The Moroccan octopus fishing season is set to resume in January, and 

                                        prices may face a new round of bargaining

  According to foreign media reports, the Moroccan authorities have officially confirmed that the new octopus fishing season will officially kick off on January 1, 2026. The official fishing quota is expected to be announced before the end of 2025. This restart is carried out on the basis of extending the fishing moratorium, which was originally scheduled to end at the end of November. However, due to monitoring results showing a relatively high proportion of small and medium-sized octopuses in Moroccan waters, the government has decided to extend the moratorium until the end of December in order to further restore resources and improve individual sizes

  Industry insiders point out that the Moroccan authorities' move aims to balance the sustainability of resources and the economic interests of the fishery. Octopus is one of the most valuable seafood products for export in this country. Its export markets are mainly concentrated in Europe and Asia, especially in countries such as Spain, Japan and China. Industry analysts believe that the specific level of fishing quotas in 2026 will be a key factor in determining subsequent market prices and trade flows. If the quota is tightened, it will support high prices in the short term. Conversely, if the quota is relatively high, it may trigger a phased price correction.

  Meanwhile, Mauritania has already kicked off its octopus fishing season on December 16th. Its state-owned trading company, SMCP, is expected to announce the official guidance price on December 23rd. Industry insiders are generally paying close attention to this price signal, believing that it will directly affect the pricing strategy for Moroccan octopus exports and the buying and selling sentiment in the international market.

  At present, the import price of octopus in the European market remains at its highest level since 2018, and the high price has curbed terminal consumption. Most buyers remain cautious and place orders only based on short-term demand to prevent price fluctuations. As the supply from major producing countries such as Morocco and Mauritania gradually recovers, the global octopus market may enter a stage of price rebalancing in the first quarter of next year

  Analysts point out that Morocco's move to extend the fishing moratorium may limit supply and maintain high prices in the short term, but in the medium and long term, it will help restore resources, improve fishing quality, and lay the foundation for future export competitiveness. Industry insiders predict that the Moroccan octopus market in early 2026 will present a pattern of "high prices, stable supply and cautious recovery", and the price trend will mainly depend on the release of quotas and the replenishment pace of major buyers.