Tunisia's dolphinfish season opens soon; illegal fishing a concern

Tunisia's maritime sector is gearing up for the opening of the dolphinfish, or mahi-mahi, fishing season in mid-August. As anticipation builds for this seasonal catch, both industry professionals and civil society organizations are urging strict adherence to regulations to safeguard fish populations.

The dolphinfish, a migratory predator that thrives in the warm Mediterranean waters between August and December, plays a vital role in the marine ecosystem. In Tunisia, fishermen traditionally employ 'ghanatis', floating devices that create shaded areas to attract the fish. While the installation of these devices has been permitted since July 15, actual fishing is officially set to commence on August 15, according to the ministerial decree governing the 2026 campaign.

Tunisie Écologie, an environmental association, has raised alarms about potential poaching, emphasizing that any dolphinfish found on market stalls before the legal opening date signifies illegal capture. The organization encourages consumers to boycott such catches to discourage illicit practices. Another critical regulation is the minimum legal capture size, set at 35 centimeters. Dolphinfish grow rapidly, increasing from about 500 grams in August to over 5 kilograms by the end of the season. Catching or consuming juvenile fish hinders their reproduction and jeopardizes the regeneration of the resource.

Highly valued for its flavorful, lean, and protein-rich flesh, packed with omega-3 fatty acids, the dolphinfish is a staple of Tunisian summer cuisine. The long-term viability of this culinary tradition now depends heavily on the responsible actions of all stakeholders in the fishing sector.

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Any presence of dolphinfish on the stalls before the legal date signals an illicit capture and invites consumers to a civic boycott to discourage these practices.