Tunisia sets ambitious goal to boost aquaculture by 2030

TUNISIA – The government of Tunisia has announced plans to increase aquaculture production by 52 percent over the next five years, targeting 35,000 tonnes of farmed fish by 2030, according to a new report from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). 

The goal represents a significant jump from the 23,003 tonnes produced in 2024, when aquaculture accounted for about 13 percent of the total value of national fish output.

The USDA highlighted that farmed fish is playing a growing role in easing the strain on Tunisia’s marine resources, which overfishing, traditional harvesting methods, and illegal catches have weakened. 

“Expanding aquaculture production is becoming an important way to reduce pressure on Tunisian waters,” the report noted.

Rising investment and growth outlook

Industry experts project annual growth of about 9 percent, fueled by increasing domestic demand and new opportunities in export markets. A surge has matched this optimism in investment. 

The Agricultural Investment Promotion Agency (APIA) reported that aquaculture projects approved in 2024 were valued at 26 million dinars (US$8.4 million), up sharply from 1.8 million dinars (US$0.6 million) the previous year.

Momentum has continued into 2025, with APIA approving nearly 47 million dinars (US$16.2 million) in new aquaculture ventures in just the first seven months, almost double the investment seen in the entire previous year. 

These projects aim to establish new farms and modernize existing operations with upgraded infrastructure and advanced farming techniques.

Balancing capture fisheries and farmed production

Despite the expected expansion, traditional capture fisheries still dominate Tunisia’s seafood sector. The General Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture reported that 87 percent of the country’s 158,500 tonnes of fish landed in 2022 came from wild catches.

Aquaculture in Tunisia is largely marine-based, with 42 sea farms and 30 freshwater facilities currently in operation. 

The sector produces a wide range of species, including sea bass, sea bream, meagre, shrimp, shellfish, and bluefin tuna, serving both local markets and international buyers.

Government officials and private stakeholders believe aquaculture can play a central role in strengthening rural economies, bolstering national food security, and reducing dependence on dwindling wild fish stocks. 

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