Coryphaena Fishing Quota Awarded to Algeria by GFCM

The General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM), affiliated with the FAO, granted Algeria its first official quota for common coryphaena (Coryphaena hippurus) fishing, effective from 2027. This decision, made during the Commission's 49th annual session in Rome in late October 2026, marks a significant development as the Algerian fleet gains access to a prized migratory pelagic species previously absent from regional distributions. The expansion of beneficiaries was influenced by scientific evaluations confirming that the fish stock can sustain exploitation without compromising its renewal.

This inaugural allocation signifies recognition for Algeria, integrating the nation further into shared Mediterranean governance mechanisms, following its earlier efforts to strengthen red tuna fishing regulations through electronic traceability and 3D cameras. Cherif Telli, first vice-president of the Algerian Chamber of Fisheries and Aquaculture, expressed satisfaction among Algerian fishermen, noting that the quota will enable diversification of catches and an increase in income, thereby improving their socio-economic standing while upholding the sustainability of Mediterranean fish stocks.

For artisan fishermen, the move provides a dual advantage: targeting offshore species alleviates pressure on over-solicited coastal fishing grounds, and coryphaena commands favorable market prices, offering an additional revenue stream during migration periods. While the GFCM Secretariat will formalize specific tonnages and vessel numbers, operational rules are established, including a mandatory biological rest period from January 1 to August 14. Additionally, catches must meet a minimum size of 35 centimeters to protect juveniles, and all landings will require mandatory declarations and port volume monitoring, alongside annual ceilings to manage fishing effort and captures responsibly.