Minister Badani Stresses Strategic Significance of Fishing Industry Development and Social Protection in Annaba

BY: Hana Saada

ALGIERS- Ahmed Badani, the Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Productions, highlighted the strategic importance of developing high seas fishing, aquaculture, and establishing social protection for industry professionals during a visit to Annaba on Tuesday.

In a meeting at the provincial headquarters, Minister Badani emphasized that the action plan developed for this purpose, in addition to enhancing high seas fishing and revitalizing aquaculture in both sea and freshwater, includes the implementation of social protection measures for industry professionals and emphasizes ship construction and maintenance activities. He recalled the “significant” measures taken by the government in favor of deep-sea fishing vessel owners, along with supportive measures outlined in the 2024 Finance Law providing tax benefits to young investors in marine and freshwater aquaculture.

Considering aquaculture as a “strategic activity to meet the increasing demand for fishery products,” Badani mentioned that 26 aquaculture projects are currently underway, with a target of producing 40,000 tons of fish through aquaculture activities. He highlighted the “promising prospects” for the development of this activity in the Highlands and the South of the country.

During the visit to the Annaba fishing port, the minister examined the working conditions of maritime professionals and their social coverage. Following a fruitful exchange centered on their professional and social concerns, Badani underscored the “determination of the state to ensure the support and social coverage of this category.” Additionally, he addressed the issue of overpopulation in the Annaba fishing port, which accommodates 220 fishing units, emphasizing the “urgent need for a new fishing port” in Annaba.

The minister also inspected the construction works of a dock for fishing vessels in the port of Annaba, a shipbuilding and repair workshop in Sidi Salem, El Bouni commune, and a tuna processing and packaging unit. He then visited the training and support workshops initiated by the Annaba Innovation Center (AIC) in El Bouni, as part of the “Blue Economy Fishing and Aquaculture” program.

At the Technical School for Fishing Professions, Minister Badani inaugurated the fishing techniques workshop, where he received a presentation on the role of professional associations in the development of fishing activities. He also presided over a ceremony at the Sheraton-Annaba hotel for the signing of cooperation agreements between the Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture and the Annaba Environmental Research Center, the Shipowners’ Association and AIC El Bouni, and the Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture and the sector of Vocational Training and Education.