TIRANA, November 12 – The fisheries and aquaculture sector enters a new stage of development. The 2026 budget increases funding by 10%, setting a clear course toward sustainable fishing, responsible resource use, and EU standards.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Andis Salla said the 580 million lekë budget will raise production by up to 20% and grow exports by as much as 70% by 2027. “Fisheries will become a new engine of Albania’s blue economy,” he said.

The plan rests on four key pillars: modern fish markets that ensure safer, traceable products; biological production with 2 million fish fry released annually to restock lakes; the deepening of the Vivari Channel in Butrint to expand mussel farming; and new port infrastructure with better docking space and services for fishing vessels.

A separate 400 million Lekë support scheme will finance fleet modernization, new engines, vessel repairs, aquaculture investment, and environmental improvements.

Salla said these measures follow the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy and help meet Chapter 13 requirements in accession talks. “We want more production, higher quality, and stronger exports to the European market,” he said during the Agriculture Committee session on the 2026 draft budget.

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