AFRAQ24 opens for entries

Abstract submission is now open for those wishing to present at the 3rd Annual International Conference and Exposition (AFRAQ24) of the African Chapter of the World Aquaculture Society (WAS) which will be held in Hammamet, Tunisia from November 19-22, 2024. The event will be hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries with support from other national entities in Tunisia.

Tunisia is the second biggest aquaculture producer country in the North Africa region, after Egypt, but with 1,350 kilometres of Mediterranean coastline, more than 80,000 square kilometres of sea, and seven lagoons covering 100,000 hectares, it has the potential for enormous growth.

According to figures from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (UN FAO), aquaculture production in Tunisia increased from 1,553 tonnes in 2000 to 22,893 tonnes in 2019. Over 95% of Tunisia’s aquaculture production in 2019 came from marine areas, and marine perch-like fish (primarily seabass and seabream) dominated production in terms of both volume and value.

In 2022, Tunisia had 25 marine aquaculture farms, each producing between 400 and 3,500 tonnes a year.

Continued growth

AFRAQ24, which is themed “Blue Farming: New Horizons for Economic Growth”, will highlight some of the latest aquaculture research, innovations, and investments to underpin continued growth of the sector in Africa.

The event at the Medina Conference and Expo Centre will comprise of a scientific forum (oral and poster presentations), trade exhibition, industry forums, satellite workshops, student events, and other organised meetings. Keynote speakers from Africa and beyond are expected to attend.

Conference organisers said that visiting Tunisia will also expose participants to some famous and interesting tourist attractions in Hammamet, the Mediterranean and countrywide. Special aquaculture tours will be arranged to nearby marine finfish, shellfish, and seaweed farms that are connected to fish processing, aquafeed, and R&D facilities.

Gateway platform

In addition to appraising Tunisia’s fast-growing aquaculture sector, bringing AFRAQ24 to the country is expected to inspire the African French and Arabic communities. It is expected to be a gateway platform to connect Africa to European aquaculture actors.

For more information, to register, and to submit an abstract for consideration, visit the AFRAQ24 web page on the WAS website. The deadline for abstracts is August 31.