The port of Agadir prepares for the return of the industrial fishing fleet from the octopus zone.

Preparations continue at an accelerated pace at the port of Agadir to accommodate the expected return of the industrial fishing fleet from the high seas, as the winter octopus fishing season draws to a close, with the season ending on Wednesday, September 9, and the biological rest period beginning at the first hour of Thursday, September 10.

These preparations are part of a seasonal phase of particular importance for the port ecosystem and the region’s maritime economy, given the volume of traffic that accompanies the ships’ return and the human and logistical resources it requires, along with safety conditions and the smooth flow of berthing, unloading and handling operations. Port authorities and stakeholders are implementing precise organisational measures through continuous coordination aimed at securing the vessels’ return and managing operations under the best possible conditions, while facilitating the work of crews and handling companies.

This approach has been reinforced by a series of coordination meetings that brought together the various services and stakeholders, during which practical arrangements were reviewed and a final organisational plan was drafted, drawing on previous experience. The adopted measures include tightening traffic control inside the port and on the quays, closing several access points to private vehicles to ensure safety of handling operations at the sixth quay and the fishing triangle, mobilising the necessary personnel for monitoring and organising entries and exits, assigning clear routes to trucks and equipment, and enhancing signage across the port facilities.

The majority of fishing vessels are expected to start arriving at the outskirts of Agadir port from Saturday, September 12 2026, with some units opting to reduce the number of remaining fishing days in order to secure priority berthing and unloading and to avoid a collective surge on port facilities. Professionals say this practice reflects a notable evolution in the organisation of this phase, now almost routine thanks to accumulated experience and an ingrained culture of coordination among authorities, administrations, shipowners and professionals.

Despite this organisational shift, maritime and port safety remains the top priority, both during berthing, unloading and handling operations and in the subsequent phase marked by the launch of maintenance and repair works. The port’s captaincy emphasized the need to respect the set schedule and the applicable rules, avoiding any behaviour that could endanger people, equipment or navigation, recalling the provisions of Law No. 18.71 on port policing.

In the same vein, the State Secretariat for Maritime Fisheries announced the official cessation of octopus fishing in the southern zone at the end of the day on Wednesday, September 9, a decision that has revived debate on the management of the biological rest period in this area, pending a final position on the sectors north of Boujdour.

Source: Albahr News