Tuna vessel owners, local fishermen, and the General Union of Fishermen and Sponge Gatherers, alongside regional maritime syndicates, have expressed strong support for the Libyan Government of National Unity’s Decree No. 202 of 2026, which establishes a central committee to oversee the 2026 bluefin tuna fishing season.
In a joint statement, industry stakeholders hailed the directive as a landmark regulatory measure aimed at restoring equity to quota allocations. They emphasized that the new decree will help dismantle a monopoly that has dominated the distribution process since 2018.
The statement further highlighted that the decree guarantees a level playing field for all domestic vessels operating out of various national ports, thereby protecting fishermen’s livelihoods and fostering a more equitable working environment across the sector.
The signatories concluded that these reforms will yield substantial long-term benefits for the broader marine fishing industry.