The Italian agency “Nova” conducted an interview with Nicholas Giacalone, director of the “Medina” company, about the launch of the first fishery partnership project with Libya. The project aims to export fish to European markets with the support of Italian institutions and the Italian Embassy in Libya, after obtaining the necessary permits from the Dbeibeh government.
The joint venture is named “Mediterranean Bridge Company” between “Medina” and “Libyan Shrimp Fishing.” It will operate out of the Misrata Free Zone to export fish products and transfer skills and technologies to develop the local sector.
A facility for processing and packaging fish will be established in the Misrata Free Zone, using digital technologies to ensure quality and efficiency. The project includes training programs for young fishermen in Libyan vocational schools, which will involve practical training hours at sea.
The project aims to create local added value by launching the joint regional brand “MarsaBlu” and having it adopted by Libyan companies according to sustainability, food safety, and quality standards.
The first phase includes studying fish resources using a trawl net survey method designed to prevent the capture of turtles and protected species, in a body of water from Sirte to west of Tripoli. Digital systems will be used to raise the net to a height of at least 2.5 meters from the seabed. Estimates indicate the presence of large quantities of anchovies, mackerel, and amberjack, with additional fishing activity using the “cianciolo” (purse seine) system for surface fish such as sardines.
The investment focuses on a sustainable seafood supply chain, improving the processing of red shrimp, extracting chitin from its shells, and converting it into chitosan derivatives for biomedical uses (hydrogel/bandages) and industrial applications (packaging materials and antimicrobial films).
Industrial processes are planned to extract hyaluronic acid from tuna eyes to obtain a valuable molecule for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals (creams, fillers, joint treatments).