The Royal Club of Yachts in Tangier has announced an ambitious project to install artificial reefs in the waters surrounding the city, coinciding with the centenary of its establishment.
The project aims to enhance marine biodiversity and increase sustainable fishing productivity, in strategic partnership with national scientific and academic institutions.
Mohamed Meghazi, a prominent maritime leader and head of the organizing committee for the Strait Cup, and a member of the Royal Club of Yachts, revealed project details during a press conference held on Thursday, October 23, at the club’s headquarters in Tangier.
Megazi stated, “This project is not merely a celebration of a hundred years of sports and maritime heritage, but a commitment to a sustainable blue future that protects our marine resources from depletion.” He added that the partnership involves several stakeholders, collaborating with Abdelmalek Essaadi University and the National Institute of Fisheries Research (INRH), ensuring the necessary scientific and technical support for successful implementation.
This initiative comes amid growing concerns about the decline in fish biomass along Morocco’s northern coasts, due to human pressure and climate change. According to Megazi, the artificial reefs will provide a safe environment for 20 economically and environmentally significant fish species, including “hamour” (scientifically known as mero) and “bajou,” along with other species like corals and seaweed.
It is expected that this measure will increase fish biomass by up to 40% over the next few years, enhancing job opportunities in the fishing sector and ensuring the sustainability of marine food sources.
Regarding the potential sites for the reef installation, Megazi stated that discussions are currently focused on two main locations: the western area of Camp Mlabeata and the second at Ras Boussaline. He confirmed that the final site selection will occur within 3 to 4 weeks, based on precise environmental and hydrodynamic studies.
He emphasized, “The ultimate goal is to create a marine sanctuary in Tangier, providing a safe haven for reproduction and growth, to prevent the extinction of these vital species and restore ecological balance in our sea.”
Founded in 1925, the Royal Club of Yachts in Tangier is one of the oldest maritime sports clubs in Morocco, blending sports and environmental preservation for decades. It has previously hosted international events such as the Strait Cup, attracting hundreds of competitors annually. In this context, the artificial reef project is part of a broader club strategy that focuses on integrating sports with sustainable development, in line with Morocco’s national policies on the blue economy.
Observers anticipate that this project will serve as a model for other coastal areas, especially as global awareness of the importance of artificial reefs as a tool to combat biodiversity loss continues to grow.
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