Tunisia and Italy Launch Project to Modernize Artisanal Fishing

Tunisia and Italy are joining forces to revitalize Tunisia's artisanal fishing sector through the newly launched NEMO HOUT project. This significant initiative, backed by 5.5 million euros in funding from the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), marks a crucial step towards modernizing coastal communities and enhancing their economic prospects. The project's scope is ambitious, aiming not only to strengthen artisanal fishing practices but also to foster the socio-economic integration of fishing ports, combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and create new avenues for economic growth.

The NEMO HOUT project, set to unfold over three years, will focus its efforts on the governorates of Nabeul, Sfax, and Médenine. Its beneficiaries are diverse, encompassing fishing professionals, young people, women, and local actors within these coastal zones. The project's strategic implementation across key fishing ports like Sidi Daoud, Sfax, Mahrès, Skhira, El Kraten, and El Ketf, as well as training centers, demonstrates a comprehensive approach to sector development. This initiative builds upon a strong foundation of historical partnership between Tunisia's Ministry of Agriculture and the International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM Bari), which is implementing the project.

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The NEMO HOUT project, focuses on strengthening artisanal fishing, socio-economic integration of fishing ports, combating illicit, undeclared and unregulated fishing (IUU), capacity building, as well as creating new economic opportunities for the benefit of coastal communities.

Federico Rivara, Head of the NEMO HOUT Project, highlighted the project's multifaceted impact. It will bolster the capacities of key stakeholders, from fishing organizations to public administrative bodies and private operators. Notably, the project will directly support 200 fishermen, including 20% women, and provide training for 50 young people. Furthermore, it will indirectly benefit 1,500 employees of private fishing enterprises, with 70% being women. By improving port services, strengthening monitoring systems, and fostering new economic opportunities, NEMO HOUT promises to significantly enhance the sustainability and profitability of Tunisia's artisanal fishing sector, reinforcing the long-standing cooperation between Tunisia and Italy.

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The project will strengthen the capacities of all key actors in the fisheries sector, from professional fishing organizations to public technical and administrative services responsible for managing the sector, as well as private operators in the sector.