Algerian Radio
The pilot experience of co-management of artisanal fisheries, focused on the use of artificial reefs and conducted in Oran within the framework of Algerian-Japanese cooperation, will soon be extended to other coastal wilayas, notably Skikda, Tizi Ouzou, and Tipaza, before being gradually generalized to the entire national coastline, the Director General of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Miloud Tria, announced yesterday, Sunday.
Speaking during a workshop in Algiers titled "Approach to Co-management of Artisanal Fisheries Through the Use of Artificial Reefs," organized within the framework of a technical cooperation program with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Mr. Tria highlighted the importance of this initiative launched in 2021, aiming to strengthen the participatory and sustainable management of fishery resources.
In this context, he insisted on the value of this approach for the sustainability of artisanal fishing, recalling that approximately 65% of the national fleet consists of artisanal fishermen unable to operate in the high seas, which creates, according to him, strong pressure on coastal zones.
He thus estimated that artificial reefs constitute a rational alternative for the sustainable exploitation of fishery resources.
Highlighting the importance of artificial reefs as a strategic tool for the restoration of marine habitats and the support of fishermen's activity, the Director General indicated that the experience conducted in Oran in partnership with JICA has produced positive results.
"The generalization of this approach to other wilayas will be done in compliance with the legal framework in force, notably Executive Decree No. 17-363 of December 25, 2017, setting the technical, environmental, and administrative standards regarding their installation," he specified.
For his part, the Japanese expert in the promotion of artisanal fishery co-management, Nanao Hitonori, highlighted the benefits of this approach, assuring that the experience conducted in Oran allowed for the renewal of fish stocks, the reduction of pressure exerted on the coastline, as well as the creation of marine zones favorable to the natural reproduction of species.
In addition to its contribution to the restoration of marine environments and the sustainable management of fisheries, this approach also ensures the stability of fishermen's livelihoods, he added.
The Algerian-Japanese cooperation program relies notably on the training of local actors, the exchange of expertise, and the development of innovative practices, through training sessions in Algeria, Japan, and Tunisia, as well as the implementation of pilot projects on several Algerian coasts, explained the program manager at JICA, Sugiyama Yoshiko.
Present at the proceedings of this workshop, the Ambassador of Japan to Algeria, Kotaro Suzuki, affirmed that cooperation between the two countries in the field of fisheries and aquaculture "relies on a relationship of trust established since the late 1980s."
Praising the efforts of sector actors and the role of JICA, he highlighted that the use of artificial reefs constitutes an ancient tradition in Japan that his country wishes to share with Algeria.
