Socioeconomic and Ecological Situation of Mogador Marine Protected Area in Morocco

Fishing is predominantly recognized as one of the activities vigorously impacting ecosystems. Our marine protected area (MPA) Mogador is located between Safi and Essaouira on the Moroccan Atlantic coast. This MPA represents one of the tools for regulation and management of fisheries. The aim of this work is to better identify the MPA role in management through an assessment of the effects of protected areas on the fishermen’s socioeconomic status, on the ecosystems, and stocks, based on a survey taking into account the needs and perceptions of fisherman to the MPA establishment. The overexploitation of resources and the use of illegal gear are always accompanied by a decrease in the biomass and abundance of exploited species leading to stagnation or, worse still, regression of catches.