In high demand, Tunisian blue fish stocks soar
Tunisia Online News

30 March 2010
With an overall production of 100, 000 tons totaling 350 million dinars, Tunisia's fisheries sector contributes up to 10% in the value of the Tunisian agricultural production and 1, 1% in the country's GNP.

According to 2008 figures released by the Tunisian Agriculture and Fisheries Union (UTAP), the fisheries sectorrepresents 17% of the value of exports and food, and ranks 2nd after the olive oil with a value of 250 million dinars.

The average Tunisian consumes an average of 11 kilos of fish per year, much less than the average Japanese but slightly more than the average consumption rate around the Mediterranean.

In addition to white fish, crustaceans and mollusks, blue fish, including sardines, anchovies, tuna, and mackerel, the product remains the most popular fish in Tunisia. In 2009, stocks were estimated at 119, 000 tons including 28% of sardine and 10% of mackerel fish.

Chaired by the Minister Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries and in the presence of Mr. Mabrouk El Bahri, the chairman of the Tunisian Agriculture and Fisheries Union (UTAP), a working session was held on Monday, in Tunis, on "the assessment of blue fish stock, production, export and distribution channels".

The meeting revealed that exports of canned sardines and anchovies, increased from 650 tons in 2003 to 5, 000 tons in 2009, in addition to the development of the total processing capacity from 70 to 110 tons between 2004 and 2009.

© Tunisia Online News 2010

http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100330122442/In%20high%20demand%2C%20Tunisian%20blue%20fish%20stocks%20soar%20/