Safeguard of fishery resources Morocco: First Session of the Higher Council for the Safeguard and Exploitation of the sea The Higher Council for the Safeguard and Exploitation of fishery resources has just held its first session in Rabat,on 28th and 29th of May 2002, under the theme: “Towards a new mode of fishery resources governance by and for the national community”. During the inaugural session, the Prime Minister has claimed that the fishery sector is expected to contribute effectively to food security, trade exchanges and the development of the coastal regions. For his part, the Minister of fisheries, Mr Saïd Chbaâtou, pointed out that the government effort is currently focusing on the review of the legislative, institutional and organisational framework of the fisheries sector in order to adapt it to the new international environment. He also drew the audience attention to the fact that it is the first time that the Moroccan fishery production has gone beyond one million tons in 2001, and this with an increase in volume by 22% and in value by 20% in comparison with the previous year. On his part , Mr Amor Benromdhane, the FAO representative in Morocco pointed out on behalf of Mr Jacques Diouf, the FAO Director, the importance of the first meetings which constitute a propitious initiative for Morocco and a model to follow for the other countries.