal proteins can play in supporting sustainable aquaculture and global food security." The report aligns with longstanding scientific and industry observations that have recognized RAPs as safe and sustainable feed ingredients that can optimize costs, bolster resilience, and further circular economy objectives.
Regulatory Changes Needed for Growth
As highlighted in the report, feed costs constitute a significant portion—ranging from 50% to 75%—of the operational expenses in marine aquaculture. However, Morocco's stringent limitations on the use of RAPs restrict flexibility in feed formulation, leading to an increased dependence on fishmeal and imported soybean meal while exposing producers to the volatility of international prices. The report estimates that these restrictions contribute to feed costs in Morocco being 15% to 20% higher than those in competing Mediterranean nations.
The WBG has specifically recommended that Moroccan authorities issue the necessary ministerial order to implement Decree No. 2-23-557 of 2024. This order would permit the controlled use of approved RAPs in aquafeeds, subject to rigorous sanitary, traceability, and quality standards overseen by Morocco’s National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA). The report further asserts that properly formulated RAPs can safely replace 30% to 50% of fishmeal in diets for seabass and seabream, without compromising growth performance or product quality.
The inclusion of this recommendation in a prominent World Bank strategy document is particularly noteworthy, reflecting extensive technical reviews and dialogue with Moroccan regulatory bodies and aquaculture stakeholders. Dana Johnson Downing, NARA’s Senior Vice President of International Programs, articulated the importance of this recognition, stating, "It demonstrates growing international acknowledgment that rendered animal proteins are a vital component of sustainable feed systems." The findings underscore that with the appropriate sanitary controls and regulatory oversight, the use of RAPs can align seamlessly with Morocco’s existing food safety and animal health frameworks, ensuring ONSSA's continued supervision of approvals and compliance.
NARA views this recommendation as a significant advancement toward the modernization of regulations in Morocco and anticipates that it could facilitate future trade prospects involving U.S.-origin rendered animal proteins. The report also indicates that the marine aquaculture sector in Morocco has the potential to attract around $1.96 billion in private investment and generate approximately 75,000 direct and indirect jobs in the medium term, provided that essential reforms—including streamlined permitting processes, improved coordination of marine and land-based aquaculture infrastructures, and the authorization of RAPs in feed—are implemented effectively.
As reported by provisioneronline.com.
