ALGIERS-Tuna fattening farms will be created for the first time in Algeria in 2017 in order to bring an added value to the fishing activity of this acanthopterygian fish, Director of maritime and oceanic fishing at the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries Omar Kaddour told APS.
The selling of this tuna after fattening multiplies its market value tenfold at export, compared with its initial price (before fattening), Kaddour said.
The farming of this fish for fattening lasts between 6 and 12 months after which its weight widens from 10-12 kg to more than 90 kg.
The ministry will submit a request to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) during its meeting scheduled on 14 November for permission to create pilot farms for tuna fattening in Algeria, the same official stated.
According to Kaddouf, who is also Algeria’s chief representative at the ICCAT, he highlighted the importance for Algeria to fish its yearly quota and further exploit its resource, stressing that tuna selling to these countries at low prices “causes significant financial loss to Algeria.”
At least two private national investors, who meet the material and financial requirements, and have the necessary experience, are waiting for permission to work in the tuna fattening industry.
Experts in agriculture will support and accompany these investors, who will also benefit from facilitations for concessions granting.
Source: Aquaculture: Towards creation of tuna fattening farms in 2017 – World News Report – EIN News
