WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • SEPTEMBER 2024 33 Furthermore, several Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) and Associations supporting the aquaculture sector include the Tunisian Union of Agriculture and Fisheries (UTAP) which represents farmers and fishermen, advocating for favorable policies, providing support services, and facilitating market access. Additionally, professional associations bring together aquaculture producers to share knowledge, advocate for their interests, and collaborate on common challenges. Challenges and Sustainability Initiatives: Despite its growth, Tunisian aquaculture faces challenges such as food processing, fry production, disease management, and market competition. Addressing these challenges requires investments in infrastructure, technology, and human resources, as well as the strengthening of regulatory frameworks to ensure sustainable practices. Thus, the integration rate remains low with the importation of around 50% of fish feed despite the creation of 3 fish feed manufacturing factories, and the importation of 80 million fry since the two local hatcheries can only offer some 17 million fish larvae. The production of artemia cysts also remains a constraint for aquaculture in Tunisia despite more than 50 sites identified with development opportunities. Nowadays, there is a growing focus on sustainability in Tunisian aquaculture, with efforts to minimize environmental impacts, reduce reliance on wild fish stocks for feed, and improve resource efficiency. Indeed, aquaculture diversification in Tunisia, including the adoption of IMTA, represents a significant advancement towards sustainable and productive aquaculture. By introducing new species and innovative farming systems, Tunisia aims to enhance the environmental sustainability, economic resilience, and overall efficiency of its aquaculture sector. Certification schemes such as the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP), and Friend of the Sea are being adopted to demonstrate adherence to sustainable practices. Notes Mohamed Salah Romdhan, National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia; Naoufel Romdhan General Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture; and Nadia Chérif, Mohamed Salah Azaza and Hechmi Missaoui, National Institute of Marine Sciences and Technologies. There are currently 10 European mussel farms operating in Tunisia. There is a growing focus on sustainability in Tunisian aquaculture. By introducing new species and farming systems, Tunisia aims to enhance environmental sustainability, economic resilience, and overall efficiency.
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