Fisheries. Opportunities for cooperation between Italy and Libya – In the international fishing scene, cooperation between Italy and Libya looks set to be a significant opportunity for economic development and sustainability. Recently, the Blue Sea Mazara Producers’ Organisation, under the leadership of President Maurizio Giacalone, received an official invitation from the Libyan authorities to start a cooperation project in Libya’s sea.
This initiative, which envisages the participation of fishing boats from Mazara del Vallo, aims to develop a joint fishing plan within the Libyan Fishing Protection Zone (ZPP). The mission took shape thanks to a meeting in Libya, where an Italian delegation composed of Gaspare Asaro, vice-president of the COSVAP Fishing District, and Gaspare Bilardello, the Italian project manager, was warmly welcomed by their Libyan counterparts. In particular, Knight Dr. Mohamed Nuttah represents the leadership of the project on the Libyan side.
A project for the sustainable development of fishery resources
The collaboration is part of a constructive dialogue, with the aim of promoting sustainable fishing and the preservation of marine resources that are fundamental to the livelihood of coastal communities. The joint fishing plan is in line with international regulations and aims to ensure the equitable distribution of fish resources, avoiding the depletion of marine species through strict regulations.
The importance of this project lies in its focus on the long-term sustainability of fish resources. The provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which regulate the conservation of marine ecosystems and the protection of the marine environment, will be respected. Through a shared commitment, the two parties have set themselves the goal of complying with both national and international laws, guaranteeing the safety and legality of fishing activities in the PZ.
Political support for a prosperous future
The realisation of this project, however, needs clear political support, both at national and European level. Existing regulations must be adapted to facilitate a transparent and lasting collaboration, particularly considering the difficulties that have plagued relations between Italian and Libyan fishermen for years.
In this context, Maurizio Giacalone called for targeted regulatory intervention to resolve outstanding issues and ensure full transparency in relations between the two countries. The project represents a potential turning point for the fishing sector, which has been suffering a deep crisis for some time. A clearly structured agreement with political support could lead to a more prosperous future for Italian and Libyan fishermen.
Towards responsible and sustainable fishing
Collaboration between Italy and Libya in the fisheries sector is not only an economic opportunity, but also a model for responsible management of marine resources. This project lays the foundations for lasting cooperation, where sustainability is at the heart of fishing activities, while ensuring the protection of natural resources and the safety of fishermen.
With the commitment of both parties and the support of the institutions, this initiative could become a success story for sustainable fishing in the Mediterranean.
Fisheries. Opportunities for cooperation between Italy and Libya
