Tunisia suspends red coral fishing until end of 2026

The Tunisian Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Fisheries has announced a suspension of red coral fishing along the entire national coastline, effective until December 31, 2026. The decision, signed by Minister Ezzeddine Ben Cheikh, follows a consultative commission meeting held on September 28, 2026.

The measure aims to protect marine ecosystems from intensive exploitation and anthropogenic pressure, allowing for the natural regeneration of coral reefs. Red coral is a strategic resource highly valued in the international high jewelry market, but its exceptionally slow growth rate makes it highly vulnerable to depletion.

To ensure compliance, authorities will increase customs and coast guard controls at ports. The suspension follows a September 2026 decree that had established strict regulations for the industry, including requirements for professional diving permits, minimum extraction depths of 50 meters, and satellite geolocation for fishing units. The pause is intended to facilitate scientific mapping and combat illegal poaching and informal trade circuits.