Tunisia has successfully negotiated an agreement to increase its quota of deep-sea red shrimp in the Mediterranean Sea. The deal was reached during the 49th session of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean, held in Rome from October 26 to 30. The agreement was confirmed by the Tunisian embassy in Rome, which reported that the negotiations involved representatives from various sectors and ministries.
The General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean, which is part of the Food and Agriculture Organization, adopts a system of periodic updates to member countries' quotas every three years. This system aims to balance the economic viability of the sector with the need to conserve marine resources and ecosystems in the Mediterranean. The agreement will allow Tunisia to increase its quota of deep-sea red shrimp.
The Italian authorities had previously issued a note in early October calling on importers to suspend purchases of Tunisian red shrimp until the end of 2026. This decision was made after Tunisia was found to have exceeded its quota by 41%, with exports exceeding 50 tonnes. Tunisia had requested a revision of its quota, citing outdated data that did not reflect the current structure of its deep-sea fishing fleet.
The Tunisian deep-sea fishing fleet currently consists of 70 to 100 modern and well-equipped vessels. The European Union has expressed its willingness to continue dialogue with Tunisia to find a sustainable solution. The negotiations aim to update the framework for managing deep-sea crustacean stocks and ensure that Tunisian fishermen are not adversely affected.
The agreement is seen as a positive outcome for Tunisia's fishing industry, which is an important sector for the country's economy. The increase in quota will allow Tunisian fishermen to continue operating in the Mediterranean while also ensuring the long-term sustainability of the fishery. The deal is also expected to strengthen cooperation between Tunisia and the European Union.
The negotiations were part of a broader effort to promote sustainable fishing practices in the Mediterranean. The General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean plays a crucial role in managing fisheries in the region and ensuring that they are harvested in a responsible and sustainable way. Tunisia's agreement to increase its quota of deep-sea red shrimp is a significant development in this effort.
The Tunisian government has emphasized the importance of protecting the country's fishing industry while also ensuring the conservation of marine resources. The agreement on the deep-sea red shrimp quota is seen as a key step in achieving this goal. The government will continue to work with international partners to promote sustainable fishing practices and protect the country's marine ecosystems.
Key points
- Tunisia increases its quota of deep-sea red shrimp in the Mediterranean following negotiations with the European Union.
- The agreement aims to balance economic viability with conservation of marine resources and ecosystems.
- The deal is expected to strengthen cooperation between Tunisia and the European Union.
