Algeria and Tunisia signed a framework agreement for cooperation between the Technical Training School for Maritime Fishing and Aquaculture in El Kala and the Maritime Fishing School in Tabarka. Officials finalized the partnership to strengthen training initiatives for the maritime sector in both nations. Miloud Triaa, Director General of Maritime Fishing and Aquaculture at the Algerian Ministry of Agriculture, represented Algeria during the signing process. Ashraf Ben Slimane, Director General of the Tunisian Joint Professional Group for Maritime Fishing Products, signed on behalf of Tunisia. This agreement establishes a formal connection between the two educational institutions to exchange technical expertise and promote regional development in maritime fishing and aquaculture.
Enhancing Professional Training Cooperation
Miloud Triaa, Director General of Maritime Fishing and Aquaculture at the Algerian Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, stated, "strengthening bilateral cooperation between Algeria and Tunisia and developing the partnership between specialized training institutions in the sector will allow for the exchange of professional expertise, the development of training programs, and the organization of joint practical and field training sessions." This framework aims to refine professional expertise and curriculum standards across both nations.
Officials agreed to activate a 2025 cooperation agreement through a formal executive work program. Implementation of these objectives includes mandatory periodic evaluation meetings scheduled every six months to monitor progress and program effectiveness. These sessions will ensure the sustained integration of technical training initiatives between the two maritime institutions.
Joint Research on Fishing Techniques
The National Center for Research and Development in Maritime Fishing and Aquaculture in Algeria and the National Institute of Marine Sciences and Technologies in Tunisia will launch a joint project to advance regional fishing research. This initiative focuses on the scientific study of marine resources and the refinement of technical methods utilized by commercial fishing fleets in both nations.
Technical teams from the two institutions plan to test fish aggregating devices (FADs) as part of the collaboration. These devices are designed to improve the efficiency and selectivity of fishing operations. The research specifically aims to develop sustainable techniques for catching 'Dorado Coryphene', a species of significant interest to the maritime sectors of Algeria and Tunisia.
Participants involved in the partnership also recommended launching a joint program to value maritime fishing products. This effort seeks to identify and expand marketing, export, and storage opportunities for regional catches. The program will prioritize the blue crab, focusing on establishing improved infrastructure and commercial strategies to enhance the marketability of this product. These objectives form a core part of the broader research cooperation between the two countries.
