Tunisian Parliament Committee Calls for Legal Reforms and Negotiations to Increase Red Tuna Quota

Members of the Agriculture, Food Security, Water Resources, and Maritime Fishing Committee in the Tunisian Assembly of People’s Representatives have urged a comprehensive review of the legal framework governing the maritime fishing sector. They emphasized the need for negotiations to secure an increased share of red tuna quotas for Tunisia.

During a hearing session held on Friday, attended by Ali Sheikh Al-Saboui, Director General of Maritime Fishing and Aquaculture, and representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, committee members highlighted the importance of revising key legislation. This includes Law No. 13 of 1994, dated January 31, 1994, which regulates maritime fishing practices, and ensuring compliance with Article 17 of the 2024 Finance Law, which addresses biological rest periods for fisheries.

The lawmakers stressed the necessity of collaborative efforts to amend the Minister of Agriculture’s decree dated April 25, 2024, which regulates red tuna fishing and farming activities. They also called for revisions to the joint decree issued by the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Agriculture on April 25, 2025, concerning the organization of red tuna fishing and farming. These revisions, they argued, should align with the provisions of Article 17 of the 2024 Finance Law, particularly regarding the mechanisms for implementing biological rest periods.

The session underscored the committee’s commitment to strengthening Tunisia’s position in the red tuna fishing industry while ensuring sustainable practices and equitable resource distribution. The proposed legal reforms aim to balance economic interests with environmental conservation, reflecting a broader effort to modernize the sector and enhance Tunisia’s competitiveness in international fishing agreements.