BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- Algeria’s Minister of Fisheries and Fisheries Production, Ahmad Badani, announced yesterday that 32 tuna boats, including three locally constructed vessels, will participate in the bluefin tuna fishing campaign for 2023, which will commence on May 26.
This year’s campaign will see an increase in the number of tuna vessels from 29 to 32 and a 5% increase in Algeria’s bluefin tuna fishing quota, which has been raised to 2,023 tons from 1,650 tons last year. The minister also highlighted the participation of student trainees from institutes and centers of training in the sector.
Speaking at a meeting with deep-sea fishing professionals held at the headquarters of the Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture of the Wilaya of Algiers, in Aïn Bénian, the minister emphasized the contribution of this fishing activity to the development of the national economy. He pointed out that the export operation of part of the bluefin tuna will generate more than $27 million, in addition to creating job opportunities.
Mr. Badani believes that tuna fishing is of capital importance and provided a two-day training to the staff who will participate in this fishing campaign on the high seas, focusing on naval safety, signaling, and the sending of messages. The minister also assured that the improvement in the performance of the staff who participate in this deep-sea fishing campaign allows them to access new fishing areas and opens up new prospects for the fishing sector.