Over the last few decades, several threats have succeeded one another and have forced us, public authorities and economic actors, to reconsider the importance given to this sector. Ecosystems that have become more fragile, a climate crisis that continues to intensify and the acceleration of the loss of biodiversity... direct threats whose impact on employment, the economy, the environment and food security could be considerable.

Also, it is important to remember the crucial role that food products of aquatic origin play in nutrition. It is probably for this reason that several governments have focused on the implementation of measures to promote greater consumption of such products. This has also been one of the strategic objectives of the Kingdom. The evolution of the average annual world consumption, which reached 20.2 Kg in 2020, more than double the amount we consumed 50 years ago, can only be an indicator of the importance given to these products.

In this respect, it is interesting to note that, on a global scale, these products provide about 17% of animal protein, and this share exceeds 50% in several Asian and African countries. In addition to these contributions, this sector employs more than 58 million people in primary production alone.

Due to their specific characteristics, aquatic systems can only be managed in a responsible and sustainable manner, with a view to maintaining, or even improving, socio-economic balances in the long term. And it is in this context that several countries are currently reflecting on public policies called "blue economy", with stronger measures in favor of the preservation of the oceans, especially against pollution and overfishing.

In Morocco, the stakeholders of this ecosystem have also aligned themselves with these same objectives and are committed to providing this sector with the necessary support and regulation, with a view to its sustainable development.

Given its significant importance, the country has chosen to set up the Halieutis Exhibition, which His Majesty The King has kindly honored with his High Patronage for all its editions, a show that has been able to stand out on an agenda of important events at the international level. A real opportunity to meet high-level professionals from different components of the sector value chain, and from different regions of the world, transfer of technology and know-how and promotion of values including sustainable management of this activity.

The exhibition is aimed at a wide audience - professionals of the sector, scientists, investors, decision makers and consumers - and intends to show and highlight the vital role of the sector.

For this sixth edition, we are pleased to welcome Spain, which has been designated as the "Country of Honor". The theme of this year's fair is "Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture: levers for an inclusive and efficient Blue Economy". An edition that is again an important opportunity for the discovery of innovations in the field of fisheries and an opportunity to promote the partnership between national and international economic operators.

Finally, I thank all those who have believed in this event since its inception and have ensured that it is raised to the rank of international trade shows recognized and valued.

Good edition to all of you.

Mohamed Sadiki

Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fishing, Rural Development and Water and Forests

After an absence of four years, our beautiful city of Agadir is once again the meeting point for the actors of the world of fishing and aquaculture for a 6th edition of the Halieutis Exhibition. Indeed, the first five editions were marked by a great success which established this event as an unavoidable platform on the same level as major international events.

No fewer than 325 exhibitors representing 48 countries attended this international event, which this year was organised under the banner of sustainability, inclusion and resilience to climate change.

This is a sign, but also an objective that we have set ourselves in the wake of what our country has achieved for several years in terms of ecology in general and renewable energy in particular, placing it at the top of the world pyramid in this area.

This is no longer a figment of our imagination, but a reality that drives us on a daily basis. Thus, the projects that we have seen evolve in Morocco for more than a decade are all marked by this stamp of sustainable growth in the service of a blue economy giving priority to the three pillars: environmental, economic and social.

If maintaining the fish population at a stable level to allow it to reproduce is an imperative that is no longer debated, ensuring the balance of marine ecosystems while ensuring the food security of human populations who depend on fish for their subsistence, remains an unequalled challenge. A decent income for seafarers and responsible consumption are the key variables in this equation.

As much as the factors affecting the sustainability of fisheries resources are obvious (overfishing, climate change, pollution, ...), a balanced and definitive response to the underlying issues remains elusive.

The efforts we have made in this area are important but certainly remain insufficient in the face of the scale of the task. The fishing world now has no choice but to switch from predation to a system of fair exchange.

The lease that binds us to the sea is a precarious one; let us take care to avoid its termination without notice.

With the aim of raising awareness and exchanging information about our many experiences and public policies, this edition was supported by a rich and varied series of conferences, led by high-level experts from various horizons and ecosystems.

Finally, I would like to reiterate my sincere thanks to our sponsors, partners, exhibitors and local actors, without whom this adventure could not have been the success it has been for over a decade.

I wish you all a good show!

Amina FIGUIGUI

President

It is a new opportunity for sharing, cooperation and technology transfer. The exhibition is also a space where a maximum number of professional meetings can be held in a minimum amount of time. Visitors and exhibitors alike can learn about the evolution of the fishing economy, including markets and new consumer habits, in a timely manner.

Knowing what sells best, who does what, where, how and at what prices, is fundamental to meeting the new challenges linked, of course, to the preservation and sustainability of fisheries resources.

The 6th edition of the Halieutis exhibition will be characterised, more than in the past, by the expression of a pressing and important demand for investment in the fishing and aquaculture sector. This demand concerns both shipping companies and the seafood processing and valorisation industry, as the ageing fishing fleets are becoming obsolete and showing a decreasing profitability. The scarcity of fish resources is leading to the construction of more selective fishing gear adapted to the concept of the sustainability of fish resources. As a result, the construction of fishing vessels of the "future" has become a real need and has gone beyond the stage of mere reflection. The seafood processing industry is experiencing the same trend of adaptation to the concept of sustainability. This is an almost worldwide movement of investment in the fisheries sector, of which the fairs are a real lever. New challenges are therefore to be met on a global scale.

Morocco is no exception to this trend, as the success of the Halieutis strategy has enabled the fishing sector to acquire sufficient maturity to initiate deep and bold reforms of the sector, which will certainly result in the expression of a great demand for equipment and shipyards for the construction and repair of boats. The Halieutis exhibition is therefore "the place to be". 

This unifying approach will be dealt with in the framework of the conference cycle organised at the heart of the exhibition and on the fringes of the latter by eminent specialists, researchers, teachers and men of experience. The theme chosen for this 6 th edition is entitled: "Sustainable fisheries and aquaculture: levers for an inclusive and efficient blue economy".

In terms of organisation and logistics, the Halieutis Exhibition will take place in a covered area of 20,000 m2 of which 16,000 m2 dedicated to the exhibition. This space is composed of seven areas: Fleets & Machinery, Valuation & Process, Institutional, International, Animation, Innovation. The 6th edition will be enriched by a space exclusively reserved for sustainable development.

Exhibitors and visitors, welcome to Halieutis, a business platform, a space for communication, promotion, cooperation, partnership and innovation. You will meet tens of thousands of visitors and over 300 exhibitors.

Thank you for choosing Halieutis and thank you for your loyalty and trust.

Dr Mohamed Bouayad

General Commissioner of the Halieutis Exhibition