Fisheries and aquaculture: A major role in food security – Ahmed Badani, Minister for Maritime Fisheries and Fishery Products, highlighted the role of the Tipasa National Centre for Fisheries and Aquaculture in promoting the sector, through its experimental research projects and its support for investment projects.
Speaking at the opening of a study day on “The role of scientific research in the development of the fisheries and aquaculture sector”, organised by the National Centre for Fisheries and Aquaculture Research and Development, Mr Badani praised the Centre’s contribution, through its research projects and technology transfer work, to mastering reproduction methods and the breeding of several species of fish in marine and freshwater. Over the last 15 years, since its creation, the centre has carried out 31 campaigns to assess the richness of the fish stocks and the environment, using the research vessel Belkacem Grine. It has also carried out more than 100 campaigns to reproduce and cultivate young fish in more than 1,000 bodies of water, while providing technical support and expert advice in more than 900 operations.
The Minister hailed “the centre’s first successful experiment in the conversion of freshwater products, in particular red tilapia fish, which will be made available to industrial processors under agreements signed with the centre”. He went on to stress the importance his department attaches to research, innovation and technical support, saying that “research centres are an important link in the development chain of any sector, for monitoring and supporting the administration in the development, implementation and evaluation of practical strategies and programmes”.
A strategic sector
The Minister also pointed out that the fisheries and aquaculture sector is one of the “strategic sectors on which the country can rely to achieve the desired objectives and meet the challenges facing Algeria today, to develop and diversify its economy”. This study day was an opportunity to present the various research activities carried out by the National Centre for Research and Development in Marine Fisheries, in the presence of researchers, experts and shipowners specialising in deep-sea fishing in the wilaya of Tipasa, in addition to aquaculture breeders and processing professionals.
On the fringes of this meeting, Badani announced the setting up of a tripartite workshop between executives, researchers and professionals from the Ministry. A scientific and technical cooperation agreement was also signed between the National Centre for Fisheries and Aquaculture and the Tipasa Water seawater desalination company.
Fisheries and aquaculture: A major role in food security