Tunisia has successfully secured an increased quota for deep-sea red shrimp, also known as "Crevette rouge," in the Mediterranean Sea. This development came about during the 49th session of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean, held in Rome from October 26 to 30. The agreement was reached after a series of technical negotiations and meetings between Tunisian representatives and the European Union.
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. This system aims to balance the economic viability of the sector with the need to preserve marine resources and ecosystems in the Mediterranean. The updated quota for Tunisia was not specified in the agreement.
In early October, Italian authorities issued a notice calling on suppliers to suspend purchases of Tunisian red shrimp until the end of 2026. This decision was made after Tunisia was found to have exceeded its legal quota by over 41%, with recorded exports exceeding 50 tons. Tunisia had requested a revision of its production ceiling, citing outdated data used to determine the current quota.
The Tunisian delegation's participation in the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean was crucial in achieving the new agreement. The talks, which coincided with the commission's meetings in Rome, aimed to update the framework for managing deep-sea crustacean stocks and ensure that Tunisian fishermen are not adversely affected while preserving the marine environment.
The European Union has expressed its willingness to continue dialogue with Tunisia to reach a sustainable solution. According to Giuseppe Perroni, EU Ambassador to Tunisia, there is a genuine commitment to finding a mutually beneficial agreement. The new quota will help maintain a balance between economic interests and environmental conservation.
The agreement is significant for Tunisia's fishing industry, which has undergone structural changes in recent years. The country's deep-sea fishing fleet now comprises between 70 and 100 modern and well-equipped vessels. The updated quota will help ensure the continued viability of the sector while promoting sustainable fishing practices.
The revised quota for deep-sea red shrimp is expected to have a positive impact on Tunisia's fishing industry and the country's economy. Further details on the new quota and its implementation will be closely watched by stakeholders in the industry. The agreement demonstrates the importance of international cooperation in managing shared marine resources.
Key points
- Tunisia's quota for deep-sea red shrimp in the Mediterranean has been increased following negotiations with the European Union.
- The agreement aims to balance economic interests with environmental conservation in the Mediterranean.
- The updated quota will help ensure the continued viability of Tunisia's fishing industry while promoting sustainable fishing practices.
