Algeria Sets Ambitious Goal to Double Fisheries Output by 2030: “Achieving 200,000 Tons Annually,” Declares Minister Ahmed Badani

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | October 27th, 2024 — Algeria has embarked on an ambitious plan to double its fisheries production to 200,000 tons annually by 2030, as announced by Ahmed Badani, Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Production, during his appearance on “Today’s Guest” on Algeria’s National Radio – Channel 3. The country’s current annual production of 100,000 tons has been insufficient to satisfy the rising demands of a rapidly growing population—a demand that has outpaced supply due to stagnation in output over the past three decades.

Badani highlighted that the country’s fishery resources have faced longstanding challenges, not only in resource availability but also in distribution, which has historically been limited to Algeria’s 14 coastal wilayas. However, advancements in cold chain logistics, including refrigerated trucks, have expanded distribution networks beyond these coastal regions, making fresh fish more accessible to inland areas and driving greater demand for an already limited supply.

Strategic Expansion through Aquaculture

The ministry has introduced a comprehensive strategy to double annual production, with a primary focus on aquaculture. Badani emphasized that aquaculture would play a pivotal role in achieving the ministry’s targets, with the aim to reach an annual output of 60,000 tons in marine aquaculture and 40,000 tons in freshwater and inland aquaculture by 2030. An expert group has been working for nearly two years to update the strategic framework guiding this expansion, leveraging Algeria’s extensive aquaculture potential.

“Our reservoirs hold immense potential,” Badani stated, underscoring that over fifty dams across the country could serve dual purposes for irrigation and aquaculture. The nation is also tapping into its rich agricultural infrastructure, with over 100,000 agricultural basins suitable for fish farming and 71 projects currently under development in marine aquaculture. This strategic expansion, according to Badani, will greatly impact both the price and availability of fish, enhancing food security and stabilizing market prices.

A Call for Urgent Conservation Efforts

Despite the optimism surrounding aquaculture, Badani expressed concern over the alarming decline in average fish catches along Algeria’s 2,148-kilometer coastline, with notable exceptions in the eastern and western extremities at El Kala and Ghazaouet. Preliminary findings from the recent demersal fish resource assessment campaign, launched in August, reveal disturbing trends. The campaign included 90 trawl sorting sessions, 80 parameter collection operations—measuring factors such as temperature and salinity—and observations of over 27,000 fish species.

Badani stressed the urgency of implementing a robust resource management plan to protect these dwindling resources, indicating that a rigorous management strategy will be devised in collaboration with scientists and fisheries professionals after analyzing the campaign data. “We must sound the alarm in the face of this situation and prioritize a comprehensive, scientific approach to safeguard our fisheries,” he asserted.

The minister’s statements reflect Algeria’s commitment to revitalizing its fisheries sector through innovation, investment, and a clear focus on sustainable practices. With the goal to transform the industry into a cornerstone of the national economy, the ministry’s strategic vision for 2030 marks a decisive step toward meeting domestic demands, protecting marine biodiversity, and positioning Algeria as a key player in sustainable aquaculture in the region.

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