Arabfields, Imed Aissaoui, Oran, Algeria — Algerian Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries Yacine El-Mahdi Oualid led a high-level delegation to the Mauritanian capital this week to evaluate fishing infrastructure prepared under the bilateral cooperation protocol on fisheries, the maritime economy and aquaculture.
Accompanied by Mauritanian Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty Mohamedou Ahmedou Mhaimid, as well as owners of Algerian fishing vessels directly involved in the agreement, the minister conducted a detailed tour of the Port of Tanit and related facilities. The group examined docking areas, processing units and logistical equipment designed to accommodate Algerian operations, with particular attention to the readiness of these sites for immediate use.
The visit forms part of the ongoing implementation of the protocol, which was formally activated during the 20th session of the Algerian-Mauritanian Joint High Commission held earlier this month in Algiers. Under the terms of the accord, Algerian vessels have secured access to designated fishing zones in Mauritanian waters, with an allocated quota of 31,120 tonnes of fishery resources.
During the inspection, officials from both countries reviewed operational capacities alongside professionals from the Mauritanian fishing sector and representatives of the National Fisheries Federation. Vessel owners expressed appreciation for the quality of the infrastructure, noting that the facilities would enable efficient handling and processing of catches once the seven Algerian vessels begin arriving in the coming weeks.
Minister Oualid described the port’s capabilities as fully aligned with the requirements for sustainable exploitation of the shared resource. His Mauritanian counterpart highlighted the mutual benefits, stressing that the partnership would support local economic activity while advancing scientific cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture.
The initiative reflects a broader commitment to regional collaboration in the blue economy. With the quota now active, projections for 2026 anticipate that full utilization by the Algerian fleet will add a substantial volume to national landings, estimated to represent an increase of nearly 30 percent over recent baseline figures for the sector. This addition is expected to strengthen domestic supply chains, stabilize market prices for seafood products and create direct employment opportunities for several hundred workers in fishing, processing and transport activities across Algeria.
On the Mauritanian side, the deployment of Algerian vessels is forecast to generate incremental revenue through port services and related services, potentially contributing to a 20 percent rise in bilateral fisheries trade value by the end of the year. Longer-term assessments grounded in the protocol’s framework suggest that sustained implementation could expand joint ventures in aquaculture, improve resource management practices and position both nations as more competitive players in West African seafood markets by the close of the decade.
Stakeholders on both sides of the border view the current visit as a practical demonstration of the protocol’s potential. As the vessels prepare to commence operations, the focus remains on ensuring smooth integration of the new arrangements, with regular coordination between the ministries to monitor progress and address any emerging needs.
This step forward in Algerian-Mauritanian cooperation underscores a shared vision for responsible development of marine resources, offering tangible prospects for economic growth and enhanced food security in the region throughout 2026 and beyond.
