"Of the 493 sampling stations, only 430 have been subject to a sufficient number of samples for classification. Thus, 379 stations (or 88.14%) were declared to have a good microbiological quality in accordance with the requirements of the Moroccan standard NM.03.7.199," said the report.

In addition, 51 stations (11.86%), declared non-compliant for bathing under the year 2022, "are influenced by wastewater discharges and/or high concentration of bathers, combined with inadequate infrastructure for hygiene and climate change.

These 51 stations are spread over 23 beaches belonging to five coastal regions, namely Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima (25), Rabat-Salé-Kénitra (11), Casablanca-Settat (11), Souss-Massa (03) and Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab (01).

The compliance rate of bathing water "has maintained stability since 2017," reads the document, which notes an increase in the "sufficient" category during the year 2021 in comparison with previous years.

However, the Ministry warns that "some beaches may be downgraded if improvement measures are not implemented by stakeholders.