Tunisian Maritime Cluster

About this project

For over seven years, women shellfish collectors in Tunisian coastal areas such as Sfax, Gabès, Zarzis, and Djerba have suffered from forced unemployment due to declining marine stocks and the worsening effects of climate change on ecosystems and coastalproduction. These women are among the most economically and socially vulnerable groups, relying for years on shellfish collection as their main source of income to support their families. However, climate change, rising water temperatures, salinity changes, and coastal pollution have significantly reduced production, leading many women to lose their livelihoods. They often work in difficult, informal conditions without social protection or official recognition as maritime workers. They also face increasing challenges related to food security, public health, and degradation of coastal ecosystems. Despite this, these women demonstrate resilience by seeking sustainable alternatives such as exploiting invasive species like the blue crab or contributingto habitat restoration and environmental awareness initiatives. The appearance of the blue crab, driven by temperature and salinity changes, offers an alternative opportunity to adapt and create new income sources. In this context, the project aims toestablish a “Blue Justice Lab” as a participatory space bringing together women shellfish collectors in Sfax, young researchers, and local stakeholders to co-create innovative solutionsfor climate adaptation and improved livelihoods. Th…

Published by

Oxfam Novib · International NGO

Countries

Tunisia

Sectors

Fishing policy and administrative management

Published by Oxfam Novib to the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI), last updated 12 Oct 2026 and imported automatically. IATI identifier: NL-KVK-27108436-A-07183-52:TN.

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