This study develops a comprehensive bioeconomic model to investigate the critical balance between ecological sustainability and economic profitability in Moroccan fisheries. By integrating mathematical ecology, dynamic optimization, and game theory, the model captures the coupled interactions between biological dynamics, harvesting behavior, and economic incentives. The research focuses on two demersal species — Guitarfish (Rhinobatos spp.) and Plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) — both ecologically important and socio-economically valuable to Morocco’s coastal communities. Notably, Guitarfish is currently listed as threatened on the IUCN Red List, emphasizing the urgency of adopting sustainable exploitation strategies.

The model simulates alternative harvesting scenarios to evaluate the effects of fishing effort on biomass recovery, species coexistence, and long-term profitability. Results reveal the existence of optimal effort thresholds that maintain ecological resilience while ensuring economic viability. Cooperative management approaches, where stakeholders coordinate strategies, consistently outperform competitive exploitation in achieving stable equilibria and higher collective payoffs. The study highlights the importance of adaptive policy design, incorporating economic incentives, biological feedback, and institutional cooperation to secure the long-term viability of fisheries.

This research contributes to the advancement of sustainable resource management by linking theoretical modeling with practical policy insights. It directly supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Overall, the framework provides policymakers and researchers with a robust decision-support tool to promote responsible, science-based fishery governance in Morocco and beyond.