Mozambique’s fishing production grew remarkably in 2023, reaching 496.3 thousand tons, representing an increase of 9% compared to 2022, when 455.5 thousand tons were recorded.
According to the budget execution report for January to December, released by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, this performance exceeded the established target of 474.5 thousand tons.
Artisanal fishing contributed the most, totaling 466.4 thousand tons, followed by commercial fishing (industrial and semi-industrial), with 20.5 thousand tons, and aquaculture, with 9.5 thousand tons.
In the commercial fishing sector, the highlight was shrimp, which led production with 1,341 tons, representing an increase of 18.7% on the previous year.
Aquaculture, on the other hand, faced challenges in 2023, such as excessive rainfall that caused flooding in Maputo and the passage of Cyclone Freddy, which particularly impacted the provinces of Inhambane and Zambézia. These natural phenomena resulted in the destruction of various fishing and aquaculture equipment, affecting production.
Aquaculture in Mozambique is carried out on an industrial level and on a small scale, mainly in the provinces of Tete, Gaza and Maputo, and produces a variety of fish, shrimp, crab and lobster.
