# EU-Morocco fisheries agreement deadlock

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/eu-morocco-fisheries-agreement-deadlock
> Updated: 2026-09-11T04:05:40.000Z. Sources: 23. Developments: 5.

A diplomatic and economic impasse regarding fisheries has developed between Morocco and the European Union. The EU has expressed readiness to negotiate a new agreement, noting the current status is ‘dormant,’ but no timeline has been set. This deadlock follows legal rulings by the Court of Justice of the European Union that invalidated previous protocols due to the inclusion of Western Saharan waters. Morocco has conditioned any new partnership on the explicit inclusion of Moroccan Sahara waters.

The lack of a formal agreement, combined with declining fish stocks, has led to significant supply chain disruptions. Moroccan sardine landings reportedly fell from 965,000 tons in 2022 to 525,000 tons in 2024. Experts attribute this decline to climate change, shifting marine conditions, and high fishing pressure. Climate change is specifically causing sardine schools to migrate toward cooler waters, forcing fishermen to travel further at higher fuel costs.

To prioritize domestic supply and stabilize local prices, the Moroccan government has implemented a one-year suspension of frozen sardine exports, effective February 1, 2026. This measure aims to ensure food security while exempting the canned fish segment, which remains a vital source of employment and foreign exchange. 

This restriction has resulted in shortages for major European retailers, including Aldi Nord, Rewe, Lidl, and Kaufland, affecting both brand-name and private-label products. The scarcity is being further strained by a surge in consumer interest fueled by social media trends. While some companies are attempting to restore availability through alternative suppliers, the combination of reduced supply, high demand, and restrictive Moroccan management practices suggests that price increases and continued market volatility are likely.

## Claims

- Sardine availability in European supermarkets and discounters is currently limited. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Sardine landings in Morocco dropped to 525,000 tons in 2024. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Climate change, changing marine conditions, and high fishing pressure are causing declining stocks. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The Moroccan government has restricted or suspended frozen sardine exports since February 2026 to protect its domestic market. (corroborated by 6 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-11: Sardine demand surge causes supermarket shortages

A social media trend dubbed ‘Sardinecore’ has caused a massive spike in demand for sardines, leading to product shortages at major European retailers like Aldi and Rewe.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sardine-demand-surge-causes-supermarket-shortages

### 2026-09-06: Morocco restricts sardine exports to stabilize domestic prices

Morocco is facing a decline in sardine landings due to climate change and rising costs. To protect domestic food security, the government will suspend frozen sardine exports for one year starting February 2026.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/morocco-restricts-sardine-exports-to-stabilize-domestic-prices

### 2026-09-04: Morocco sardine export restrictions cause shortages in German supermarkets

German supermarkets like Aldi, Rewe, and Lidl are facing sardine shortages due to declining fish stocks in Morocco and increased consumer demand.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/morocco-sardine-export-restrictions-cause-shortages-in-german-supermarkets

### 2026-09-02: Morocco sardine exports restricted, causing European supermarket shortages

European supermarkets face sardine shortages due to declining stocks in Morocco and new export restrictions implemented to protect Morocco's domestic supply.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/morocco-sardine-exports-restricted-amid-european-shortages

### 2026-08-16: Morocco and EU face deadlock over new fisheries agreement

The EU is ready to negotiate a new fishing deal with Morocco, but talks are stalled as Rabat demands the inclusion of Western Saharan waters in any future agreement.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/morocco-and-eu-face-deadlock-over-new-fisheries-agreement

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Cite as: EU-Morocco fisheries agreement deadlock. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/eu-morocco-fisheries-agreement-deadlock