32 SEPTEMBER 2024 • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WAS.ORG oversees animal health, including health management in aquaculture. The DGSV ensures that aquaculture practices comply with health standards, monitors disease outbreaks, controls the use of veterinary drugs, and ensures that aquaculture products are safe for consumption. The National Agency for the Promotion of Agricultural Investments (APIA) plays a crucial role in promoting investment in the aquaculture sector by providing information, support, and incentives to investors, and facilitating the establishment and expansion of aquaculture projects. The regulatory framework governing the aquaculture sector includes laws, decrees, and regulations to ensure sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. This includes principles and rules for the exploitation and conservation of fisheries resources, including aquaculture activities, licensing, environmental impact assessments, and compliance with health and safety standards. In addition to health and safety standards, environmental regulations are required for environmental impact assessments, to minimize aquaculture projects’ ecological footprints and to protect marine and coastal ecosystems from pollution and degradation. On the other hand, the inter-professional Grouping of Fishery Products (GIPP) aims to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. GIPP provides support in marketing, quality control, and the promotion of fishery products, ensuring that producers meet national and international standards. Similarly, the Agricultural Extension and Training Agency (AVFA) focuses on agricultural extension services and vocational training. It provides training programs, technical support, and capacity-building initiatives to farmers and aquaculture producers. AVFA plays a crucial role in disseminating best practices and new technologies to ensure sustainable and efficient aquaculture operations. The Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education (IRESA) coordinates agricultural research and higher education efforts in Tunisia, including aquaculture. The National Institute of Marine Sciences and Technologies (INSTM), the National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia, and the Higher Institute for Marine Science are public institutions conducting education and research while providing scientific support to the aquaculture sector. They focus on marine and coastal environmental studies, aquaculture techniques, and the development of new species for aquaculture. The aquaculture Technical Center (CTA) provides technical assistance, training, and support to aquaculture producers. The CTA focuses on improving aquaculture practices, promoting sustainable techniques, and facilitating the adoption of new technologies. It plays a key role in capacity building and the dissemination of knowledge within the sector. Seabream are cultured in Tunisia’s marine waters. A recent project evaluated combinations of fish (sea bass or sea bream), bivalves (mussels or oysters), and seaweed. Marine fish farming contributes with 90% of Tunisia’s aquaculture production.
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