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Nouadhibou Fishing Industry

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Industrial site
—°1
Nouadhibou Fishing Industry (Mauritania)

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Nouadhibou, situated on the Cap Blanc peninsula, is the beating heart of Mauritania's fishing industry, benefiting from some of the richest waters in the world. The cold Canary Current brings an abundance of nutrients to the coastal shelf, supporting a massive variety of fish species. The industry here is divided between traditional artisanal fishing and a large-scale industrial fleet that targets octopus, sardines, and other pelagic fish. Numerous processing plants line the shoreline, where the daily catch is frozen, dried, or processed into fishmeal and fish oil for global export. The Cansado port area is a hive of activity, providing thousands of jobs and serving as a critical economic pillar for the country. In addition to its industrial importance, the area is known for the "ship graveyard" in the bay, though many wrecks have been removed in recent cleanup efforts. The fishing sector in Nouadhibou is essential for national food security and remains a key focus for international investment and sustainable management projects.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar–May.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C191921212223252627252220
Rain mm2111101581632

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Nouadhibou Fishing Industry is a central economic sector in Mauritania, with numerous processing factories in the city. The industry exports fish products worldwide and provides thousands of jobs.
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Visiting
The fish processing factories are typically not open to the public, but the port and fish markets are visitable. Visitors can observe fish landing and sales.
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Where to view it
The best viewpoints are the Nouadhibou port promenade and the fish market. From there, fishing boats, processing plants, and the bustling activity are visible.
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Local products
Main products include frozen fish, fish fillets, and preserved seafood like tuna and sardines. These are sold on local markets or exported.
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Active season
Fishing is active year-round, with peak periods during the cold-water currents from June to September. Catches are most abundant then.
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Nearby
Combine a visit with the city of Nouadhibou, which provides beaches and Cap Blanc. Also explore the nearby Banc d'Arguin National Park for birdwatching.

Geography

Coordinates
20.94000, -17.02000

Facts

  • Annual fish catch: 800,000 metric tons
  • Number of fishing vessels: over 1,000 (400 industrial)
  • Share of catch exported to EU: about 60%
  • Employment in the sector: 20,000
  • Cold storage capacity: 50,000 metric tons
  • Number of canneries: 15

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Nouadhibou Industrial PortNouadhibou Industrial Port<1 km · SWExplore →
Nouadhibou Free Trade ZoneNouadhibou Free Trade Zone2 km · SWExplore →
La GüeraLa Güera14 km · SWExplore →
Cap Blanc DuneCap Blanc Dune15 km · WExplore →
Boulanouar Wind FarmBoulanouar Wind Farm59 km · NEExplore →
Banc d'Arguin CoastBanc d'Arguin Coast112 km · NWExplore →
Banc d'Arguin National ParkBanc d'Arguin National Park126 km · NWExplore →
Tidra IslandTidra Island140 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Nouadhibou Fishing Industry (1)

Ehl lekhdeym 'hl lkhdym

Attraction in Nouadhibou, Mauritania. A site in the city's fishing district.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the fishing industry about?
Processing and export of fish and seafood.
Can one visit the fish halls?
Only with permission or as a business customer.
Why Nouadhibou?
Because of its location next to one of the world's richest waters.
Is it visited by tourists?
Hardly, it is a purely industrial site.
Is the smell very strong?
Yes, near the factories it is very noticeable.
Nouadhibou Fishing Industry: where is it located?
Nouadhibou Fishing Industry is located in Mauritania.
Nouadhibou Fishing Industry: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, May.
Nouadhibou Fishing Industry: why is it worth visiting?
Nouadhibou, situated on the Cap Blanc peninsula, is the beating heart of Mauritania's fishing industry, benefiting from some of the richest waters in the world.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Nouakchott — Nouadhibou Fishing Industry (Mauritania)
Nouakchott
Nouakchott is the capital of Mauritania and lies on the Atlantic coast.
Nouakchott Central Market — Nouadhibou Fishing Industry (Mauritania)
Nouakchott Central Market
The central market of Nouakchott is a significant hub for regional trade.
Nouadhibou — Nouadhibou Fishing Industry (Mauritania)
Nouadhibou
Nouadhibou is located on the Ras Nouadhibou peninsula and is the economic center for iron ore exports.
Kiffa-Nord — Nouadhibou Fishing Industry (Mauritania)
Kiffa-Nord
Kiffa-Nord is an expanding part of Kiffa.
Kiffa — Nouadhibou Fishing Industry (Mauritania)
Kiffa
Kiffa is a city in southern Mauritania and capital of the Assaba region.
Market Town Kiffa — Nouadhibou Fishing Industry (Mauritania)
Market Town Kiffa
Kiffa serves as a central hub for trade in the eastern regions of Mauritania.
Nouakchott Wholesale Market — Nouadhibou Fishing Industry (Mauritania)
Nouakchott Wholesale Market
This wholesale market in Nouakchott coordinates the flow of goods in the capital.
Kaedi Distribution Center — Nouadhibou Fishing Industry (Mauritania)
Kaedi Distribution Center
Kaedi serves as an important commercial base along the river course.
Kaédi-Nord — Nouadhibou Fishing Industry (Mauritania)
Kaédi-Nord
Kaédi-Nord includes residential areas on the northern edge of Kaédi.
Kaedi Agricultural Center — Nouadhibou Fishing Industry (Mauritania)
Kaedi Agricultural Center
Kaedi is situated along the Senegal River and is a center for local agriculture.
Kaédi — Nouadhibou Fishing Industry (Mauritania)
Kaédi
Kaédi is located on the Senegal River and serves as an agricultural hub.
Gorgol — Nouadhibou Fishing Industry (Mauritania)
Gorgol
Gorgol is an important settlement area in the region of the same name.
Zouérat — Nouadhibou Fishing Industry (Mauritania)
Zouérat
Zouérat is the center of Mauritanian iron ore mining in the Sahara Desert.
Zouérat-Nord — Nouadhibou Fishing Industry (Mauritania)
Zouérat-Nord
Zouérat-Nord includes the northern expansion zones of the industrial town Zouérat.
Atar Oasis Agriculture — Nouadhibou Fishing Industry (Mauritania)
Atar Oasis Agriculture
Atar is a center for date palm cultivation in the Sahara.

History & landmarks

Choum — Nouadhibou Fishing Industry (Mauritania)
Choum
Choum is a strategic desert outpost on the route of the famous iron ore train, serving as a gateway to the Adrar Plateau.
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Cap Blanc Dune
The dune at Cap Blanc marks the northwestern tip of Mauritania on the Atlantic.

More places

Nouadhibou Industrial Port — Nouadhibou Fishing Industry (Mauritania)
Nouadhibou Industrial Port
The industrial port of Nouadhibou is specialized in the export of raw materials and fishing products.
Nouadhibou Port — Nouadhibou Fishing Industry (Mauritania)
Nouadhibou Port
Nouadhibou is Mauritania's main seaport for iron ore exports.
Nouadhibou Free Trade Zone — Nouadhibou Fishing Industry (Mauritania)
Nouadhibou Free Trade Zone
The Nouadhibou Free Trade Zone is intended to attract investments.
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Boulanouar Wind Farm
The wind farm near Boulanouar is a model project for renewable energy.
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Banc d'Arguin Coast
Banc d'Arguin National Park encompasses an extensive coastal region on the Atlantic.