The GFCM, a part of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, is organizing « Tunisia Weeks » through a series of integrated activities centered around the Mediterranean Sea and the sustainable production of aquatic foods. The initiative commenced with the visit of the Executive Secretary to Tunisia on September 13, 2023, during which he held meetings with Tunisian officials to discuss ways to support the development of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
Tunisia faces numerous challenges in these fields, including illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, as well as a decline in the growth of aquaculture companies, such as the shellfish farms in Lake Bizerte.
On September 14, 2023, the GFCM team visited several marine fish farms in Monastir, in order to discuss their production methods. This field visit provided an opportunity to organize an awareness day aimed at increasing the national consumption of fish produced by saltwater and freshwater aquaculture farms. Additionally, the GFCM team participated in back-to-school events in the region, inaugurating an environmental education space equipped with a production unit for children in collaboration with the « Our Big Blue » NGO in Monastir.
The Tunisia Weeks continue with the GFCM, in collaboration with the National Institute for Marine Sciences and Technologies, hosting a training course for Syrian experts/trainees in the field of aquatic life farming. Furthermore, a Workshop on the use of innovative technologies to prevent and control finfish disease scheduled over the next days, addressing this important issue of aquaculture operations in the region.