Fisheries of Tunisia, 1976

In 1976, an estimated 15,000 Tunisian fishermen using 5,692 fishing vessels (392 commercial vessels) caught 39,312 metric tons (t) of fish and sea life. Coastal fisheries (14,430 t) replaced the usually prolific lampara (light or lamp) fisheries which only caught 13,746 t. The total catch amounted to only 13 percent of Tunisia's estimated maximum sustainable yield (MSY) of 290,000 t, according to recent surveys. European pilchards and round sardinella were about 75 percent of this resource. In 1976, Tunisia began fishing for tuna using two Spanish-built seiners. Shrimp landings could also be increased with the discovery of new grounds, Mahdia, Sfax, Sousse, Kelibia, La Goulette (Tunis), and Bizerte are Tunisia's most important fishing ports. Most of the catch is consumed fresh; only a fraction is canned or reduced into fish meal. Improvements in the nation's cold stores and cold chain are needed and offer possible areas for U.S. exports. Tunisian exports and imports of fish are both small and controlled. 1978 NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service) Library Public Domain 1861