Net gains: Maghreb cooperation on fisheries and maritime resources

The Maghreb’s maritime domain—stretching from Mauritania’s rich Atlantic waters to Morocco’s coastline and Libya’s Mediterranean waters—offers both promise and peril. With shared fisheries, emerging offshore energy projects, and the constant challenge of maritime security, regional cooperation is not just desirable; it is imperative. Yet, despite common interests, countries in the Maghreb often struggle to forge cohesive policies that balance economic gains with sustainability and security. 

At the heart of the issue is fisheries management. Overfishing and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing have depleted stocks, threatening both livelihoods and food security. Without coordinated policies, individual nations often engage in short-term exploitation rather than long-term stewardship. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), which have proven successful in restoring fish populations elsewhere, remain underdeveloped in the region. Greater collaboration—such as harmonized quotas, joint patrolling, and knowledge-sharing on sustainable fishing practices—could yield significant benefits. The European Union’s fisheries agreements with Morocco and Tunisia offer a blueprint, but regional initiatives must be homegrown to be effective. Mauritania, with its extensive fisheries and experience in sustainable fishery management through agreements with the EU, could play a pivotal role in guiding regional efforts. 

Beyond fisheries, maritime security poses a persistent challenge. The Mediterranean is a primary route for illicit trafficking, including smuggling of drugs, arms, and migrants. While individual nations have stepped up enforcement—such as Morocco’s increased naval patrols and Tunisia’s migrant interdiction efforts—regional cooperation remains patchy. Smugglers exploit jurisdictional gaps and inconsistent policies to evade capture. A joint coastguard framework, modeled after successful initiatives in the Gulf of Guinea, could strengthen enforcement while respecting national sovereignty.

Energy presents another compelling reason for cooperation. The discovery of offshore oil and gas reserves in Libya, Algeria, and Morocco offers economic opportunities but also risks geopolitical tension. Competition over maritime boundaries, as seen in Libya’s contested waters, threatens to stall investment and provoke disputes. Establishing transparent, legally recognized frameworks for resource development—potentially under the African Union or Mediterranean Union—could prevent conflicts and attract foreign investment.

Renewable energy adds another dimension to maritime policy. Offshore wind power, though still nascent in the region, could help reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Morocco and Tunisia, both leaders in renewable energy, could spearhead regional offshore wind initiatives, leveraging EU partnerships to secure funding and expertise. Coordinated infrastructure development, such as shared grid connections, could further integrate the Maghreb’s energy markets. 

Ultimately, the Maghreb’s maritime future hinges on cooperation. Whether managing fisheries, securing trade routes, or developing energy resources, a fragmented approach weakens all parties. Regional forums and new bilateral agreements, must prioritize pragmatic, interest-based collaboration over political divisions. The ocean does not respect borders—neither should the policies that govern it.

*Lonzo Cook is a journalist and writer. He spent two decades at CNN in a series of senior editorial and management roles including leading breaking news operations across Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. He currently works as a senior communications strategist, partnering with corporations and executives to develop integrated communication strategies to connect with audiences in our fast paced, ever changing engagement landscape.