Mercator Ocean International and the Institut National de Recherche Halieutique (INRH) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), providing a framework for collaboration and mutual understanding in oceanographic research and digital Ocean systems.
The agreement was presented and endorsed by both institutions on 16 October 2025 in Rabat, during the technical workshop “Small Pelagic Fish Under Pressure: Addressing the Challenges of Decision-Making for Sustainable Management Solutions under Climate Change and Overexploitation,” held at INRH in the presence of Zakia Driouich, Secretary of State to the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, in charge of Maritime Fisheries.
Under the MoU, the collaboration between the parties will include:
– Collaboration to enhance and harmonize digital Ocean monitoring and information systems, with the aim of providing targeted products and services that meet the needs of INRH and its stakeholders. Particular attention will be given to key variables essential for ecosystem management and modeling.
– Co-design and implementation of scientific partnership and outreach activities, including the exchange of expertise, training, and capacity-sharing initiatives, to promote and expand the use of digital Ocean systems and information services for the mutual benefit of both parties.
The MoU marks the start of collaborations drawing on Mercator Ocean’s expertise to support knowledge exchange, regional cooperation, and informed decision-making.
“This partnership with INRH reflects Mercator Ocean’s commitment to providing actionable science that supports resilient marine ecosystems. By sharing data, tools, and expertise, we aim to enhance regional cooperation and demonstrate the value of oceanographic information for sustainable development and food security,” said Pierre Bahurel, Director-General of Mercator Ocean International.
“This MoU is a great opportunity to share knowledge and collaborate with INRH in marine ecosystem monitoring and operational oceanography across the region. By combining modeling, observations, and applied research with INRH, we can track the impacts of environmental and climate changes over recent decades and develop monitoring systems that will inform regional decision-making,” added Stefano Ciavatta, Head of the Marine Ecosystems Service at Mercator Ocean International.
