Morocco's Octopus Market: The 2026 Fishing Season Reopens Amid Global Competition

As of January 1, 2026, Morocco will officially conclude its extended one-month fishing moratorium and resume the new octopus fishing season. This pivotal decision, made by the Moroccan government, not only impacts the livelihoods of its fishermen but also sends ripples through the global markets, particularly in Europe and Asia, where Moroccan octopus is a key supplier.

Key Market Dynamics in 2026

Extended Moratorium and Seasonal Shift

The fishing season's start was pushed back due to an unexpected extension of the moratorium. Initially planned to end by late November 2025, the ban was prolonged until the end of December. This measure was implemented after monitoring revealed a disproportionately high number of small-sized octopuses in the waters, aiming to protect the resource and improve the average size of future catches.

Regional Competition and Price Signals

The market is already showing signs of competition from neighboring countries. Mauritania, another major supplier, has taken the lead by commencing its octopus fishing season on December 16, 2025. Its state-owned trading company, SMCP, is expected to announce an official price guide by December 23, 2025. This early move is setting the initial price benchmark for the Northwest African octopus export market, with global buyers closely watching to adjust their procurement strategies for Moroccan catches.

The 2026 Q1 Pricing Conundrum

The first quarter of 2026 is shaping up to be a critical period for global octopus prices, with Moroccan policy at the center of the storm. The Moroccan government is expected to release the official fishing quota before the end of 2025. This quota will be the linchpin determining the market's supply tightness and, consequently, the price trajectory. The interplay between Morocco's quota, the early pricing signals from Mauritania, and the sluggish European demand will create a complex pricing environment in the first quarter of 2026.