The snipefish in Morocco

For over a couple of years, on the Moroccan coast, especially in the southern area of ​​Cape Boujdor and, with lower densities, in the northern area between Agadir and Boujdor, there is an increasing presence of a fish, commonly called snipefish (Macroramphosus sp), as shown by the data reported by the National Research Institute (INRH) and by fishermen.

The fish population detected in the area is composed of two distinct species, Macroramphosus gracilis and Macroramphosus scolopax.

Known locally as rabouze, the snipefish is a small bony fish that feeds mainly on plankton and which, until now, has been of very little interest in human nutrition. It is mainly intended for the production of fish meal.

Monitoring of this species has shown a progressive migration of the snipefish from off shore waters to the areas along the coasts.

Its growing presence has caused concern among professionals in the sector for the consequences it could have on fish populations that represent the sources of livelihood in the local community.

Although there is no scientific data on the predatory action of the snipefish, the concerns of the operators in the sector mainly concern the possibility that it may represent a food competitor for the other stocks.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests commissioned the INRH to carry out a pilot study for the exploitation of snipefish.

The first tests have shown that the fish meal produced contains protein levels very similar to those of other species and is therefore of obvious economic interest.