Why are fishing grounds off Morocco’s Atlantic coast rich in sardines and tuna?

The fishing grounds off Morocco’s Atlantic coast are exceptionally rich in species such as sardines, bonito, and tuna due to the influence of the Canary Current.1

This ocean current flows southwestward along the northwest coast of Africa, and its productivity is driven by the phenomenon of upwelling. This process occurs when offshore winds from the continent displace surface waters, causing cooler, nutrient-rich water from the depths to rise to the surface. This thermal mixing creates an environment that supports a high abundance of marine life, establishing the region as a highly productive fishing area.2