Badani: Launch of the Red Tuna Fishing Campaign on Thursday

In a statement to the press during a working visit to the Mostaganem province, Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources Ahmed Badani announced, "In two days, we will launch the national red tuna fishing campaign, which this year is marked by an increase in the quota allocated to Algeria, rising to 40 tonnes from 20 tonnes last year."

The campaign, targeting a volume of 2,046 tonnes, will involve 34 boats specialized in deep-sea fishing, the minister specified, adding that "this increase is a significant achievement for our country, known for its commitment to fulfilling its entire red tuna quota."

Mr. Badani also noted that "last year, exports amounted to 27 million dollars, as part of the Government's efforts to diversify national exports beyond hydrocarbons."

Additionally, in July, the stocking of 12 dams across the country will take place, where aquaculture is practiced by around sixty industry professionals, the minister added.

This operation, coordinated with the Ministry of Hydraulics and the National Agency for Dams and Transfers (ANBT), will help renew production in these water structures.

The minister highlighted that Algeria has risen, alongside Mediterranean countries, to the top category of the GFCM ranking, established during the latest meeting of this organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), based on criteria and commitments in sustainable fishing.

Mr. Badani also oversaw a scientific conference at the province's conference hall, where the renewal of a scientific research agreement between the "Abdelhamid Ibn Badis" University of Mostaganem and the Fisheries and Marine Resources sector was signed.

The conference featured presentations of various ongoing scientific projects, such as the experimental artificial quay in the Stidia commune and the valorization of shrimp residues as trace elements for red tilapia and other aquatic species.

The minister’s visit program in the Mostaganem province also included inspecting the sand dredging site at the small port of Sidi Lakhdar and visiting an industrial entity in El Hassiane that specializes in manufacturing and machining spare parts for fishing boats.