Fish resembling sardines were spotted off the coast of Algeria.. Will this be the alternative? – New Algeria

She explained that this species belongs to pelagic coastal fish that are similar in characteristics to sardines, and is found mainly in the western Indian Ocean, before crossing into the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal. This species is distinguished by its great ability to adapt to various environmental conditions, especially temperature changes and the movement of sea currents. It also enjoys a long reproductive period and continuous renewal of the number of young fish during frequent periods, which are characteristics that helped it gradually expand in the regions of the southern Mediterranean, according to her.

The Directorate stated that this species was recorded for the first time in February 2017 on the coast of Cherchell, in the state of Tipaza, after a swarm of it was caught by a sardine fishing ship at a depth of approximately 30 metres. Available scientific data indicate that this species does not have a significant negative impact on local fisheries or public health. Rather, it is considered a regularly occurring and commercially important fish species in the eastern Mediterranean.

The General Directorate of Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture confirmed the continuation of work on collecting data related to landing operations, and strengthening field sampling programs, in order to study its distribution and biological characteristics and accurately evaluate its stock, in a way that ensures continuous scientific follow-up of this type of pelagic fish.