ALDEM 2026 Scientific Campaign Evaluates Benthic Fishery Resources

The "ALDEM 2026" scientific campaign, initiated in August, aims to evaluate benthic fishery resources as part of Algeria's periodic national fishery resource assessment program. Researchers from the National Center for Research and Development in Marine Fishing and Aquaculture (CNRDPA) are participating in this effort. This marks the 37th scientific campaign conducted aboard the vessel "Belkacem Grine" since its commissioning in 2011, with the primary goal of collecting precise field data on marine ecosystems and fishery resources along the Algerian coast.

Researcher and expert Souad Lamouti from the CNRDPA is leading the scientific team for the first time, collaborating with a selection of researchers from the center. The team commenced its operations from Algiers port, boarding the scientific vessel "Belkacem Grine" to begin survey and field evaluation activities. The initial phase of the campaign focused on the eastern coasts, covering the bays of Zemmouri, Bejaia, Jijel, and Skikda, with plans to extend research to the coasts of Annaba and El Kala.

Following the completion of the survey in the eastern region, the scientific team will proceed to the western coast to finalize evaluation operations. This comprehensive approach seeks to establish a complete picture of benthic fishery resources across Algeria's entire coastline. The "ALDEM 2026" campaign is an integral part of broader efforts to enhance scientific understanding of marine ecosystems, providing accurate data to inform decision-making for sustainable marine resource management and contributing to the ecological balance of the Algerian coast.