Sustainable Development of Fisheries and Aquaculture in North Africa: Current Status and Future Prospects

Abstract

In response to the escalating global demand for nutritious food, particularly animal protein, aquaculture has emerged as a vital and expanding sector in addressing food security and nutritional needs. This study explores the development, challenges, and prospects of North African countries' fisheries and aquaculture sectors, focusing on Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt. Despite the rich marine ecosystems and substantial contributions to national economies and employment, most of these regions face several challenges in fisheries management due to limited knowledge, weak institutional frameworks, and insufficient international cooperation. The paper highlights significant initiatives, such as the Moroccan Halieutis plan, Algeria's ambitious targets for aquaculture production, aiming to enhance sustainable practices and sectoral growth, and the rapid development of Egypt and Tunisia in terms of aquaculture. Aquaculture, particularly in Egypt, has shown remarkable progress, accounting for a significant portion of fish production, with tilapia and mullets being the predominant species. However, the potential for aquaculture still needs to be explored across North Africa, where various socio-economic and environmental barriers hinder it. The study calls for improved management strategies, enhanced research and training, and greater investment in aquaculture to ensure sustainable development of the fisheries sector, ultimately contributing to food security, economic growth, and conservation of marine biodiversity.