Co-management of small-scale fisheries: Algeria and Japan combine their expertise in the service of sustainability

Co-management of small-scale fisheries: Algeria and Japan combine their expertise in the service of sustainability

Algeria remains firmly committed to the sustainable and participatory management of small-scale fisheries.

This approach was reaffirmed at a workshop on the co-management of small-scale fisheries through the use of artificial reefs, held in Aïn Benian under the supervision of the Director General (DG) of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Miloud Tria, and attended by national and international institutional representatives, experts, researchers, and professionals from the sector.

Strengthening the sustainable governance of fishery resources

In his opening speech, Miloud Tria welcomed all participants, noting in particular the presence of His Excellency Suzuki Kotaro, Ambassador of Japan to Algeria, the representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), executives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Fisheries, as well as officials from the chambers of maritime fisheries and aquaculture, universities, research centers, and professional associations.

The Director General of Fisheries and Aquaculture emphasized that this workshop is part of a collective effort to strengthen the sustainable governance of fishery resources through a participatory approach involving all stakeholders. He highlighted the strategic importance of artificial reefs, which are considered a key tool for restoring marine habitats, renewing biological resources, and supporting small-scale fishing, particularly in sensitive coastal areas.

Trust-based relationship

Taking the floor in turn, the Japanese Ambassador to Algeria reaffirmed the strength of the Algerian-Japanese partnership in marine fisheries and aquaculture, recalling that this cooperation is based on a relationship of trust established since the late 1980s. He praised the ongoing efforts made by Algerian stakeholders in the sector to promote the sustainable development of fishery resources.

Suzuki Kotaro highlighted the central role of JICA, which is involved in development cooperation projects around the world and for which marine fisheries and aquaculture are a strategic focus. Referring to Japan's experience, he points out that Japan, an island nation, has always built its relationship with the sea around sustainable exploitation and know-how passed down from generation to generation. He draws a parallel with Algeria, which has a strategic coastline opening onto the Mediterranean and connected to the Atlantic Ocean.

Training programs

The Japanese Ambassador also welcomed the recent field visit to Tunisia by representatives of the Algerian Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Fisheries, as well as stakeholders from several provinces, describing the mission as particularly fruitful. He would like to thank JICA for organizing this visit and highlighting the decisive contribution of JICA expert Nanao Hitonori.

The Japanese diplomat recalls that Mr Hitonori has played a bridging role between Japan, Algeria, and Tunisia. In 2016, Nanao had already stayed in Algeria as an advisor on maritime fisheries policy, developing an action plan for the joint management of small-scale fisheries. Between 2021 and 2024, his commitment continued through the design of training programs and field support, both in Japan and Algeria. From the end of 2023 until February 2026, he carried out seven missions in Algeria, contributing to strengthening joint management of small-scale fisheries and the establishment of artificial reefs and related infrastructure.

Pilot projects in the provinces of Oran, Skikda, Tizi Ouzou, and Tipasa

Returning to operational aspects, Miloud Tria recalls that since 2021, an ambitious program has been underway with JICA support to promote the coordinated management of small-scale fishing. This has resulted in training activities, practical internships organized in Japan and Tunisia, and the implementation of pilot projects in the wilayas of Oran, Skikda, Tizi Ouzou, and Tipasa. These initiatives have helped to strengthen the capacities of local actors, as evidenced by the operation to submerge artificial reefs off the coast of Oran. The Director General emphasizes that this initiative is part of a specific regulatory framework, defined by Executive Decree No. 17-363 of December 25, 2017, which sets out the technical, environmental, and administrative procedures for the installation of artificial reefs along the national coastline.

In this context, he called on all stakeholders to become actively and responsibly involved, stressing the importance of raising awareness among professionals and operators in all sectors to ensure effective adherence to this program, which has a significant economic, social, and environmental impact.  In conclusion, Miloud Tria thanked all participants for their commitment to the success of this initiative before officially declaring the workshop open. For his part, the Japanese Ambassador expressed his hope that Algerian-Japanese cooperation would be further strengthened in the interests of a sustainable Algerian fisheries sector, harmony between man and nature and bringing a more prosperous future for the Algerian people.