Arabfields, Imed Aissaoui, Oran, Algeria — Fish farmer Abdelkader Bensalem stands on a quiet stretch of coastline, checking floating cages that now hold thousands of juvenile sea bream. A few years ago, he relied entirely on traditional fishing. Today, he is part of a growing shift that authorities hope will reshape the country’s food system.

Algeria is accelerating efforts to build a modern aquaculture industry, aiming to reduce pressure on wild fish stocks and meet rising domestic demand for protein. The sector still plays a modest role in national supply, but recent policies and investments signal a clear change of pace.

Government officials say demand for fish has been steadily increasing, driven by population growth and changing diets. In response, authorities have introduced incentives, streamlined licensing procedures and encouraged private investment in fish farming operations. For producers like Bensalem, this has meant easier access to coastal concessions and technical support.

The impact is already visible in the numbers. National aquaculture output is expected to reach around 20,000 tonnes in 2026, roughly double previous levels, supported by the release of tens of millions of juvenile fish into farms across the country.

In coastal regions, new farms are emerging alongside traditional fishing communities. At a hatchery near Tipaza, engineer Salima Rahmani oversees tanks filled with young fish destined for marine cages. She says the sector is becoming more structured, but challenges remain. Feed costs, technical expertise and logistics continue to limit faster expansion.

Authorities are betting that scaling up production will help stabilize prices and reduce reliance on imports. Incentive measures introduced in the national finance framework aim to lower production costs and attract investors, particularly in feed manufacturing and hatchery development.

Economists see aquaculture as part of a broader strategy to diversify an economy long dependent on hydrocarbons. By strengthening agro-industrial sectors, the country hopes to improve food security and create jobs in coastal and inland regions.

Looking ahead, projections suggest sustained growth if current policies hold. Industry observers estimate that annual output could continue rising sharply over the next five years, potentially exceeding 30,000 tonnes if infrastructure and supply chains keep pace. Rising domestic demand, coupled with declining availability of wild fish, is expected to support this trajectory.

Back on the coast, Bensalem remains cautiously optimistic. He says the transition has not been easy, but the results are encouraging. “We are learning every day,” he says, watching workers feed the fish. “If the support continues, this could change our future.”

For now, Algeria’s aquaculture industry is still in its early stages, but the momentum building in 2026 suggests it may soon become a central pillar of the country’s food production system.