Tunisia has successfully secured an increased allocation of deep-sea red shrimp in the Mediterranean Sea. This development came about during the 49th session of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean, which took place from October 26 to 30 in Rome, Italy. The agreement was reached after a series of technical negotiations and meetings between Tunisia and the European Union.
The Tunisian delegation participated in the meetings, which involved representatives from various sectors and ministries. The agreement was announced through a statement on the official Facebook page of the Tunisian Embassy in Rome. The General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean, which is part of the Food and Agriculture Organization, adopts a system of periodic updates to member states' quotas every three years.
The updates aim to balance the economic returns of the sector with the need to preserve the sustainability of marine resources and ecosystems in the Mediterranean. Earlier in October, Italian authorities issued a note calling on importers to suspend purchases of Tunisian red shrimp until the end of 2026. This decision was due to Tunisia exceeding its legal quota by over 41%, with recorded exports surpassing 50 tons.
Tunisia had requested a revision of its production ceiling, citing that the current quota was based on outdated historical data that did not reflect the current structural development of its deep-sea fishing fleet. The fleet now comprises between 70 and 100 modern and well-equipped vessels. The European Union has expressed its willingness to continue dialogue and reach a sustainable solution.
The ongoing negotiations, which coincide with the meetings of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean, aim to update the frameworks for joint management of deep-sea crustacean stocks. The goal is to ensure that Tunisian fishermen are not adversely affected while maintaining environmental protection of this shared marine resource.
The agreement is expected to have a positive impact on Tunisia's fishing industry, which is an important sector for the country's economy. Further details on the new quota allocation and its implementation are yet to be announced. The Tunisian government will likely provide updates on the agreement and its implications for the local fishing industry.
The increased allocation of deep-sea red shrimp will likely benefit Tunisian fishermen and the country's economy. The agreement demonstrates the importance of international cooperation in managing shared marine resources and promoting sustainable fishing practices.
Key points
- Tunisia's share of deep-sea red shrimp in the Mediterranean has been increased following negotiations in Rome.
