Structural dysfunctions affecting the fishing sector in the Gabès governorate were thoroughly examined on Friday during an expanded working session chaired by the regional governor, Ridha Ncibi.
The discussions provided a detailed overview of the issues hindering the harmonious development of the sector, foremost among them the use of unregulated fishing practices, particularly concerning sardine fishing.
Faced with an uncertain situation, participants emphasized the urgent need to relieve congestion at the Gabès fishing port, whose capacity is now largely exceeded due to the growing fleet density. In this regard, the port’s expansion was reaffirmed as a strategic priority.
It was also recommended to accelerate the redevelopment work of the Zarat port, whose current condition poses a safety hazard to fishermen, and to establish a new port in Ghannouch to reduce the pressure on existing infrastructure and optimize spatial management of fishing activities.
On the regulatory front, stakeholders called for stronger sanctions against offenders and strict enforcement of regulations concerning recreational boats, whose increasing activity poses a growing risk to the sustainability of coastal artisanal fishing.
Furthermore, discussions highlighted the urgent need to improve port services, notably by equipping the Gabès port with a modern lifting crane capable of meeting the technical needs of professionals.
In a press statement, the Director-General of Maritime Fishing reaffirmed the authorities’ commitment to implement structural and sustainable solutions to the issue of illegal sardine fishing while ensuring appropriate support for fishermen.
It should be recalled that fishermen in Gabès have recently intensified protests to denounce the lack of concrete solutions to the problem of marketing their sardine catch, which they consider a vital source of income.
Source: africanmanager
