WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • SEPTEMBER 2024 31 158,564 tons, to which aquaculture production contributed 20,924 tons (Table 1 and Figure 2). The contribution of aquaculture to national fish production increased from 10% to 13%, with production from 42 farms. The value of this production is estimated at $106 million USD. In 2022, total labor in the fisheries sector was 43,847 of which 3,000 employees belonged to the aquaculture sector. These aquaculture human resources consist, essentially, of graduate engineers and technician-level workers, especially scuba divers. Marine fish farming contributes 90% of the country’s aquaculture production through 22 offshore farms, while Bluefin tuna on-growing contributes 5% of the total. Shellfish are mostly farmed in the Bizerte Lagoon with irregular production from 40 to 200 tons per year. The production of white-leg shrimp is still at pilot level with capacity of 2 tons, while freshwater aquaculture production is estimated at about 1000 tons. Culture Species Tunisian aquaculture has a limited range of species that provide a great potential for aquaculture development. In marine water areas, the most popular cultured species include European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax), gilt-head seabream (Sparus aurata), meagre (Argyrosomus reguis), shrimp (Liptopenaeus vannamei), seaweed (Gracilaria verucosa), and shellfish (Mutilys galloprovencialis and Crassostrea gigas) that have typical production in the lagoon of Bizerte. A number of high potential cultured species have also been the focus of research and development to diversify the cultured species available for the industry. Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) is an innovative and sustainable approach to aquaculture that integrates the cultivation of multiple species from different trophic levels within the same system. This practice mimics natural ecosystems and enhances resource efficiency. A recent research project led by the National Institute of Marine Sciences and Technologies (INSTM) and supported by the Aquaculture Technical Center (CTA) was successfully implemented and included combinations of fish (sea bass or sea bream), bivalves (mussels or oysters), and seaweed. These combinations leveraged the nutrient outputs from fish to support the growth of shellfish and seaweed. In freshwater areas, Nile Tilpia (Oreochromis niloticus) is the representative species of geothermal sources and ponds in the southern region and a panel of species has been introduced in the northern reservoirs and lakes for extensive aquaculture. These include common carp (Cyprinus carpio), silver carp (Hypopththalmichthys molitrix), grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), big head carp (Aristichthys nobilis), Sander (Lucioperca lucioperca), catfish (Siluris glanis) and mullet (Mugil cephalus), with millions of fingerlings are spread in lakes and reservoirs. The Institutional Framework The institutional framework of the Tunisian aquaculture sector is a comprehensive system involving multiple stakeholders working together to ensure sustainable development. Governmental bodies set policies and regulations, while various support programs and incentives encourage investment and innovation. Non-governmental organizations and international partners further enhance the sector’s growth and sustainability. The Ministry of Agriculture and hydraulic resources is the governmental authority, which through its facilities fulfils functions of management and administration of fisheries and aquaculture activities. The General Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture (DGPA) is responsible for the overall management, development, and regulation of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors in Tunisia. It sets policies, strategies, and regulations to ensure sustainable development. The General Directorate of Veterinary Services (DGSV) (CONTINUED ON PAGE 32) TABLE 1. Annual total aquaculture production in Tunisia (2010-2022). Catégorie 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Aquaculture 5437 7261 9151 11964 11637 14231 16323 21870 21768 24051 23553 25970 20924 TOTAL 102066 109160 117637 122181 126512 131705 126528 130289 133972 150890 137390 148135 158564 FIGURE 2. Distribution of total Tunisian fisheries and aquaculture production per year. FIGURE 3. Farmed species Distribution rates in Tunisia.
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