Red Tuna season aims to bring more fish to Algerian tables

Algeria’s red tuna fishing season is set to kick off next Tuesday, with authorities setting up  a larger fleet, a bigger quota, and new opportunities for small coastal fishermen  a move many hope will put more seafood on local tables while giving the sector fresh momentum.

According to fisheries official Amar Oucheli, 41 vessels have been mobilized for this year’s campaign, including seven boats built locally. The season will run through July, with Algeria securing a quota of more than 2,465 tons of red tuna over 400 tons higher than last year.

But this season is not just about bigger numbers. For the first time, part of the national quota will be reserved for small-scale fishermen operating traditional coastal boats. Their catches are expected to head directly to local markets, a step seen as a win-win for both fishermen trying to keep their heads above water and families facing rising food prices.

Last year’s campaign brought in nearly $12 million in export revenue after Algerian crews hauled more than 2,000 tons of live red tuna in just a few weeks. Officials say the industry is steadily becoming one of the country’s most valuable fishing sectors.

Authorities are also tightening oversight at sea. Around 1,700 fishing boats are expected to be equipped with satellite tracking systems to help monitor activity, curb illegal fishing, and better organize the industry. Sometimes, the devil is in the details  and officials believe better tracking could make all the difference.

Meanwhile, preparations are moving ahead for Algerian vessels to begin fishing in Mauritanian waters under a bilateral agreement signed earlier this year. The deal will allow seven Algerian ships to exploit more than 31,000 tons of fish quotas, opening a new chapter for the country’s fishing ambitions beyond its own coastline.