The round table held on Saturday, December 04, 2021 at the Higher Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture of Bizerte, organized by the Association Tunisienne pour le Développement de la Pêche Artisanale was an opportunity to bring together representatives of the General Instance of Public Private Partnership, the Agency of Ports and Fishing Facilities, the Technical Center of Aquaculture, the Interprofessional Grouping of Fishery Products, the Tunisian Union of Industry- Trade and Handicrafts, fishermen, fish farmers, shellfish farmers, dam operators, students and exporters of seafood to discuss the various opportunities and constraints they may face. 

At the opening of the roundtable, members of the Tunisian Association for the Development of Artisanal Fisheries stressed the need for commitment from public authorities, professional organizations and the private sector to open up to the constraints of the sector of fishing and small-scale aquaculture and to think with a participatory approach to strengthen the sustainability of the value chain; with a particular attention that should be paid to the role of women and youth.

The exchanges led to a willingness to engage in an overhaul of the regulatory framework related to the PPP which is not adapted to small-scale fisheries. The urgent need to review the procedures for granting concessions in the framework of a PPP was a crucial point in order to structure this sector and provide rapid resolutions to the problems raised during these discussions, including the specificity of fishing and aquaculture, the environmental problems, the suspension of operating seasons (respect of the biological rest) ...

This discussion also focused on new investment opportunities through a PPP more appropriate to the target population and the irregularity of the activity of Small Skills Fisheries.

Recall that the Fish Med Net project aims to promote the creation of MSMEs for young people in the fisheries sector, increasing their potential for diversification and integration. Alliances between enterprises will bridge the integration gap between MSMEs by promoting joint business models and marketing activities. Finally, the project will develop the skills of public authorities to encourage sustainable and efficient development of the fishery sector.